by Sue Briggs

Green campaigners are united in condemning proposals to drill on fields near Sandwich for possible onshore gas reserves.

The plans from Wales-based Coastal Oil and Gas Ltd involve taking samples for laboratory tests for almost two months, 24 hours a day, to a maximum depth of 1,700m.

Deal With It campaigners and the Green Party are very concerned about the proposals and are calling for permission to be refused.

Rosie Rechter, Deal With It co-ordinator, said: “There is considerable evidence of the danger that this sort of operation poses to our water supply. Given we live in one of the most arid parts of the country we should not be taking risks.

“Our part of Kent has the opportunity for many green energy solutions, from wind farms, tidal and the new energy park recently announced in the district. We do not need shale gas in Kent.

“We call upon the county and district councils to reject the application.”

Coastal Oil and Gas, based in Bridgend, has applied for permission for one borehole to obtain core samples for laboratory testing on farmland 1.25km north-east of Woodnesborough and 1km west of Sandwich.

Mrs Rechter described the operation “a controversial shale gas fracking experiment” and claimed it was similar to an operation in Blackpool where work was halted due to earthquakes.

Deal With It members believe drilling for coal and shale is controversial as it could fracture rock and release methane gas.

Campaigners believe the process is portrayed as a 'green’ energy solution but in reality the long-term impact was unknown and there was evidence from America that the practice polluted water supplies.

Kent Green Party press officer Steve Dawe said the party was objecting to the planning application, claiming it could cause underground contamination and possible earthquakes.