(Image: PA)
Fears are growing over the possible closure of a major gas storage facility in East Yorkshire, threatening hundreds of jobs.
Unite the union has called on the Government to take urgent action to protect the Rough gas storage site, which is located 18 miles off the coast at Easington and can accommodate half of the UK's gas storage supply.
Centrica has warned that the facility, currently empty due to a funding dispute with the Government, could close by March without a new funding agreement.
Sharon Graham, general secretary of Unite, said: "The Rough storage facility is essential to the energy security of the UK.
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"Threats of closure are endangering jobs and our ability to keep the lights on and heat homes.
"The general public will not forgive the government or Centrica if this facility is allowed to close and our energy supply becomes even more risky in an increasing uncertain world."
The closure of Rough would directly result in the loss of 100 well paid, skilled roles and a further 350 jobs in the supply chain.
Unite argues that the site forms part of the UK’s critical infrastructure and should be protected accordingly, even suggesting that public ownership should be considered if a deal cannot be reached.
Simon Coop, Unite’s national officer for energy, said: "Rough is a part of the UK’s critical infrastructure and is vital to energy security supply.
"Therefore, the government needs to work with all parties to secure the future of Rough.
"If that is not possible then Unite will push for the government to keep the site open at all costs including the option of public ownership."
The union also believes the site could play a role in the UK's transition to net zero, with potential for future conversion to hydrogen storage.