A REPORT that fracking has a low risk to public health has been welcomed.

Cuadrilla, the firm bidding to introduce fracking to Lancashire, said it welcomed news that the process was safe.

A spokesman said that the recent Public Health England’s independent report was really reassuring.

He said: “The report provides welcome reassurance and should dispel scaremongering about its safety.

“We are complying with all of the agency's recommendations, such as the public disclosure of the contents of our fracturing fluid and environmental monitoring before, during and after our operations.”