In a community speaking session from Preston New Road residents last night, the clear message from local residents was a loud “No” to Cuadrilla and their plans to invade the rural tranquility of the Fylde.

With only two irrelevant speakers in support of Cuadrilla’s application (one was a member of the Cuadrilla-funded North West Energy Task force, run by a PR agency) they were outweighed in every arena by the passionate and knowledgable residents surrounding the Preston New Road proposed site.

Speaker after speaker showed a powerful community that will not be shunted to the rear for the Conservative government’s undemocratic and dangerous plans and residents demonstrated many solid and legal reasons why these applications for refusal in Lancashire should be upheld and the frackers sent packing.

From reports of intimidation, abuse, the poor evidence on which Cuadrilla are relying upon to serious medical and environmental concerns that the government have out-of-date public health information with relation to shale gas, a wide variety of community members made their voices heard loud and clear.

Cuadrilla’s CEO, Francis Egan, flanked by his PR staff, looked less than comfortable as he heard the thoughts of the community he is intent on destroying and he spent most of his time fiddling with his mobile phone. People questioned if he was recording speakers.

Accounts of trespass and property damage from seismic testing were heard, with resulting serious litigation for Cuadrilla. This demonstrated that they are not good neighbours in any way, and they show a distinct lack of respect, education and understanding about the Fylde and its inhabitants.

One of the most powerful speeches of the evening was by Morgan Marshall, a 13-year-old local resident who expressed his sadness and fear at the proposed developments, stating he just wanted to enjoy his childhood and fulfil his dreams of being a professional musician, rather than have this dark threat hanging over the community. He stated:

“I think that is why they call us receptors. We are real people who matter. We are just as important as anyone else. Calling us receptors doesn’t change that.”

Along with neighbours from Roseacre Woods and their speeches last week, it is fair to say the Fylde and the genuine residents will not tolerate bullying from corporate interests and pre-determination from the Conservative government.

You can read all of the speakers against the fracking proposals at Drill or Drop’s excellent website.