Councillors from all political parties have united to voice their opposition to fracking in Bath and the surrounding area.
Members of Bath and North East Somerset Council met last night to discuss the potential threat of the controversial gas extraction method.
They voted to support a motion calling for the local authority to take an in-depth look at the evidence surrounding fracking and what can be done to protect the local area.
One of the biggest concerns is that it could have a damaging effect on Bath's hot springs.
The motion was proposed by the local Conservatives and group leader Councillor Tim Warren said fracking was something everyone should be worried about.
Speaking ahead of last night's meeting, he said: "Unconventional gas exploration and extraction, including fracking, is an increasingly prominent issue both nationally and locally, so we feel it's important for the council to have full and informed debate about this issue.
"This isn't about the pros or cons of fracking as a source of energy, but about raising concerns over its potential impact here locally.
"B&NES is in a unique position due to the fact it has so much green belt and areas of outstanding natural beauty, not to mention Bath's World Heritage status and spa waters.
"We're therefore asking the council to publish an evidence-based report on the potential risks of fracking, as well as other energy technologies such as geothermal exploitation, in our area, and report back on what steps the authority can take to control the use of this technology in B&NES."
The motion was seconded by Councillor David Martin (Bathwick) on behalf of the Liberal Democrat group.
He said: "The Bath hot springs are a vital part of the city's tourist economy generating almost £100 million per year.
"We need to protect them for today and for the benefit of future generations.
"I am pleased that the whole council has joined together against any threat to this vital part of our natural heritage.
"Deep well shale gas exploration does pose a potentially serious threat to the hot springs and water supplies throughout B&NES.
"There is significant public concern about this threat.
"The council has recognised these concerns and the motion that was passed this evening shows the commitment we have to control and, if appropriate, prevent the use of unconventional gas exploration and extraction and geothermal exploitation with Bath and north east Somerset."
He added: "Beyond the threat to the hot springs and local environment, unconventional gas is still a fossil fuel, use of which would generate greenhouse gases and delay our progress towards becoming a genuine low carbon economy.
"We need to continue to develop sustainable energy technologies in response to climate change."
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