Fracking Campaign - August 2017 Update

General strategic approach was discussed: linking with Sheffield Against Fracking; importance of awareness raising in local communities; potential role of national FoE team in providing resources to local campaigning.

International day of action for the climate is being planned for Sat 14 Oct. We are planning for a morning event in Sheffield city centre (Town Hall or Barkers Pool) 10:30 -11am start) – “Keep coal in the ground, skip fracking and go renewable”.  Potential for rally/march/speakers.  Lots of creative ideas for visual stunts with a dinosaur theme.

Report from recent stalls (including Walkley and Low Edges). Lots of interest and people signing petitions, writing objections to planning applications from Ineos. Previous petition sheets have been sent on to national FoE.

Harthill – 25 people turned up in response to social media to help, distributed leaflets.

Woodsetts – similar approach using Facebook led to identifying local interest and booking village hall for three meetings approx. 500+ local residents came (110 came in the morning; 163 in afternoon and more in evening)

Cresswell – local group has been formed – Beatrice in contact with local colleagues and Cresswell Crags Museum,  raising awareness.

National Trust – opportunities to support National Trust action in response to fracking e.g. by distributing leaflets outside National Trust properties.



Objection letters – already 300 sent on Marsh Lane, 175 on Harthill – draft letters and petition will be put on line.

GMB are pro-fracking because of potential to provide jobs – need to try and influence through local branches e.g. by providing more information about small number and dangerous/skilled nature of jobs.

SCA also recently met Rob Murfin, Sheffield City Council Chief Planning Officer, to discuss fracking.

March and Speakers - Eckington Against Fracking – meeting up to have march to Marsh Lane, currently planning stalls and a number of speakers. If you fancy joining use see link here

Future meetings: Sheffield Against Fracking meeting Tues 5  Sept Central United Reform Church

Films on fracking available all this week via the Greenpeace France website.

Peoples’ Assembly is organising a Fracking protest outside Labour Party Conference Sunday 1 Oct (there will be an opportunity to book coach places).

ACTIONS: 
  • Letter to be sent to the National Trust for as many members as possible.
  • David B to put together information about how many jobs will be created by fracking.
  • All invited to meet on at 12:45 on Saturday 16 September at Coal Aston Community Centre for rally/march; plan to take FoE and Sheffield Against Fracking banners. See Facebook event
  • Identify other organisations to collaborate on plans and identify potential speakers for the International day of action for the climate; get appropriate permissions. Richard to organise separate planning meeting.