THERE is much publicity regarding potential fracking in the area, with coverage dominated by anti-fracking activists who are taking it upon themselves to declare that “everyone is against it” and is in contrast to the lack of coverage from the other side of the debate.

There are a number of issues for which I have yet to hear satisfactory responses.

Economic: With the closure of fossil-fuelled power stations, where are we to fulfil our growing energy needs?

The nation is running a massive deficit yet green subsidies and surcharges are a burden domestically and on the international competitiveness of our industries.

It is likely this has been a factor in the closure of the energy-thirsty steel plant at Redcar, which is probably just the tip of the iceberg.

The US economy has been transformed by fracking which has been a massive economic boost, yet I am not aware of major earthquakes or water contamination.

Energy security: The contribution from wind and solar farms seems tiny, less than one per cent, and is unreliable when the wind doesn’t blow nor the sun shine – pretty common in winter.

Therefore, it would seem we will have to totally rely on back-up from traditional power stations or new technology such as fracking – where else will our future reliable energy come from?

Environmental issue: There seems to be a gravy train with many landowners reaping rich subsidies under the green rationale.

In Tenerife, an area noted for lots of sun and high winds, wind farms and solar panels are conspicuous by their absence. I wonder why?

In summary, I am not taking an anti-environmental view; I merely don’t know how we are supposed to fulfil our growing energy needs from an acceptable economic or security point of view. Answers to the above welcomed.

G Howard, Lower Marsh Road, Warminster