THE anti-fracking campaign on the Forest area is hotting up for 2016 as a Welsh-based energy company has been given the go ahead to start drilling operations.

South Western Energy, owned by former miner Gerwyn Williams, is reported to have made a ‘firm commitment’ to drill at least one gas well in the Forest.

But the Frack Off Our Forest Group has responded with a four-page leaflet exhorting residents to protest by whatever means is available to them.

The group is also asking residents to report to them if they see any signs of seismic testing equipment being set up in the area as a prelude to drilling operations.

Campaign spokesman Owen Adams said: “We may be in for a long fight, but we are determined to stop any gas or oil exploration in our Forest of Dean by any means necessary.”

He added:“Up to now the main focus of our campaign has been to persuade the Government it would be a bad idea to grant licences. But just before Christmas it was announced that licences for coalbed methane exploration and development in the Forest of Dean had been issued.

“The licence-holder, Gerwyn Williams of Bridgend, has made a ’firm commitment’ to drill at least one gas well in the Forest.”