CRANBERRY TWP — A member of the British Parliament visited Butler County on Friday to get information on the potential dangers of shale gas drilling from the Mars parent group that opposes a gas well site planned for a farm near the Mars schools.

Kevin Hollinrake met with the parent group and members of Marcellus Outreach Butler at the Marriott Pittsburgh North in Cranberry Woods to hear their concerns about shale gas operations.

Hollinrake said there is a drilling application pending in Parliament for North Yorkshire, which he represents. Hollinrake said he had seen correspondence from the Mars parent group and decided to travel to Butler County to hear its concerns and the results of the group's research on shale gas drilling,

At a news conference Friday morning, Hollinrake said he is shocked that those he met with are without representation as they protest the wells near the school or fracking in general.

“Nobody's representing the people in this room,” Hollinrake said. “This is a group of middle-ground people who are concerned about what is happening to their lives and locality.”

Hollinrake said in Great Britain, elected officials decide on the approval of gas applications. He said all potential impacts to citizens are researched and considered before any permits are issued.

The first shale gas drilling operation in England in 2011 caused seismic activity and a moratorium was declared on the industry, Hollinrake said,

“But it's on the horizon,” he said of it starting up there.

Hollinrake said he also toured a well site with representatives of the Marcellus Shale Coalition, where he was told that shale gas drilling is safe.

“We expected to see a bit of a beauty parade,” Hollinrake said. “Lots of reassurance and clever people.”

He said he spoke to state Department of Environmental Protection representatives regarding the proliferation of fracking in Pennsylvania.

“They certainly accept that things have gone wrong, and they were wet behind the ears when this thing started,” Hollinrake said. “It was like the Wild West.”

He said the lack of representation and consultation for those who oppose drilling has caused noise, pollution, traffic and other problems to occur.

Diane Connelly of Middlesex Township said Hollinrake appeared flabbergasted that gas wells receive permits and are installed before the public has a chance to respond.

“(In Great Britain), they plan and research before permits are issued,” Connelly said.

She said Hollinrake also told the group that the queen owns all mineral rights, and beside a small amount to access properties, British citizens would not receive royalties or any other financial benefit from shale gas drilling.

Michelle Obid, a member of the Mars parent group, said she is honored that Hollinrake would visit the group to discuss the potential dangers of shale gas operations. She also appreciates his dedication to his constituents in pursuing such extensive research on the industry.

Obid said the parent group members are not activists, but concerned parents who have scientific, fact-based information on the dangers of fracking.

“I think Mr. Hollinrake really appreciated how we approach this with research-backed facts,” Obid said.

Diane Sipe, the president of Marcellus Outreach Butler, also appreciated Hollinrake's visit.

“I wish our elected officials were as conscientious as this gentleman from the U.K.,” Sipe said. “Hopefully they will become more concerned about what occurs out here in the shale fields to ordinary citizens and communities.”

Hollinrake also planned to tour a gas processing plant and compressor station during his visit.

He said he appreciated all the concerns and research the group shared with him.

“This morning has been a real eye-opener,” Hollinrake said Friday.