Cheshire East leader Michael Jones has defended his comments over fracking in the borough.

Coun Jones came under fire for releasing a statement which ruled out fracking, the process of deep drilling for shale gas.

Coun Brendan Murphy, Independent councillor for Tytherington and Bollinbrook, said he was ‘astonished’ by the announcement saying that the decision would lie with planning leaders.

Last week Coun Jones said: “Fracking may well be a useful technology for other areas and good luck to them if it is, however the people of Cheshire East have our assurance that there won’t be any in our borough.”

But this week, he told the Express: “I should have said there will be no Cheshire East sponsored fracking and of course we will listen to any applications which come forward.

“But I was right to make the announcement. It put Cheshire East and geothermal all over the national press.

“The British Geological Survey estimates there may be considerable shale gas deposits in the north of England, but Cheshire East has enormous potential for geothermal energy.

“We believe this is a game-changer and are in talks with the Department of Energy and Climate Change to develop the proposal.

“We are also looking to explore the potential for Advanced Thermal Treatment in dealing with our bio-degradable municipal waste.

“I don’t see the need for fracking in Cheshire East.”

But Council Murphy described the council leader’s original comments as ‘bluster’.

He said: “Michael Jones was wrong to say there will be no fracking, he can’t make that decision. Fracking companies would need to submit planning applications like anyone else.

“It sends out the wrong message to investors.

“Fracking has brought a surge of prosperity in the US and we can have the same if it’s done properly, with the right rules and regulations.”

The announcement came despite there being potential for fracking in Cheshire East, with a licence issued to Celtique Energie in 2008 to apply to frack between Congleton and Chelford.

It has not yet submitted a planning application. MP George Osborne, whose Tatton constituency falls partly in Cheshire East, has backed fracking in Cheshire East

He told the Express: “I would have no problem with fracking in Cheshire East, not least because of the jobs, growth and investment it would bring as well as lower energy bills.”