CONCERNS over fracking in the Forest of Dean will be expressed to the Government by the district council.

The motion, which requested that the Forest of Dean District Council formally registers its concerns over hydraulic fracturing with the Department for Energy and Climate Change, was met with widespread approval.

A scrutiny committee will also be set up to investigate the potential impact of unconventional gas exploration and extraction within the district.

Tim Gwilliam (Berry Hill, Lab), who tabled the motion, said: “I think we all know what a special place we live in.

"From the orchards at Newent down to the docks at Lydney, it is a special place.

“As a council we are charged with allowing it to grow and enhancing it but we also have a duty to protect it.

“That protection should be for its future generations.

“Whether we’re red, purple, green or other with so many unknowns about this type of development the Forest of Dean is simply not the place for fracking or any similar venture.”

Chris McFarling (Newland and St Briavels, Non Aligned Independent and Green) raised concerns over the impact fossil fuels are having on the world’s environment and urged councillors of all parties to vote for the motion.

He said: “13 of the warmest years globally have occurred since the year 2000. This year 2015 will be the hottest ever recorded.

“Ice melt in the arctic continues at a dangerous pace.

"Sea levels are rising and the oceans are becoming more acidic as they absorb the carbon dioxide pumped into the atmosphere by our activities over centuries.

“Even if fracking was made absolutely safe. No leaks of water contaminants, no leaks of methane and no impact on our fragile environment no transport issues on our country roads.

“It is still gas and oil. Our existence would become one of desperate survival.

“By passing this motion I ask you to send a tiny message of resistance to those keen to exploit unconventional fuels in our beloved Forest of Dean.

“please put your political allegiances to one side and please vote to protect our Forest, our people, our future and indeed everyone’s future.”

The motion also requests to lobby local MP Mark Harper to raise the concerns with government ministers.

Marrilyn Smart (Christchurch and English Bicknor, Con) said: “We do need to find new and alternative energy sources. At the same time we do recognise there are serious concerns from many in our community for the likely impact of gas exploration in the Forest of Dean.

“I’ve spoken to the Member of Parliament and he has assured me that he has already conveyed the concerns of the people of the Forest of Dean to government ministers.”