Protestors Out Today As Oil Drilling Set To Start In West Sussex

With today’s news article featuring on hopeful progress for a wildlife reserve in Lincolnshire, another environmental issue is hitting the headlines. There is more contention in West Sussex however, where Cuadrilla, the energy company is set to start exploratory drilling for oil near the village of Balcombe.
Having received the waste permit from the Environment Agency, this being the last part of the permission process, the company are now on site, and are looking to start operations this coming Saturday.

Balcombe, West Sussex

Not unexpectedly, there is local opposition, and a "Great Gas Gala" will be held today by campaigners who are  protesting over fears of a large increase in the number of lorries in the area, and Cuadrilla's involvement in shale gas exploration using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Brenda Pollack, regional campaigner for Friends of the Earth South East, said: "Shale gas and oil are not the solution to our energy challenges. They threaten local communities, pollute our atmosphere and there's plenty of evidence they won't bring down fuel prices. It's time to end the nation's costly addiction to dirty fossil fuels and build a clean future based on energy efficiency and harnessing the power of the wind, waves and sun."

The energy company said: "Cuadrilla's forthcoming activity at Balcombe is for exploratory drilling only and is a temporary operation that will not include hydraulic fracturing. Should Cuadrilla wish to undertake further activity, they would need to apply for new permissions and licences from the relevant regulatory authorities.

"We have communicated what we are doing to the local community through information sessions and written communications.  Furthermore we have been in regular contact with the parish council and other local councils as well as going through all the necessary planning and permit applications to undertake this work. We will continue to inform the community of our actions as we progress."

It is some three years ago that West Sussex County Council granted Cuadrilla planning permission to undertake exploration work.