Socialist councillor aids anti-gas storage campaign

Fleetwood socialist councillor aids anti-gas storage campaign

Fleetwood Town Council has unanimously voted to oppose gas storage plans at Preesall by the Halite company. The plans were recently approved by the Tory government despite massive local opposition.

Councillor Simon Roberts

Councillor Simon Roberts

Speaking during the council debate, TUSC councillor Simon Roberts, a Socialist Party member, said:

“I believe we need a mass campaign to oppose gas storage, just like the anti-fracking campaign which as a Trade Union and Socialist Coalition town councillor I have been a long-term supporter of.

“The Tory government are advocating the pursuit of profit with no regard to either democracy or the health risk to our community.”

The councillors’ vote and Simon’s comments were reported in the local press:

Town council to oppose Wyre gas store decision


Before the council meeting Simon Roberts organised a public protest and sent out the following press release for it:

Stop Halite says Fleetwood town councillor

Fleetwood town councillor Simon Roberts (Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition) has added his voice to the objections to the Halite gas storage plans in Preesall and called for a protest in Fleetwood ahead of the next town council meeting (Tuesday 25 August) which Halite company representatives will be addressing.

Councillor Roberts said:

“Residents objecting to this plan have my full support. The anti-democratic actions of the Tory government in imposing this, can and will still be resisted. I will be raising my objections to Halite at the next town council meeting and encourage concerned residents to join me from 6pm before the meeting and then come into it and express their concerns.”

Simon is calling on residents to meet from 6pm by the Fleetwood Ferry tram terminus in Fleetwood. The town council meeting starts 7pm at the nearby North Euston Hotel, The Esplanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6BN.

Councillor Roberts added:

“I have opposed fracking from the start with my colleagues in the local anti-fracking campaigns and was proud to be on the massive demonstration in Preston when the county council turned down Cuadrilla.

“Instead of fracking and unwanted gas storage schemes, as a socialist I believe in investment into safe and clean renewable energy, and public ownership of the energy companies to bring down bills and enable a sustainable plan of energy generation.”

  • Cllr Roberts is the Planning Ambassador for the town council and was elected in May on behalf of the Trade Unionist & Socialist Coalition (TUSC – www.tusc.org.uk).
  • Cllr Roberts can be contacted for comment on 07794 834 288 or [email protected]