Preston New Road Action Group are pleased that the government have refused Cuadrilla’s calls to increase the seismic trigger levels on the Traffic Light System. Widening the trigger threshold would be an entirely unacceptable concession to the industry for our community, and any other community, who has been unfortunate enough to have fracking forced upon them.

Cuadrilla were instrumental in agreeing to the Traffic Light System, following their actions in 2011 when previous earthquakes occurred following fracking at Preese Hall. We therefore find their demands to now relax such controls a dangerous precedent and one that would never be acceptable to our community, which includes residents who live only 350 metres from the site.

The often-repeated “gold standard, robust regulations” are being constantly adjusted to benefit the fracking industry, at the cost of communities. There are deep concerns that the current regulations that are supposed to keep us safe, are being weakened.

Our community is already concerned that the recent tremors that have been experienced may have caused damage below the surface or to the integrity of the wells. This may allow toxic fluids to leak from the wells and migrate via faults to contaminate the surface groundwater so close to our homes. We question how thoroughly Cuadrilla is checking after a seismic event, given the speed at which statements confirming integrity are issued.

If the government should attempt to pander to industry requests and moves are made to change these regulations, we would immediately seek a judicial review.

If Cuadrilla are unable to operate under the standards that they initially agreed to, then they should not be allowed to continue.