WITH the Isle of Wight Green Party objecting to plans to explore oil drilling in Arreton, and only five days left to submit comments, the group are hosting a call with experienced anti-fracking and drilling campaigners from Lancashire.

A planning application for exploratory boreholes in Arreton, along from the New Barn Business Park, has been open to public consultation for five weeks now, with Island figures submitting their feelings.

The Isle of Wight Green Party has submitted its formal objection, 'strongly' opposing the application due to it not complying with local planning policy, the fact that the Island is a designated dark skies park, UNESCO Biosphere as well as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and other impacts including the potential contamination of water, unsuitable roads for the increased HGV and risk of pollution.

Now, as the party urge other Islanders to submit their objections, it will host a call with Frack Free Lancashire activist, Tina Rothery and former Green MEP Gina Dowding about how rural communities in North West England have fought to stop fossil fuel exploration in their countryside, and how the Island can do the same.

IW Green Party Campaigns officer, Cameron Palin said: "There is so much to learn from such inspiring campaigners, as Tina and Gina will talk with us about their experiences in Lancashire fighting the fracking company Cuadrilla, and Gina's efforts as a County Councillor & MEP.

"Only 1 year on from the IW Council declaring a climate emergency, it is completely unacceptable that we could consider drilling for oil on the Island, and all the risks of pollution, disruption, habitat damage and excessive carbon emissions that would bring."

To join the Zoom call, which will take place tomorrow (Tuesday, July 21) at 6.30pm, and to listen to what the campaigners have to say, including what to expect in the weeks, months and years after the public consultation ends, you can follow the link: https://zoom.us/j/91229005336#success

Comments on the application close on Friday, July 24.