AN energy firm insists test drilling for gas sources in Warrington is 'here to stay' – but is vowing to educate residents on the effects of the techniques it uses.

IGas has attracted fracking protesters at Woolston Protection Camp, which is adjacent to the M6 junction 21, amid fears to the environment and public health following drilling for coal bed methane - the gas trapped in coal seams.

But IGas' chief operating officer, John Blaymires, believes it is imperative for the country to play a leading role in the race to secure new gas sources and said 'the north west can become the Aberdeen of the shale gas industry'.

"Everybody is entitled to their views but some are not sure about the issues and it is vital we as a nation have debates about energy requirements – shale gas is part of that equation," he added.

"The UK coal industry is not viable anymore but we are not setting up a potential huge resource of gas.

"The critical thing is you need to drill wells and establish if it works or not but it is key to present both sides of the argument but a lot of people don’t often use facts.

"In the north, and in Warrington, the drilling is here to stay – a lot of industries are reliant on gas for power and is it important to build on what we are doing."

Mr Blaymires has also highlighted the 'implications' set to occur if the country does not take advantage of the 'opportunity' at hand.

"If we don’t do this we will have to continue importing from other countries and emissions in Europe will go up," he added.

"The picture is bigger than just making money. If we can prove that this works then there are enormous benefits for the country, for example for jobs.

"People ask can it be done safely here and they need to know that in this country we are much more highly regulated and watched over by communities so we should not compare to it to America.

"The world will not end by what we are doing, it can be done safely and we are not blighting the sites."

But despite his assurances to the town, Mr Blaymires ensures more will be done to connect with, and inform, residents over the topic.

He added: "We want to educate people and give them more information on it.

"There is an impact and there will be some movement but it is about minimising that."

Fracking protesters at the Woolston site remain on the land despite an eviction order, which was issued on May 14.

One protester, Gary Eckersley, remains determined to continue the battle against IGas and is urging the public to take note of the 'dangers' associated with fracking.

"They should have consulted residents about it – it is not right they they did not," he said.

"They can put in as much effort as they like but the fact is what they are doing will be detrimental to public health."