Cuadrilla scales back Balcombe work
16 Aug 2013
Shale gas developer Cuadrilla is today scaling back its exploratory work at an oil well in Balcombe, Sussex, following threats of direct action from protest groups.
Cuadrilla has been drilling for oil at the site since last month, despite significant protests by locals and campaigners.
However, yesterday the firm announced it was temporarily suspending operations due to threats of direct action against their site over the next few days, when protest group No Dash for Gas will hold a camp called “Reclaim the Power” nearby.
“Cuadrilla acknowledges and regrets the disruption and inconvenience Balcombe villagers will experience as a result of the No Dash for Gas Action Camp (16 – 21 August),” said a statement released by the firm.
“After taking advice from Sussex Police, Cuadrilla is temporarily scaling back drilling operations ahead of the event. During this time, our main concern is the safety of our staff, Balcombe’s residents and the protesters following threats of direct action against the exploration site. We plan to resume full operations as soon as it is safe to do so.”
Cuadrilla’s announcement that they’ll halt drilling is already a victory for us
Protestor Luke Johnson
Protestor Luke Johnson said: “Cuadrilla’s announcement that they’ll halt drilling is already a victory for us, but it’s only a start. We would like to make sure they don’t frack in Balcombe, or anywhere else at all.”
Cuadrilla’s chief executive Francis Egan reminded the protestors that the exploration work only involves drilling a conventional oil well and that no fracking is permitted to take place.
“External groups protesting against hydraulic fracturing at Balcombe do so without any work proposal from Cuadrilla to judge,” said Egan.
“Any hydraulic fracturing proposal would require a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment, public consultations and multi-agency regulatory reviews, all of which would be available for scrutiny.”
