Householders in Groningen whose homes have been damaged by natural gas extraction should also get compensation because their properties are worth less, says home owners’ lobby group VEH.

Natural gas company NAM has already agreed to compensate home owners for damage to their property caused by earthquakes. Since August 2012, NAM has had 5,600 damages claims to process but will only compensate actual damage, the VEH says.

In February, it emerged NAM had made €100m available for repair work and strengthening buildings likely to be affected.

‘We think this is unacceptable and if necessary will go to court to have this ducking of responsibility challenged,’ the NRC quoted a VEH spokesman as saying.