THERE is no doubt that fracking will cause inconvenience to those living in areas where it would take place and may result in more serious problems.

Janet Kitchen-Cooper refers to sink holes (Letters, October 5), others have cited air and water pollution and problems associated with greatly increased heavy transport.

For many decades the use of fossil fuels, which includes fracked gas, has required the government to impose regulations on burning them.

There is moreover no evidence of fracking providing any direct benefit to the communities in areas which will bear the brunt of the operations.

I am surprised therefore to read Dr Scott Marmion, who has previously championed the direct expression of the will of the people, failing to suggest a local referendum in his letter (October 5) criticising fracking protesters.

As the Scottish government decision makes clear, people generally are fully informed of the case for and against fracking.

Is this not the place for the opportunity of a simple yes/no decision?

Maurice Vassie, Deighton, York