18/06/2012

Protest Group Blockade Derbyshire Drilling Rig

Protesters are blockading a drilling rig in Derbyshire in opposition to the controversial fracking method of natural gas extraction.

The 20-strong group, Frack Off, says it wants to prevent the rig moving from storage to a frack site in Lancashire.

Four of the protesters have reportedly locked themselves by their necks to gates, to prevent the gates being opened.

Joe Reid, 22, one of the protesters who have locked themselves to the gates, claimed "corporate greed" was being prioritised "over the interests of people and eco-systems while pretending to care about them".

The demonstrators said they have been on the site in Danesmoor, near Chesterfield, since 04:45 BST.

Derbyshire Constabulary said officers are monitoring the protesters after a member of staff at the firm called them at 05:20 BST.

(H)

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