CAMPAIGNERS against gas caverns under the River Wyre say they're 'absolutely delighted' Wyre Borough Council has backed their fight with a 'vote for common sense'.

Wyre's planning committee voted unanimously, in front of a large public turnout at Fleetwood's Marine Hall, to reject an application by Canatxx to store gas in salt beds under the River Wyre opposite Stanah.

The council will now ask the deciding body, Lancashire County Council, to reject the application.

Howard Phillips, chairman of Thornton Action Group , said: "We're absolutely delighted - round one. We now have to start working on our presentation to Lancashire County Council's development committee."

Ian Mulroy, chairman of Protect Wyre Group, an umbrella association of local organisations, said: "We have won the battle but we haven't won the war. Whilst we are delighted with the decision Wyre Borough has taken, and we feel it's a huge vote for common sense, we do recognise this has now got to go to the county council and we would hope the councillors there would reject it for the same reasons, primarily safety."

Monday's meeting was held at the Marine Hall to allow a bigger public audience.

More than 300 people listened to Wyre's head of planning services, Mike Gee, explain the Canatxx application and its potential impact.

Canatxx wants to drill up to 20 wellheads along the River Wyre's east bank, and store up to two million tonnes of natural gas in underground salt caverns.

One after another, planning committee members objected, and allowed objections from ward councillors not on the committee.

They emphasised the 'significant fear and distress' being caused, possible damage to the idyllic Over-Wyre scenery, danger from large vehicles using slim, winding roads and the possibility of terrorism.

But the crux of the opposition lay in the danger of leaks and explosions, and a law passed in Kansas, USA, after a fatal explosion there, which states no gas can be stored within three miles of residential areas.

The committee's decision to recommend rejection drew loud applause and cheers.

Audience member Joan Humble, MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, welcomed the unanimous decision, adding: "I think that my constituents will be pleased that we have had an informed debate and that their concerns have been taken on board."

Hilton Dawson, MP for Lancaster and Wyre said: "It's completely the right thing to do. I hope that the county council will issue a similarly unanimous rejection of these dreadful proposals."

Ben Wallace, Conservative prospective parliamentary candidate for Lancaster and Wyre, also backed campaigners. "I have already been in touch with my county council colleagues to discuss the issues and will be ensuring that the message is heard loud and clear," he said.