I am aware of concerns raised by local residents about possible “fracking” in the area of Bleadon and elsewhere in North Somerset. Throughout our history, the Liberal Democrats have lead the way on green issues, and we are campaigning for an EU-wide ban on fracking because of its adverse impact on climate change, the energy mix, and the local environment.

Locally, I will continue to monitor the situation on behalf of concerned residents in North Worle and will keep them fully informed. Your North Somerset councillors will subject any application to rigorous and detailed scrutiny, and will demand that local authorities rather than central government have the final say on any fracking applications.