Oil drilling 'utterly spineless'

Drilling licences can only be granted by the DTI

An oil exploration company has been given permission to drill in a rural area of Leicestershire despite opposition from local residents.

But the decision to grant planning permission to the firm - Technological Investment and Exploration Limited (TIEL) - has been branded "utterly spineless" by the action group opposing the plans.

The company which has been granted planning permission by Leicestershire County Council, claim oil is two miles below ground at Vicary Farm close to the Swithland Reservoir in the Charnwood Forest.

But the residents who have the backing of two local MPs, are hoping government ministers will now order an investigation.

Neil Davidson wants further investigaton

Neil Davidson, who chairs the Charnwood Forest Oil Action Group (CFOAG), said: "The company has made no geological case to make this exploration.

"We are calling on the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to thoroughly investigate the geological and technological claims made by this company."

But before drilling can begin, the Guernsey-registered company must apply for a licence from the DTI.

The residents have the support of the Labour MP for Loughborough, Andrew Reed and Stephen Dorrell, the Conservative MP for Charnwood.

Both MPs have now called on the DTI to examine the case made by the company for the presence of oil in the area.

The company makes claims for a technique developed in the former Soviet Union and known as microlepton subatomic radiation technology.

Evidence rejected

But John Dowell, Poynting professor of physics at the University of Birmingham, said the process "would defy the laws of physics".

In a letter to CFOAG, he said: "I can give you my full assurance as an active particle physicist that you can be confident in rejecting any evidence for oil deposits based on the reported use of this technology."

The group has also questioned geological claims made by TIEL who say the deposits are similar to those at nearby Rempstone in Nottinghamshire, where drilling is already taking place.

Mr Davidson said the British Geological Survey showed slate was under the area, and oil has not so far been found in such deposits in the UK.

"TIEL's technological and geological claims will have to be re-scrutinised by the DTI, so the matter is not closed."