NOW that our elected, but not in my opinion, learned or wise leaders have sanctioned fracking, we wait to hear where applications have or will be submitted to extract shale gas in Herefordshire.

Assuming permission is granted, can we expect the possible desecration of areas of our countryside, earthquakes and contamination of our natural aquifers and drinking water as has been the case elsewhere?

This isn’t scaremongering but fact that any discerning investigator will uncover.

The assurances given that these fears are unfounded are unsound.

Is the short-term gain for profit by corporations worth the potential price that we, our children and the environment may have to pay now and in the future whilst solar subsidies have been greatly reduced and other clean energy technologies remain suppressed by vested interests?

PAUL CARPENTER Bartestree