FARMERS and landowners are calling for protection from any liability if fracking operations cause negative long-term effects on their land.

The CLA said the shale gas industry has provided no evidence to demonstrate Government proposals to simplify access for fracking are necessary. The group said that fracking must not become a quick route to profit for private firms.

A spokesman said: “Despite all the time on the fracking debate, the Government has no concrete proposals for compensation on which to consult. Consultation explores only what operators want, rather than the implications on others.”