SERIOUS fears have been raised in the town after the Government confirmed it would 'fast-track' fracking applications if councils do not act quickly enough.

Councils will be urged to rule on applications within 16 weeks or ministers could intervene on a decision.

Steph Davies, from Warrington Green Party, believes there are 'legitimate' concerns over fracking in relation to water contamination, air pollution and wildlife.

"Fundamentally, the Green Party remains opposed to fracking in any form, so we certainly would not welcome a fast-tracking system that allowed fracking to happen more easily and quickly," she said.

"There is already around five times more fossil fuel globally than we can safely burn if we are to avoid dangerous climate change – encouraging a whole new fossil fuel industry is deeply irresponsible.

"We are following closely a couple of sites in the town and supporting our anti-fracking colleagues who are taking direct non-violent action at these sites.

"We remain most definitely opposed to fast-tracking as there are still too many unknowns with regard to fracking and we would urge councillors to consider applications for fracking very wisely in light of the potential negative implications for the town."

But council leader Terry O'Neill has moved to calm those worried about applications being rushed through without undergoing proper scrutiny.

He has also called for more information to be distributed to residents as a result of the 'misinformation' circling around the town.

"Any fracking applications would be subject to the formal planning application processes," he added.

"The council has a good track record in dealing with planning applications swiftly.

"We are not aware of any current plans for fracking activities to take place in Warrington.

"I think what needs to be done is an education process, lots of people think fracking is going on in Warrington."

Protesters remain at Woolston Protection Camp, including some who celebrated Lancashire County Council's decision in June to reject Cuadrilla's bid to start fracking at a site on the Fylde coast.

But Gary Eckersley, who has been at the site in recent months, believes the Government's plans have been a long time coming.

"It is not a surprise, we all expected them to do this," he said.

"It is in the interests of people in the Government to get fracking through – it has just been a matter of waiting to see when they would do it.

"They are doing everything possible to change the laws to get it pushed through instead of investing where they should.

"They are pushing this dirty industry through."