MP warns of fracking threat to coast tourism

Fleetwood MP Cat Smith has challenged ministers from the Department of Communities and Local Government about the impact fracking might have on the tourism industry.
Fleetwood and Lancaster MP Cat Smith speaking in ParliamentFleetwood and Lancaster MP Cat Smith speaking in Parliament
Fleetwood and Lancaster MP Cat Smith speaking in Parliament

Following on from a question in Parlaiment about government support for coastal communities Ms Smith asked: “The Minister will be aware that tourism plays an important role in our coastal communities, so how damaging does he think the potential fracking wells on the Fylde coast would be to our tourism industry in the Blackpool area?”

Mark Francois MP, Minister of State for Communities and Local Government replied: “Wyre Borough Council was given a £1.55m grant in 2014 to create new attractions along Fleetwood seafront to attract more visitors throughout the year. Lancashire County Council got just under £250,000 in 2015 to unlock the heritage potential of Lancaster’s historic St George’s quay.”

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Speaking afterwards Ms Smith said: “While I welcome the investment we do get from the Coastal Communities Fund, it fails to address the issue that tourists will be put off by the sight of fracking wells.”