THE government is making a slow march toward fracking in the Cotswolds and people must organise now to prevent it, a climate change activist has warned.


Cirencester dentist Jonathan Whittaker made the remarks during a talk at the Royal Agricultural University called 'Cotswolds fracking and the climate'.


Around 70 people attended the meeting last night to hear Mr Whittaker and Peter Robinson, from Derbyshire, speak about worries fracking could be on its way to the area.


After explaining the process of fracking, which involves pumping large volumes of water into drilled holes to release gas, he went on to outline the problems it could cause.


He gave the listeners a long list of drawbacks, including: fugitive methane leakage, extensive water usage, surface disruption, earth tremors, noise pollution, health problems and equity collapse in the local housing market.


Fracking is being considered around Bath, Somerset and the Forest of Dean, and the Cotswolds could be in line for fracking for three reasons, Mr Whittaker explained. 


“We have got an abundance of water, particularly standing water, which is vital for fracking,” he said.


“You need quarries for fracking to create the infrastructure, and we have a lot of them.


“And we have a major pipeline running through here from Milford Haven [which houses a major gas depot so it is perfect for distribution.”


He added: “It all comes down to money, we are an area where they can make than other places and so they will try here.”


Mr Whittaker called the meeting on behalf of the anti-fracking group Frack Free Cotswolds.


The talk was also arranged to start organising people into groups to oppose fracking.


“We need to set up groups in this area to fight this when it does eventually get here. We need to be ready for it,” he said.


Second speaker Peter Robinson explained the dangers of climate change and talked about getting out of the “climate doom”.


After the speakers finished a question and answer session quickly development into a lively discussion, with audience members of all ages swapping opinions on the best ways to combat fracking in the area.


To find out more about fracking in the area, go to frackfreecotswolds.co.uk.