Environmental groups have welcomed Brent Council’s frack-free stance to plans to introduce the controversial technology to the borough.

Friends of the Earth Brent staged a protest in Willesden Green last month urging councillors from all parties to pledge to oppose fracking in the borough and is delighted with the council’s position.

The council plans to investigate whether powers granted by the Localism or Planning Acts enable it to ban drilling which extracts gas from shale within the borders of the borough.

Helen Rimmer, the group’s energy campaigner, said. “It’s fantastic news that Brent Council is seeking to ban fracking in response to concerns of local residents.

“Shale gas is another climate changing fossil fuel that needs to be left in the ground – the real solutions to our energy needs are renewables and slashing energy waste.”

The council’s stance has also received a warm reception from the Green Party.

Jenny Jones, Green Party London Assembly Member said: “Fracking is dirty and polluting, as well as unnecessary. The fracking companies admit that it won’t bring energy costs down but will disrupt communities through noise, dirt, extra road traffic and the threat of pollution.

`“Well done to Brent Council for standing up for their residents.”