EASTLEIGH Borough Council should have a policy in place in case it has to deal with applications for fracking, a councillor has said.

Councillor Godfrey Olson, leader of the opposition Conservative group, called on the council to consult the public on the issue, which has already sparked debate around the country, and have a policy in place on fracking in anticipation of any request.

Earlier this year, the Daily Echo revealed that eight drilling licences for possible fracking sites in Hampshire had already been issued to gas companies.

Speaking at Eastleigh Borough Council’s full council meeting, Cllr Olson asked, in light of these licences, what was the council’s policy in the event of an application for drilling in Eastleigh borough.

As Cllr House was unable to attend the meeting due to an urgent family matter, deputy leader Cllr Anne Winstanley said the answers to questions put to him would be sent to the members in writing and be made available to the public as soon as possible.

But she added that her initial thoughts were that the question should be directed to the county council, as it deals with minerals.