I'm not going to defend the fracking companies here, and many of the concerns about the possible real cost of extracting do seem to have foundation. The debate as to international independence from the likes of Saudi Arabia and Russia versus whether the cost in real terms is a subject ideal for such public meetings and consultations.

The fracking companies however, whilst conveniently not attending such debates are legally just the contractors. The government are offering the licences and it is with them and the local authorities that debate should be taking place with. If you reach a stage where you are discussing with the contractors, the debate has already been won and lost.

I suppose on a similar subject, we are surrounded by wind farms that we weren't asked about and the latest I hear is someone wishing to turn a field down the road from me into a solar panel farm. I must admit, I've got a few on my roof for that matter, but they are well hidden and nobody can see them...

The arguments against fracking include some statistics that don't really stack up in reality. Likewise, the assurances don't seem to either. More information rather than polarised opinion is needed. Hopefully before Backwoodsman has to connect the gas cooker to the cold water pipe....