Congleton's MP has called for clarity over the Peak Cluster plans.

Sarah Russell spoke at a recent Westminster Hall debate on the controversial CO2 pipeline, raising concerns about the lack of consultation from Peak Cluster Ltd.

She explained that the company has not yet submitted a proposal to the Government and as such, no decision has been made.

During the debate, Mrs Russell questioned the then Minister for Energy, Michael Shanks, and said: "My concern, on behalf of my constituents, is that they do not feel engaged with; they do not feel that they have a voice in this process and they do not feel that they are getting information at all.

"I appreciate that it is not the minister's job to provide that information, but can he be extremely clear about the level of engagement that is required?"

Mr Shanks confirmed that should an application be brought forward to the Government, it must demonstrate genuine community engagement as a shaping exercise rather than a listening exercise.

"Peak Cluster has not yet submitted a proposal to the Government, and no decisions have been made," Mrs Russell added.

"However, local residents rightly expect openness, clear communication and a say about any plans that may affect them.

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"The Government is committed to supporting economic growth and the transition to cleaner industries, but local people must be kept informed and have the opportunities to make their voices heard."

The Peak Cluster CO2 pipeline is a privately-run initiative led by Peak Cluster Ltd, a partnership between four major UK cement and lime producers (Tarmac, Breedon, Lhoist, and Aggregate Industries) working alongside clean energy developer Progressive Energy.

It is exploring capturing the carbon dioxide created in the cement and lime plants in Derbyshire and Staffordshire and transporting the gas via underground pipes, which would go through Cheshire, to storage under the East Irish Sea.

Mrs Russell says that if and when an application is formally submitted, it will be down to the Secretary of State to decide upon and not a parliamentary vote.

To ensure the voices of constituents are heard, the Congleton MP is planning to host an information event with Peak Cluster Limited in early autumn, with further details on this to be shared in due course.