A DORSET MP has welcomed a Government announcement that controversial fracking projects would be halted.

On Friday it was announced that the shale gas extraction technique would be suspended indefinitely. This came after a report by the Oil and Gas Authority (OGA) said the likelihood and size of tremors produced by fracking activities could not be predicted.

Reacting to the news, North Dorset MP Simon Hoare wrote on Twitter: “Excellent news! I’ve always opposed fracking and continued to make the case against to Government.”

Mr Hoare said he understood the move had been in the pipeline for around six months following a “very anti-fracking” parliament debate in Westminster Hall.