YORK'S Liberal Democrats are calling on the Government to halt the acceleration of fracking across the region.

Cllr Andrew Waller, executive member for the environment, has written to the Energy Minister to express concerns over proposals to allow fracking to continue without planning permission.

Cllr Waller said: "This represents another effort to erode York's democratic influence and accelerate fracking.

"Instead, York should be allowed to determine what happens on its own land and the Government should bring a halt to these proposals immediately.

"There is considerable concern among local residents about the environmental impact of fracking, the industrialisation of green areas and the consequences of transporting industrial materials around our countryside."

The party has now set up a petition calling on the Government, City of York Council, the city's MPs and other relevant bodies to listen to their demands and those of concerned residents.

Find the petition at www.yorklibdems.org.uk/fracking .