BROMLEY Friends of the Earth will be canvassing residents to oppose fracking for shale gas and oil in the borough this weekend.

They will be setting up in The Mall precinct off Bromley High Street tomorrow (October 19), giving locals the opportunity to raise their concerns.

Bromley Friends of the Earth's Ann Garrett said: "We’re setting up from 2.30pm to 4.30pm to give locals the opportunity to sign cards about their concerns and these will be sent collectively to Bromley Council."

Fracking is the controversial process used to extract shale gas from thousands of metres below the Earth's surface.

A mixture of chemicals, sand and water is injected deep underground at high pressure to fracture the rocks and release the gas.

Ann Garrett added: "We encourage residents to come down and support this very important campaign as parts of the borough could be under threat.

"The fracking process can pollute water beds, use up much precious water and disfigure the countryside with wells and drilling rigs.

"It will also keep the UK hooked on dirty fossil fuels that contribute to climate change.

"It’s highly unlikely to lower fuel bills and risks taking investment and jobs away from renewable energy."