HAVING recently moved to Wiltshire I have really been enjoying exploring and discovering this interesting and diverse county – especially its beautiful countryside.

I was so dismayed when I learned of central government’s plans to encourage fracking in this area. I feel that this is a dreadfully short-sighted energy policy with no guaranteed benefits for the country, and certainly not for the planet, as surely further dependence on fossil fuels cannot be right. And for Wiltshire? Do we want to see our countryside industrialised? Do we want to risk our water being contaminated? Do we want to see house prices plummet? Do we want to be able to afford to insure our homes? What sort of legacy do we want to leave to our children and our grandchildren?

Despite these gloomy possibilities I have been heartened to discover I am not alone. There are people who share these fears and are determined that together they will work to prevent fracking and find better ways into the future.

There is an organisation called Keep Wiltshire Frack Free (KWIFF), linked with other similar organisations in this country and abroad, doing all it can to raise awareness of the issue and avert the dangers. Have a look at its website www.keepwiltshirefrackfree.org.

What we all need is a plan for the future that is about communities that are resilient and sustainable. Let’s work tow,ard that.

Jill Cooper Trowbridge Lodge Park