Four charged following anti-fracking protest

Anti-frackers shut down access to the Hillhouse Business Park in Thornton when they staged a lock on protest in Bourne Way on Wednesday.

Earlier campaigners had gained access to the enterprise zone and scaled a pile of rubble they claim is being used in construction at a drilling site in Fylde.

The material is claimed to be related to the building of a well in Preston New Road between Blackpool and Kirkham.

The protesters spent several hours in the road before being cut free.

Dozens of police officers were deployed to deal with the protest.

Lancashire Police said there had been around 30 demonstrators involved and site security staff had handled the situation.

Four people were charged following the protest

Richard Bircumshaw, 66, of Oxford Grove, Bolton was charged with obstructing resist a police officer in execution of their duty.

Chris Allport, 27, of Catterick Road, North Yorkshire was charged with aggravated trespass

James Studd, 23, of Woodbridge, Suffolk was also charged with aggravated trespass along with Barbara Cookson, 66, of Lawrence Grove, Liverpool.

All are due to appear at Blackpool magistrates on August 8.