Public consultation over fracking should be transparent and meaningful with people having the final say, according to an East Lancs council leader.

Tory Councillor Stephen Atkinson spoke about fracking when opposition Liberal Democrats raised questions at a Ribble Valley full council meeting.

The Lib-Dems suggested the council issue a statement against fracking. But the idea was not taken-up by the ruling Conservatives.

Prime Minister Liz Truss has ended the moratorium on fracking in the UK but said it would only be allowed where there was local consent.

Fracking, an underground process to extract oil and gas from shale rock, was banned in Britain in 2019 after a series of earth tremors at Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site, near Blackpool.

Lib-Dem group leader Cllr Stewart Fletcher said: “Liz Truss is planning on breaking their manifesto pledge and ending the moratorium on fracking, believing it be the answer to Britain’s energy crisis.

“Chris Cornelius, the geologist who founded Cuadrilla Resources, believes this is merely a political gesture and, furthermore, fracking will not work in the UK.

“Given this scepticism from scientists and vehement local opposition, should the council now issue a statement indicating it will not sanction this retrograde, damaging and unproductive practice in the Ribble Valley?”

Cllr Atkinson replied: “My understanding of the latest position is the government has lifted the moratorium on fracking, as part of the response to the energy crisis.

"At the same time, the Prime Minister has said developers will only be given permission where there is local support.

“Firms would need to apply to the government for new licences to drill for shale gas and in our case the county council would deal with any associated planning applications.

"My view would be the support of local communities would be essential for any fracking to take place. And I would urge the government to ensure consultation is both transparent and meaningful, and that local people have the final say.”

Fracking has been debated by other East Lancs councils. Labour and Green councillors in Rossendale Council voiced their opposition.

In Pendle, Labour, Lib-Dem and Conservative councillors  are attempting to agree an all-party statement on fracking, following criticism of the government by Lib-Dem and Labour councillors.

Tory councillors defended local MP Andrew Stephenson, saying his opposition to fracking was on the record.

It came after Lib-Dem and Labour councillors called on the borough council to ask Mr Stephenson to campaign against a resumption of fracking.