A FORMER mines surveyor reckons a Review article may have prompted the man behind plans to drill for gas in the Forest to withdraw the proposal – for now.

Mr Paul Morgan, of Coleford, said he feared proposals by Bridgend-based South Western Energy to drill for coalbed methane could result in gross pollution of water sources.

Last month we published an in-depth article by Forest mining expert Mr Morgan on the potential dangers of drilling for gas.

He said: “I really do believe that they (South Western Energy) read the article in the Review and realised the impossibility of carrying out fracking in the Forest.

“The severe danger of the task is too great if it could lead to water pollution.

“In my opinion this decision to withdraw is a delaying tactic and what we really need is a public inquiry to see that fracking in the Forest isn’t a possibility.”

Earlier this summer South Western Energy made a ‘firm commitment’ to make test drills in the eastern half of the Forest for coalbed methane.

South Western Energy boss, Gerwyn Williams, told the Review the withdrawal was prompted by the current low price of gas and future uncertainty – and that another application could be made if energy prices improve.

Owen Adams, campaign coordinator of Frack off our Forest (FOOF), described the decision as a ‘victory for people power and community unity.’

He said news of the decision first came when Forest of Dean district councillor Chris McFarling (Green, Newland and St Briavels) was told by the company’s energy director, Mr Oliver Taylor – who cited public feeling as part of the reason.

Mr Adams said that, in a statement to FOOF, the Oil and Gas Authority had confirmed that some of the ‘blocks’ offered – including the four in the Forest – had not been accepted by the companies to whom they had been offered.

Mr Adams said: “We had always said we would achieve our aim by any means necessary. We have no choice but to stop fracking for the sake of future generations and the planet.”

The news has been welcomed by Labour councillors who campaigned for Gloucestershire County Council to amend its Local Minerals Plan and make it harder for organisations to gain drilling rights in the Forest.

Cllr McMahon (Lab, Coleford) said: “Plans for fracking in the Forest were never asked for, or supported by local people.

“Fortunately due to the hard work by FOOF and councillors we have managed to see off this threat.

“This is a victory for local residents, and a well deserved one.”