CAMPAIGNERS and councillors believe Wiltshire Council’s response to a consultation into fracking has sent out the right message, after the local authority stated they were “particularly concerned about the identification of the four blocks in Wiltshire”.

The four blocks, near Trowbridge, Warminster, Westbury and Poulshot, were among 159 locations put forward for review by the government at the start of August, with a habitats regulations assessment carried out.

Despite opposition from residents, which has included several anti-fracking meetings and the creation of action groups, Wiltshire Council’s stance on the highly controversial process was initially unclear.

Councillor Jeff Osborn said: “I think they have done as robust a job as possible.

“We need to commend the officers. They diligently looked at it and came up with a strong response and I’m very happy with the response that Wiltshire Council put out.

“If people are really that concerned they should get on to their MP because a lot of fracking will come from national. Wiltshire Council have done their bit and I think it’s good enough.”

In response to the consultation, Wiltshire Council stated: “The opportunity should be taken at this stage to rule out the granting of licences in higher risk areas and thus avoid abortive investment by developers and tension with local communities.”

It also goes on to suggest no analysis was undertaken to indicate any shale oil and gas deposits in the proposed areas and that “without appropriate evidence of mature deposits there should be no granting of licences”.

It highlighted concerns with water abstraction and potential damage to the environment, including wildlife.

Tina Johnston, chairman of the Chippenham Green Party, said: “Wiltshire Council are very much against fracking and that’s a really good thing and it’s good that we have them on side.”

Dr Becky Martin, from Keep Wiltshire Frack Free, added: “We’re really pleased with it [their response] as we were initially concerned what their stance would be.

“The only thing I would add is that this response is about wildlife and I just hope that they would take the same action when it comes to people.

“It’s a big relief to know they are taking it seriously.”