Public perceptions of the proposed underground gas storage facility in Preesall, Lancashire

Abstract

Underground gas storage is not a new phenomenon however; there is little research into public perceptions of such developments. With more discussions taking place regards to energy security the need to increase the UK’s storage capacity has more widely recognised both for financial and for political reasons. The prospect of such a facility proposed for the village of Preesall, Lancashire has raised the concerns of the public that live in the vicinity thus raising the topic for further research.
A self - administered questionnaire; delivered to 120 local residents will be used to gain more understanding into public perceptions. The questionnaire consisted of 24 questions and a comment box.
The findings were that all residents were aware of the scheme and that most (over 85%) were indeed concerned by the proposals. The concern was heavily linked to the proposed safety of the site and in some instances to the point where residents feared for the lives and their future.
In respect of NIMBY type attitudes (often accompanying energy related developments) the survey revealed that the residents (63%) surveyed would (unless safety could be proven) not support proposals for a similar scheme elsewhere in the UK.