Anti-fracking campaigners on the Fylde say they'll continue to step up their action against Cuadrilla following a protest at the weekend.



Hundreds attended a demo against the plans with some protesters trying to enter the Preston New Road site.

No arrests were made but Lancashire Police say they're investigating.

Cuadrilla has called the actions unacceptable and irresponsible.

The plans to drill for shale gas at Little Plumpton go to a judicial review next month.

A statement from Lancashire Police said: ''We were dealing with a significant number of protestors at the Cuadrilla site on Preston New Road.

''Following an earlier event at Maple Farm badged as a national day of anti fracking action, a significant number of protestors believed to number around 250 made to the Cuadrilla site on Preston New Road.

''Around 150 of those proceeded to try to breach the fencing and to gain access to the site. Those engaged in the behaviour are largely thought to be from outside the area and not from the local protest groups.

''A significant policing response was required to prevent disorder while maintaining the right of those who wished to protest lawfully. This was done calmly and professionally by the officers involved.

''No arrests have been made at this time, although an investigation will follow to identify any criminality.

''Our approach is always to ensure a consistent and coordinated policing response and ensure a balance between the rights of people to lawfully protest, together with the rights of the wider public, including local businesses, to go about their lawful activities.

''We aim to prevent, where possible, crime and disorder, but where it does occur we will provide an effective, lawful and proportionate response.''

A spokesperson for the Preston New Road Action Group said: ''It's so disappointing to see Lancashire Police join the corporate fracking agenda to tarnish anti-fracking protestors through false information.

''Despite the police's frack-fed misinformation, we had an amazing family-friendly day with great speeches, dancing, face painting and solidity. Three hours of fun-packed loveliness. With over a thousand people in attendance, again, contrary to the desperate minimisation attempts by industry.''

A statement from Lancashire For Shale said: ''We recognise the protesters’ right to peaceful protest, as long as it is done in a lawful and respectful manner. Consequently, we are appalled at what has happened this afternoon at the Preston New Road site in Fylde, when dozens of mainly national professional protestors have chosen to trespass on a local farmer’s land, causing extensive criminal damage and laying siege to the family home. Lancashire For Shale also condemns the cost to Lancashire tax payers of having to police today’s disruptive, unlawful activities.

''Today’s aggressive trespass and intimidation was a clear unwanted invasion of the Fylde by hard line activists travelling from as far afield London and Brighton on organised free buses. Today’s appalling behaviour follows weeks of activist law-breaking in and around the Preston New Road exploration site including over 10 arrests and picketing and intimidation of local suppliers prior to this afternoon’s scenes. The time has come to say no to these sinister tactics. Our local communities and our vitally important farming and tourism economy stand to lose out if this sort of disgraceful behaviour is allowed to continue on the Fylde Coast.''