3 anti-fracking protesters arrested in Balcombe

Three Balcombe protesters, who fear that test drilling would lead to hydraulic fracturing, were arrested.

12:48 10 September 2013

Hundreds of protesters, who fear that test drilling in Balcombe would lead to hydraulic fracturing, blocked Cuadrilla’s oil drilling site in Sussex as well as its Lichfield headquarters and its offices in London.

The BBC's Simon Jenkins said: "The group of 100 protesters were gathered outside the gates, singing songs.

"Officers went in and removed people from the protest."

The No Fracking in Balcombe Society said they were served an eviction notice on Monday instructing them to leave on Tuesday at 9:00. The group has been staying on the site for the past two months.

Kathryn McWhirter, an active member of the protest camp, said: "We are horrified at the treatment of these dedicated people who have been here with our blessing for weeks now, helping us to protect our countryside, our health, our water, our air.

"The council is not acting today on behalf of the majority of residents of our village."

Meanwhile, the county council explained that the move is not to remove people’s right to protest but to protect all road users.

A spokesman said: "This is a very busy road with a 60 mph limit, and unlit at night. There are increased safety concerns that as a responsible highways authority we must address."