DOZENS of campaigners took to the streets to alert the public to the “catastrophic dangers” they say fracking could cause.

Bolton Against Fracking (BAF) joined activists from Friends of the Earth and the Green Party to protest against the controversial shale gas drilling method.

The campaigners claim areas of Bolton could be prime targets for future fracking sites.

Protesters gathered under the statue of Fred Dibnah in Bolton town centre on Saturday to hand out fliers to passers by.

Organiser Darren Tickle, from the Bolton Against Fracking group, said the public are not being given the full picture from the government.

Mr Tickle, from Westhoughton, added: “The only people who say it is safe are the people with money at stake.”

Protesters said the risks of fracking included pollution of water, and dangerous environmental impacts such as tremors.

Bolton Friends of the Earth group wants residents to sign postcards urging the council to commit to rejecting all fracking site applications — something Manchester City Council has already agreed to.

Elizabeth Shepherd, from Great Lever, said once 100 signatures have been received these will be delivered to Cliff Morris, leader of Bolton Council.