STROUD Town Council has adopted a policy against fracking for gas in Gloucestershire.

Councillors are also strongly objecting to Gloucestershire’s Draft Minerals Plan which includes a policy supporting fracking.

The county council is replacing its minerals local plan, which has been the blueprint for mineral working in the county.

The draft includes a policy which would support “unconventional” production of gas and oil, which could include fracking.

Cllr Alan Sage proposed that the council takes a strong stand against fracking.

The policy states: “Stroud Town Council strongly opposes the use of fracking anywhere and especially within Gloucestershire.

“Fracking is an immature technology, which has been shown to have significant environmental consequences and cause potentially unknown harm.

“It has the potential to lead to contamination of both ground and surface water supplies.

“It involves visible scarring of the landscape and significant passage of heavy machinery across the countryside.”

Cllr Sage said: “Fracking would be a terrible blight on Gloucestershire's beautiful countryside.

“Additionally, climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our generation and it’s vital that we do whatever we can to discourage continuing reliance on fossil fuels.

“I hope that this motion will help to persuade Gloucestershire County Council to change their minds and presume against any applications to frack in the region.

“I also hope that it will increase awareness of the consultation and inspire other people to register any comments of their own.”

Jojo Mehta from Frackfree Fivevalleys said: “It’s fantastic that the town council have publicly come out against fracking.

“The government would like us to believe that fracking is good for the UK. But public opposition has never been stronger.

“We will never let Gloucestershire’s countryside be ruined by this dangerous and damaging practice.”

Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) is a method of extracting gas and oil from the ground by forcing water and harmful chemicals into rock formations deep underground, resulting in fracturing of the rock.

This process releases gas and oil, which are then recovered from the resulting water mixture.

People have until November 24 to register their views on fracking within the Draft Minerals Plan.

The draft documents can be found on www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/extra/EmergingMLP

Fracking licences were allocated in Gloucestershire last December, primarily in the Forest of Dean for coal bed methane.

However the company which was granted these licenses decided not to carry out any fracking.

South Western Energy said it had decided not to pursue licences which were awarded to explore for gas.

A spokesman said it was because energy costs were currently low and future prices were uncertain.

As these licences have not been used, no fracking will be able to take place in Gloucestershire until at least 2018 – when they are renewed.

The Draft Minerals Plan lasts right up until 2032.