RESIDENTS are concerned about fracking and want planning decisions put on hold until more evidence has emerged, a survey shows.

Two-thirds (66%) would like a moratorium on fracking and nearly three-quarters (73%) think more time should be allowed for a public debate on the controversial industry before authorities make a decision, according to a Redshift survey for Greenpeace.

The results were published as Greenpeace activists set up a mock ‘wrong move’ estate agent roadshow in front of County Hall in Chichester to meet politicians arriving for meetings on Friday morning.

West Sussex County Council is to decide in two weeks whether to grant planning permission to fracking firms.

In Wednesday’s Queen’s Speech the Government announced legislation to allow shale gas firms to frack under people’s homes without their permission.

Simon Clydesdale, Greenpeace energy campaigner, said: “Sussex planning authorities are about to make a decision that will have huge repercussions not just for local people but for the rest of Britain too.

“Thousands of people in Sussex are already urging them to act responsibly to safeguard the wellbeing of our communities and our environment – they’ll ignore them at their peril.”