Sir, – As the Labour Party’s prospective parliamentary candidate for the Thirsk and Malton constituency for May’s general election, I would like to make clear my position on the fracking debate.

The question is a complex one with the need to balance the national requirement for energy with the natural local concerns with the impact fracking might have on our environment and local economy.

The evidence from areas in this country and in the United States is, that if left unregulated, fracking can have a detrimental impact on the environment and blight local towns and villages.

Fracking should only be allowed if all the concerns raised by local residents and environmental groups are fully listened to and addressed in the planning process. If these concerns cannot be satisfied then fracking should not be allowed.

Voters should be clear which candidates support this position and which candidates will support powerful business interests, intent on private profit, rather than the public good and vote in May accordingly.

ALAN AVERY

Middleton Road, Pickering.