29/08/2013
60 Villagers Release Pro-Fracking Statement
A pro-fracking letter has been signed by 60 residents of a village at the centre of an ongoing protest against the practice.
Protesters have been in Balcombe, West Sussex, since energy firm Caudrilla was granted permission to begin work on exploratory oil drilling.
The company are not carrying out any fracking, the common term for hydraulic fracturing, stating that the permission granted to them does not cover the activity. Protesters however, fear that the current test drilling could lead to fracking.
A total of 60 village residents have now released a letter stating that the "new technology" of fracking should be "facilitated".
The letter reads: "Let other communities be warned that our hitherto friendly village has suffered not only from the protesting crowds but prior to that from the intemperance of self-appointed 'activists', unfair abuse of our parish council, politicisation of the village fete, unsightly banners and, above all, spreading of unwarranted fear."
It continues: "We deplore the abuse suffered by employees of the drilling company, and the police, extended trespass, and the establishment of a semi-permanent protest camp on hitherto beautiful road verges, actions which add up to an abuse of the undoubted right to peaceful protest,"
Another village resident opposed to the oil drilling has however dismissed the letter, saying the residents who signed were an "extreme minority", representing just 30 or fewer households, according to the BBC.
(MH/JP)
Protesters have been in Balcombe, West Sussex, since energy firm Caudrilla was granted permission to begin work on exploratory oil drilling.
The company are not carrying out any fracking, the common term for hydraulic fracturing, stating that the permission granted to them does not cover the activity. Protesters however, fear that the current test drilling could lead to fracking.
A total of 60 village residents have now released a letter stating that the "new technology" of fracking should be "facilitated".
The letter reads: "Let other communities be warned that our hitherto friendly village has suffered not only from the protesting crowds but prior to that from the intemperance of self-appointed 'activists', unfair abuse of our parish council, politicisation of the village fete, unsightly banners and, above all, spreading of unwarranted fear."
It continues: "We deplore the abuse suffered by employees of the drilling company, and the police, extended trespass, and the establishment of a semi-permanent protest camp on hitherto beautiful road verges, actions which add up to an abuse of the undoubted right to peaceful protest,"
Another village resident opposed to the oil drilling has however dismissed the letter, saying the residents who signed were an "extreme minority", representing just 30 or fewer households, according to the BBC.
(MH/JP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
23 February 2007
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
Letter bomb suspect remanded in custody
A man has been remanded in custody, charged with the recent series of letter bomb attacks in the UK. Miles Cooper, 27, a primary school caretaker from Cherry Hinton near Cambridge, was arrested on Monday afternoon. He is charged with 12 offences under the Explosives Substances Act and the Offences Against the Person Act.
10 September 2013
Anti-Fracking Protestors To Be Evicted
West Sussex County Council has confirmed it is to take action against anti-fracking protesters in Balcombe. The protesters were warned to leave their camp in Balcombe by 9am today (10 September) or face eviction.
Anti-Fracking Protestors To Be Evicted
West Sussex County Council has confirmed it is to take action against anti-fracking protesters in Balcombe. The protesters were warned to leave their camp in Balcombe by 9am today (10 September) or face eviction.
18 June 2012
Protest Group Blockade Derbyshire Drilling Rig
Protesters are blockading a drilling rig in Derbyshire in opposition to the controversial fracking method of natural gas extraction. The 20-strong group, Frack Off, says it wants to prevent the rig moving from storage to a frack site in Lancashire.
Protest Group Blockade Derbyshire Drilling Rig
Protesters are blockading a drilling rig in Derbyshire in opposition to the controversial fracking method of natural gas extraction. The 20-strong group, Frack Off, says it wants to prevent the rig moving from storage to a frack site in Lancashire.
21 August 2013
Balcombe Protest Camp To Close
An ongoing protest camp in West Sussex over exploratory oil drilling is to close, with the landowners being told that the protesters would leave the site on Wednesday. A number of arrests were made at the Reclaim The Power camp in Balcombe, including Green MP Coraline Lucas, over fracking it was suspected energy company Cuadrilla would carry out.
Balcombe Protest Camp To Close
An ongoing protest camp in West Sussex over exploratory oil drilling is to close, with the landowners being told that the protesters would leave the site on Wednesday. A number of arrests were made at the Reclaim The Power camp in Balcombe, including Green MP Coraline Lucas, over fracking it was suspected energy company Cuadrilla would carry out.
10 February 2011
New Guidelines Support Higher Education For All
Universities wanting to charge over £6,000 for their courses from 2012 will have to work much harder to recruit students from disadvantaged backgrounds under new guidelines published today.
New Guidelines Support Higher Education For All
Universities wanting to charge over £6,000 for their courses from 2012 will have to work much harder to recruit students from disadvantaged backgrounds under new guidelines published today.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.