Hutton Parish Council has decided not to support an anti-fracking group.

The council heard from a representative of Frack Free North Somerset, but declined to support it until hearing North Somerset Council’s fracking stance.

Clerk Steve Cope said: “Councillors felt the presentation only gave the adverse aspects and did not address any issues by organisations holding licenses for possible exploration in the area.

“Richard Lawson (of Frack Free North Somerset) indicated seven local councils had agreed to be registered as frack free.

“However, councillors did not feel this was the way forward for Hutton.”

It was also felt North Somerset’s development management policy on areas of natural beauty (AONB) protects the nearby Mendip Hills enough.

Mr Cope added: “It was considered this offers enough protection to the AONB, which surrounds Hutton to the east.”