A WEST Dorset group has said it is concerned about fracking.

As part of Climate Week, West Dorset Partnership has issued a position statement to make its feelings clear on the issue.

The West Dorset Partnership’s Climate Change Steering Group adopted the position statement at a meeting in December 2014 for the launch of this year’s climate week.

It calls for the government’s policy to encourage energy generation by truly renewable energy technologies - the ambition is to avoid pollution and develop a zero-carbon society.

Hydraulic Fracturing, commonly known as fracking, involves drilling either vertically or horizontally into the rock layer before a high pressure water mixture of sand and chemicals is directed into the boreholes to release the gas inside. This can then create new pathways to release gas or extend existing channels.

The group states it is concerned about the large quantities of water used that are transported to the site and the potential for contamination to the surrounding air and water.

It also expresses concerns about the ethical implications of using such quantities of water, and the social impact resulting from disturbance to local residents due to noise and light pollution as well as an impact on climate change.

The group said it is particularly concerned given West Dorset’s ‘unique, natural environment.’ Paul Everall, chairman of the West Dorset Partnership, added: “The outstanding environment of West Dorset must not be allowed to be damaged by inappropriate development. The government should adopt a more forward-thinking approach which is more economically and environmentally sustainable than fracking.”

When asked about the process and presented with West Dorset Partnership’s concerns, West Dorset MP Oliver Letwin, said: “Clearly we need to ensure, through a robust and enforced regulatory regime, that exploration for gas is conducted in a way that is both safe and environmentally sensitive. As the recent refusals of planning permission in Lancashire demonstrate, such a tight system of regulation is fully in place. Against that background, I believe it would be irresponsible not to exploit this method of increasing our energy security and improving our economy by replacing imported gas.”

For more information visit dorsetforyou.com/climatechange/west