A majority of estate agents in areas close to possible fracking sites believe that local property sales and prices could be hit.

The survey – of just 60 agents – was commissioned by Greenpeace and carried out by market research agency Redshift across West Sussex, Manchester and Lancashire.

Two thirds (67%) of the agents say fracking could bring down prices, generally by between 8% to 11%.

Just over half (54%) thought fracking could cut transactions, with four of the agents saying that buyers have already pulled out specifically because of the prospect of fracking.