THE controversial issue of fracking will be on the agenda at a talk on May 3.

A fracking expert and countryside campaigner from Hampshire will be giving a talk on ‘Fracking and the countryside – facts and impacts’ at Stockbridge Town Hall.

Fracking is the process of injecting liquid at high pressure into subterranean rocks, boreholes, etc. so as to force open existing fissures and extract oil or gas.

But the process is linked with earthquakes and environmental damage.

Caroline Dibden is a petroleum geologist and a member of the Campaign to Protect Rural England’s (CPRE) national advisory group on fracking.

For the last 16 years Caroline has worked with CPRE, leading the fight to ensure that development is of suitable design and location.

She said:“I am passionate about protecting our unique and glorious landscape, and making it a place where the residents of today live safely and productively, whilst enhancing it for future generations.”

This free talk, organised by volunteers from CPRE’s Test Valley District Group, follows the group’s AGM at 6.30pm.

All are welcome to attend and the talk starts at 7.45pm