Who pays for harm?

Although you gave the article front page coverage, from speaking to people regarding the article, I am not convinced the wide circle of implications has completely sunk in; I do hope I am wrong.

Even from a layman’s perspective the thought of blasting a high pressure mixture of water, sand and chemicals deep underground to release hydrocarbons trapped between layers of rock tells me there will be severe repercussions that will affect us all.

In Andover we have had our fair share of change throughout the years but this is by far the most frightening news we have been presented with.

This time we really must join together and present a solid united front to oppose fracking in our area.

Why is it not surprising that our Government is being so underhand with imposing fracking on us as this could ultimately affect everyone in England and Wales; however, Scotland are more astute, imposing moratoriums on fracking due to the public’s environmental concerns.

France and Germany have banned fracking – good on them, common sense.

As mentioned in the article the ‘consultation’ process, if that is what we can call it, is non-existent in terms of what consultation really means.

Our Government have also recently announced plans to fast-track fracking applications.

At what cost though?

First there is the cost to our health from water contamination, air pollution, noise – priceless. The cost to our environment – irreversible.

To our properties – seismic disturbance, falling prices, structural claims – who pays?

Policing – over £4 million spent on policing in Balcombe.

The infrastructure – already creaking at the seams with all the additional housing and another 6,444 new houses in Test Valley by 2030.

HGVs destroying our roads – who pays?

We will pay both physically and in monetary terms. We need to fight this together.

There are lots of discussions about climate change; however, if fracking gets a hold there won’t be any climate to worry about.

Linda Simmonds