Protests Ahead Of Lancashire Fracking Vote

Hundreds of people have been demonstrating in Lancashire as they await a decision on the future of two proposed shale gas exploration sites.

Earlier this year Preston Council planning officers recommended approval of fracking at one site, Preston New Road.

They opposed a second site, at Roseacre Wood, but only on traffic issues, not because of any health or pollution concerns from fracking itself.

Now councillors will make their decision following those recommendations - and locals have urged them to be "brave" by standing up to the Government and rejecting the application.

"No rational person could give approval to this scheme after seeing all the facts," anti-fracking campaigner John Tootill told Sky News.

"If this goes ahead there are serious health and environmental concerns. I would seriously fear for my family's health if the application is approved."

Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of drilling a mile or more into the earth before water, chemicals and sand are injected under high pressure into rock, creating fracture lines which allow the gas inside to be released.

The Government believes the shale gas industry could create jobs and economic growth, bring lower energy prices, and reduce Britain's reliance on imported gas.

It is commonplace in the US, but in December last year it was banned by officials in New York State.

Some of the former and current politicians from the state have even written to Lancashire county councillors urging them to do the same, and reject the proposal.

There are celebrity campaigners, too - with Bianca Jagger very vocal on the issue.

Fashion designer Vivienne Westwood flew from Milan to join the protest in Lancashire, and told Sky News: "I hope that the urgency of the danger we're in will get through to people, because we need to save ourselves. We're heading for a disaster.

"Fracking is already causing so much damage in America. It's not a success, and it's causing health problems."

According to council planning officer Stuart Perigo, a total of 18,126 representations had been received opposing the Preston New Road application, with 217 in favour.

But he told the committee that only around 4.8% of these had been from within the Fylde area.

Many in the area say they would welcome Cuadrilla and its fracking operation.

They say the assurances from the company are genuine, and that it could bring much needed jobs and money into the area.

Claire Smith, a Blackpool businesswoman and chair of the "StayBlackpool" hoteliers group, says the scheme should be given a chance.

She added: "When nuclear power and BAE Systems came to the region there were concerns and opposition, but they soon disappeared when people realised the benefits they brought.

"This application is for test drilling, so why not see what the tests say, and see if Cuadrilla can be responsible neighbours, before saying no?"

Previous protests suggest emotions will be running high during the four-day decision process this week.

Lancashire Police have confirmed rest days have been cancelled for some officers, in order to provide what they call "additional resilience" in dealing with any potential disorder.