EAST Lancashire Euro-MP Paul Nuttall has welcomed a new report which claims that fracking for shale gas in the North West will bring £10 billion and hundreds of jobs to the regional economy.

The study carried out by AMION Consulting followed last year’s analysis by British Geological Survey identifying the M65 corridor north of Blackburn through Burnley to Colne and the Rossendale Valley as sitting on shale gas reserves.

UKIP deputy leader Mr Nuttall said: “I support fracking but only as long as we can be assured that it is safe, and before the go ahead is given thorough checks must be made.

“On that basis I am pleased at this new report which also says this find could support up to 3,500 jobs in the region.”