Fracking shock at Thame football ground

EXPLORATORY ground works have begun at Thame United’s ground, Meadow Park View, by a fracking company, looking for shale gas beneath the ground.

Earth movers at Meadow View Park, pictured from Scotsgrove yesterday evening

The appearance overnight of earth-moving machinery at the site came as a complete surprise to sharp-eyed local businessman, Justin Shardlow, as he drove into town for work this morning, from his home in Haddenham.

Justin told Thame.Net: “I was so surprised that I stopped my car and went over and asked the Site Manager what was going on. When he told me, I asked him how far the drilling was likely to extend. He told me that, as far he was aware, it wouldn’t go further than under part of Lea Park.

Justin added: “I’d heard that the government was going ‘all out’ for fracking, and that homeowners will no longer be individually notified of plans to drill under their homes, but I would’ve expected to have seen some sort of consultation take place locally before any fracking was started.

“I wonder how many people living on Lea Park are aware of what’s likely to happen under their homes? It’s bound to affect house prices!”

Frank West, Director of the Thame Football Partnership said: “It’s very difficult keeping our financial heads above water in the lower leagues and the Board decided that this fracking operation would bring some much needed income to football in Thame. The contractors have promised to re-instate the land after exploratory drilling and the money they’re paying us will help improve facilities at Meadow View. It’s a win-win situation.”

Neither the out-going Town Clerk, Helen Stewart, nor the in-coming Clerk, Graham Hunt, who takes over from her today, April 1, was available for comment this morning. But an obviously shocked Mayor of Thame, Jeannette Matelot Green, said: “This most certainly was not part of the Neighbourhood Plan. Have no doubt I will be contacting the ‘powers that be’ straight away to put a stop to this. I’m fracking furious!”