Halsall Against Fracking (HAF) held a meeting - "Do You Want To Be Fracked?" - attended by over 50 residents on Tuesday evening.

It was the first since notification from Aurora Energy Resources (holder of PEDL 164) that they would be applying for planning permission in 2017 for further exploration following the 3D seismic survey in 2016.

The evening commenced with a brief reminder of how high volume hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for gas differs from conventional extraction and dispelled the myths that the industry and its supporters use to justify their support for fracking e.g. "Keeping the Lights On!". This was followed by an update on Aurora's stated plans and contact with local landowners.

HAF welcomed their guest speaker Mr. Jim Nisbet, Chairman of Roseacre Awareness Group (RAG) who explained how the lives and health of residents of Roseacre had been affected over the three years since Cuadrilla applied for planning permission in 2014 to frack there; through the refusal by Lancashire County Council to grant that application; to the Public Inquiry brought about by Cuadrilla's appeal and the Secretary of State's decision to overrule the Inspector's recommendation and to instead re-open the Public Inquiry to give Cuadrilla yet another attempt to come up with a traffic plan.

The meeting also heard about a Roseacre resident's legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision, which is still pending.

Photographs taken by a drone were shown of the enormity of the fracking site being constructed at Preston New Road, Little Plumpton and heard how men, women and children from all walks of life, of all ages, opposed to fracking were exercising their democratic right to protest at the site.

The legal challenge by Preston New Road Action Group against the Secretary of State's decision to allow Cuadrilla's appeal to frack there was heard in Manchester last week; the decision is pending. Lively discussion ensued about the consequences should Aurora apply to frack within PEDL 164 and how that would impact upon the lives of residents, tourism and agricultural heritage in the region.

The meeting concluded with discussions: "Where Do We Go From Here?" and "What Can I Do?".

Photo by Alan Lenton