BRITAIN’S largest union and Mick Jagger's former wife have weighed into the battle to stop fracking in Lancashire.

Unite urged Lancashire County Council to block Cuadrilla’s applications to frack at two sites in the county, with leaders set to join the anti-fracking demonstration outside County Hall in Preston.

Meanwhile, Bianca Jagger, the mother of the Rolling Stones' singer's daughter Jade and the president and chief executive of the her own Human Rights Foundation, also spoke out on the issue.

The global campaigner claims Lancashire planning documents downplay the health impacts of fracking as she called for the controversial process to be blocked.

The protests coincide with a meeting to decide to pass or reject Cuadrilla’s plans to drill, frack and test up to eight shale gas wells at Preston New Road and Roseacre Wood.

Mick Whitley, Unite’s north west regional secretary, said: “Fracking is a huge issue for communities across our region and a cause for deep concern.

“A moratorium on fracking is in place in Scotland and the Welsh Assembly government is following suit, such is the depth of concern in other parts of the UK.

“Here in Lancashire county councillors need to listen to tens of thousands of people from across the county who have objected and reject all applications for fracking.”

Energy firm Cuadrilla wants to develop two new sites between Preston and Blackpool to explore for shale gas by drilling, fracking and testing the flow of gas.

A report from Lancashire County Council planning officials recommended that one of the sites - at Preston New Road near Little Plumpton - be passed subject to a number of conditions being met such as hours of working, control of noise and highway matters.

The council's development control committee will have the final say on the matter after members have listened to listen to 70 speakers, both for and against.