Support for firms in the fracking zone

The head of Lancashire's economic development at County Hall visited businesses on the Fylde which have found themselves in the middle of the fracking wrangle and  months of roadworks.
Preston New Road businesses. County Councillor Michael Green with Stuart Hall from World of Water, Danielle Trachillis from Ma Baker, and Babs Murphy from the Chamber of Commerce.Preston New Road businesses. County Councillor Michael Green with Stuart Hall from World of Water, Danielle Trachillis from Ma Baker, and Babs Murphy from the Chamber of Commerce.
Preston New Road businesses. County Councillor Michael Green with Stuart Hall from World of Water, Danielle Trachillis from Ma Baker, and Babs Murphy from the Chamber of Commerce.

Lancashire County Council’s cabinet member for economic development County Councillor Michael Green, visited a series of businesses along Preston New Road to see the work of small and medium-sized companies in the area.

He was joined by Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce.

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They visited Ma Bakers, the World of Water aquatic centre, Knights K9 kennels, the Meadow Green cattery and the Fylde Grooming Parlour.

Councillor Green with Jason Lynn from Meadow Green CatteryCouncillor Green with Jason Lynn from Meadow Green Cattery
Councillor Green with Jason Lynn from Meadow Green Cattery

The businesses have found that passing trade has been affected by being close to Cuadrilla’s fracking site and the ongoing United Utilities water pipe work.

Councillor Green said: “You’ll find some great businesses along Preston New Road, and while we know that fracking and related protests are making headlines in this area, it’s important to me that we can highlight other companies, who are working hard to build their businesses.

“Our message is clear - there are lots of fantastic businesses along here, including many family-owned ones, which are well worth visiting. I’ve had a wonderful visit to them today and I’d encourage people to do the same, as it helps to create local jobs and brings money into the local economy.”

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Babs Murphy, chief executive of the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, said: “I have been extremely impressed by these upstanding businesses.

"Their sheer determination to offer a first class service, despite operating in challenging trading conditions created by recent protester actions, is an inspiration to us all.”

Danielle Trachillis,from cafe and cake specialist Ma Bakers, said: “A lot of people have been avoiding Preston New Road because they never know if some protest is going on.

“It was worse last summer when the concentrated protests was happening and to be fair disruption has not been bad lately.”

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Stuart Hall from World Of Water, which sells aquatics, pets and camping equipment, said: “There has been a lot of disruption, the worst last July from the fracking and the anti-fracking movements and also from the United Utilities work too. But the businesses in this area are still going strong.”