Oil bosses in Lincolnshire have said events in Ukraine “starkly illustrate” the importance of fuel independence in the UK as campaigners fight plans to explore a county beauty spot.
Egdon Resources has applied to Lincolnshire County Council for a short extension for its plans for oil exploration near North Kelsey. It is also currently looking to appeal a rejection for a controversial oil drill in Biscathorpe.
Russia has launched a military attack in Ukraine this morning, with reports of missile strikes and explosions near major cities. The news has seen the price of oil rise to $100 per barrel for the first time since 2014.
In a televised statement on the war in Ukraine, PM Boris Johnson at lunchtime said Europe must also collectively cease the reliance on oil and gas that has given Putin a grip on the continent.
As part of the announcement, the PM said there would be a “massive package of economic sanctions designed in time to hobble the Russian economy”.
Campaigners, however, have renewed their efforts to oppose the exploratory oil drilling near Caistor and launched an online petition which now has almost 1,000 signatures.
Mark Abbott, managing director of Egdon, said: “Our planned exploratory drilling at North Kelsey could prove up viable indigenous oil reserves which would help towards the UK’s fuel independence, the importance of which has been starkly illustrated by the current events in Ukraine, whilst minimising carbon emissions and providing local and national economic benefits.”
He told reporters: “Despite the UK’s progress in renewable forms of energy, oil remains a critical resource to heat our homes and businesses, fuel our transport and is an important feedstock for the manufacture of numerous everyday goods including items as diverse as medicines and the blades for wind turbines.
“Government policy makes it clear that oil and gas remains an important part of the UK’s energy mix and the Energy White Paper (2020) confirms that the need for oil and gas will continue for decades to come and indeed even beyond 2050.”
Centre: Mark Abbott, managing director of Egdon Resources. | Photo: Calvin Robinson
The SOS North Kelsey campaign recently gathered on farmland off a narrow country lane at North Kelsey Moor, near Caistor, with banners.
They say Egdon’s plans to drill on the site are causing anxiety for local people.
Resident and campaigner, Amanda Suddaby, said “Egdon Resources have technically had permission to drill here since 2014, but in seven years all they’ve done is submit further plans to expand the scope of the drill site.
“This practice of ‘planning by stealth’ creates anxiety for local people and undermines public confidence in our decision-makers.
“Thank goodness though, that they haven’t started any real work, because this can still be stopped before any major harm is done to this beautiful environment and the wildlife that it supports.”
She told reporters the “trivial amount” of oil which could be obtained would “not outweigh the adverse impacts on the local area and communities”.
There are fears over the landscape near Caistor if the North Kelsey drill goes ahead. | Photo: Supplied
“It is estimated that over 15 years, the total output from the site would provide only enough oil to satisfy UK consumption for a few hours, and there is no guarantee or legislation to ensure that it will remain in the UK; oil and gas are traded internationally, and the UK exports more than half of its oil.”
Campaigners say the site is home to numerous rare and declining wildlife species and concerns include air, light, noise and traffic pollution, loss of amenity, visual impact and the negative effect on local businesses in farming and tourism.
They are backed by five parish councils, Caistor Town Council, West Lindsey District Council and Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh among others.
They have also been spurred on by Lincolnshire County Council’s decision earlier this year to reject plans to drill near Biscathorpe.
Mr Abbott said the proposals were for a “short extension” to the existing planning permission, were “temporary in nature” and had been “rigorously assessed”.
“The request for the extension is largely due to the impacts of COVID-19 which made it impossible for us to undertake and conclude the drilling operation before the end of 2021 as had been planned.”
He added: “Locally produced oil has a much lower carbon footprint than the oil which the UK increasingly imports from around the world.”
He said there were no unacceptable impacts, with permission already granted previously by LCC and an environmental permit issued by the Environment Agency.
“Oil exploration operations have been undertaken throughout Lincolnshire, largely un-noticed, for many decades, with minimal impact on the environment and local amenity,” he said.
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The final in the latest series of road closures for works on the A1, as part of the Grantham Southern Relief Road project, has been temporarily postponed
A weekend northbound A1 closure was due to be in place between 8pm on Friday, May 20 and 6am on Monday, May 23.
However, Lincolnshire County Council said the closure has been temporarily postponed and once new dates have been confirmed they will be shared.
Works on phase three began in April this year, with the council anticipating that winter 2023 will be the completion date for the relief road.
This will be with the view to reduce congestion and carbon emissions, and provide opportunities for growth in the local economy.
The £102 million Grantham Southern Relief Road project has been led by Lincolnshire County Council, supported by South Kesteven District Council, Highways England, Greater Lincolnshire LEP, Network Rail, Homes England, the Department for Transport and local business contributions.
Safety improvements have been carried out at corner where numerous accidents have occurred in East Keal.
The council is looking into what else can be done to prevent motorists from coming off the road at Hall Corner, while police are looking into the possibility of fitting a speed camera.
A cement lorry recently overturned on the corner in February.
Lincolnshire County Council has found a slight dip in the road where Blacksmith Lane meets the A16 could be the reason why heavy vehicles travelling at excessive speed are tipping over.
It is considering whether to smooth out and realign the road, but says it is concious of the impact that closing the A16 would have on traffic and local businesses.
Several safety improvement measures have already been put in place, including ‘slow’ markings, enhanced bend warning signs and improved chevrons.
Problems have been found with the road surface on the corner. | Photo: Google Street View
Lincolnshire Police are assessing whether a speed camera on the corner would be beneficial, and will be taking speed readings in the coming weeks.
Larger barriers and longer safety fencing have been proposed by the public. However, the county council says that in order for it to be big enough to withstand the impact of overturned vehicles, the cost can’t be justified.
Either the local parish council or the country council could also explore whether to fund a reactive speed sign on the location.
Richard Davies, executive member for highways, said: “We are very thankful to the residents and members of the parish council who have given us their ideas and support in what can be done at Hall Corner. Local knowledge and personal feedback are cornerstones of what we do in terms of delivering the best solutions in the most informed way.
“There has already been much done at this bend to try and mitigate the issues faced and we now have more planned for this particular area that will go on to encourage all road users to drive accordingly in line with the road and conditions.
“I would like to thank everyone involved so far for their input. We will all work together to get the best resolution we can for Hall Corner.”
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