Public express concerns over fracking in their communities

The findings follow the announcement on January 13, 2014 by the prime minister which said councils that back fracking will get to retain the business tax revenues once production at a well is underway.

According to the poll, the biggest concerns for respondents included: fears of damage to the local environment, the associated noise and disruption, fears over the chemicals used and health risks, as well as fears that drinking water might be contaminated.

Of those in favour of having a local fracking site, the most popular reasons given were energy security, more local jobs and skills development opportunities and the potential for it to cut consumer energy bills.

The poll also found that 30 per cent of people have a good understanding of what fracking is, compared with 40 per cent who said they had ‘some’ understanding and 30 per cent who said they had little or no understanding.