60 Villagers Release Pro-Fracking Statement

A pro-fracking letter has been signed by 60 residents of a village at the centre of an ongoing protest against the practice.

Protesters have been in Balcombe, West Sussex, since energy firm Caudrilla was granted permission to begin work on exploratory oil drilling.

The company are not carrying out any fracking, the common term for hydraulic fracturing, stating that the permission granted to them does not cover the activity. Protesters however, fear that the current test drilling could lead to fracking.

A total of 60 village residents have now released a letter stating that the "new technology" of fracking should be "facilitated".

The letter reads: "Let other communities be warned that our hitherto friendly village has suffered not only from the protesting crowds but prior to that from the intemperance of self-appointed 'activists', unfair abuse of our parish council, politicisation of the village fete, unsightly banners and, above all, spreading of unwarranted fear."

It continues: "We deplore the abuse suffered by employees of the drilling company, and the police, extended trespass, and the establishment of a semi-permanent protest camp on hitherto beautiful road verges, actions which add up to an abuse of the undoubted right to peaceful protest,"

Another village resident opposed to the oil drilling has however dismissed the letter, saying the residents who signed were an "extreme minority", representing just 30 or fewer households, according to the BBC.

(MH/JP)