Preston New Road Action Group in Lancashire have expressed deep concerns that the first hydraulic fracturing in the UK since 2011, has now taken place at Cuadrilla’s site in Little Plumpton, only 300 metres away from residential properties. The previous frack attempt at Preese Hall in 2011 damaged the well and caused an earthquake.

 A spokeswoman for the community group stated:

 “We are deeply disappointed that despite many ongoing concerns and challenges, the decision to progress fracking at this time has been taken.

“Over 100,000 people objected to this fracking application. In addition, our parish council, Fylde Borough Council and Lancashire County Council rejected the application. They had a duty of care to local residents and they fulfilled that duty. ^[1]

“The wishes and democratic decisions of our community have been ignored by the government in favour of an industry that does nothing to enhance our climate or environment.

“There are now hundreds of scientific studies ^[2]that have already identified risks and actual harms resulting from fracking. The UK government have blatantly ignored them all.”

Notes

1. In 2015, Lancashire County Council democratically refusedplanning permission for Cuadrilla’s application to carry out exploratory hydraulic fracturing at Preston New Road, on the Fylde Coast in Lancashire. Cuadrilla subsequently appealed to the Secretary of State, who in October 2016, controversially overturned the local council’s decision and gave Cuadrilla the go-ahead for planning permission.
2. Compendium of Scientific, Medical, and Media Findings Demonstrating Risks and Harms of Fracking (Unconventional Gas and Oil Extraction),2018. Concerned Health Professionals of New York.