A CONTROVERSIAL new technique of producing coal and natural gas will be 'given consideration' by East Ayrshire Council as they look at future options for the energy industry in the area.
The authority has said that will look at the possibility of making use of hydraulic fracturing or 'fracking', which involves drilling into coal seams in order to release methane gas.
Critics have linked fracking with a number of side effects, including potentially disturbing underground rock structures and polluting water supplies with natural gas - and it has sparked heated protest south of the border.
EAC have stressed that there no current plans to try fracking in the area and any future development would have to be approved the council's planning committee.
For more check out this week's Chronicle.
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