Sir – There has been a lot of discussion recently about extracting gas and oil by the fracking process. Oxfordshire apparently does have some reserves below our surface.

However, I have been told that in the US, which has been doing this type of extraction for quite a while, the effect is that as they use a lot of water, the water then contains a lot of toxins.

If at any time Oxfordshire County Council or the Government are contemplating this locally, special note should be taken of this issue so that our precious water resources are not compromised.

I hope this letter will bring this to attention locally and to our councillors and MP.

James Robertshaw FCMA, High Street, Witney