Residents in fresh court fracking battle

Two legal challenges are to start this week as residents fight to overturn a decision to allow fracking to go ahead in Fylde.
Cuadrilla's drilling rig at Preston New RoadCuadrilla's drilling rig at Preston New Road
Cuadrilla's drilling rig at Preston New Road

The Preston New Road Action Group and Lytham resident Gayzer Frackman are set to fight in the Court of Appeal in London tomorrow and Thursday.

In 2015, Lancashire County Council refused planning permission for Cuadrilla’s application to carry out test hydraulic fracturing at Preston New Road for gas, but following an appeal by Cuadrilla and a public planning inquiry the Secretary of State overruled the council allowing fracking to go ahead.

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A spokesman from Preston New Road Action Group said: “We trust that the Secretary of State’s decision to allow fracking at Preston New Road will be found unsound, and Lancashire County Council’s original decision will be reinstated.

Even before any fracking has started, the community has been subjected to disruption.”

Gayzer Frackman said: “This legal challenge tests the Government’s ‘drill first, ask questions later’ approach to fracking.

“The Government must be held to account for failing to protect UK citizens from the health impacts of fracking and the damage it will cause to our environment.”