Local residents concerned about the spectre of controversial ‘fracking’ in Monmouthshire can air their opinions at a meeting this week.

A local Friends of the Earth chapter is hosting a free event at 7pm next Tuesday April 12 at St Michael’s Hall. Experts will give talks, and a short film highlighting the issue will be played, followed by discussion.

Fracking involves drilling down into the earth’s surface and pumping in a high-pressure water mixture to extract shale gas. The practice, environmentalists say, can damage the ecosystem and cause earthquakes.

The Welsh Government slapped a moratorium on fracking last year following opposition from concerned parties.

Proponents of fracking say the process drives down energy costs, and lessens the reliance on traditional fossil fuels. Fracking has been used widely in the United States, where advocates point to figures showing the US reducing its over reliance on imported energy sources such as oil.

The Friends of the Earth group welcome anyone interested to join them at the event.