Fracking inquiry launched after Blackpool tremors

Investigation to look at how technique can affect drinking water as well as public attitudes

Scientists will investigate how fracking can affect drinking water and its role in earthquake tremors of the kind caused by shale gas operations near Blackpool, as part of a taxpayer-funded 8m research project.

The programme, backed by the Natural Environment Research Council and Economic and Social Research Council, will examine hydraulic fracturing's environmental impacts on land, water and air, as well as public attitudes to the controversial extraction technique.