Cuadrilla Faces Green Backlash in West Sussex

Plans by British shale gas pioneer Cuadrilla Resources to drill for oil in leafy West Sussex have already caused bitter opposition to be voiced.

Local paper the West Sussex County Times says "a vociferous campaign" by opponents of hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is already under way.

Cuadrilla posted a brief announcement on its website yesterday, saying it intends to drill in the area, known as Lower Stumble, this summer. The company also has assured residents, including at a meeting last Friday, that it was not planning to use hydraulic fracturing in West Sussex. Cuadrilla, on its website, refers to fracking as a technique used to extract natural gas rather than oil.

The explorer, which also has advanced sites and will use fracking in the county of Lancashire, was granted planning permission for an exploration well in Lower Stumble, near the village of Balcombe, nearly three years ago. The permission will expire later this year, so Cuadrilla has to decide whether to pursue the license.

Francis Egan, chief executive of Cuadrilla, said: "We're fully aware that local people will have many questions about our plans and we'll do our best to answer all of them." 

The Guardian newspaper noted that particular concern was caused by this being the first foray into the "Home Counties" - the part of England within easy distance of London, and traditionally a green and attractive environment.

Newspapers quoted local activist Vanessa Vine, founder of the Frack Free Sussex campaign group, who said: "They [Cuadrilla] have underestimated the local resistance. They will have a big fight on their hands."