Injunction verdict could give fracking go-ahead
FRACKING could begin tomorrow at Britain’s first horizontal shale gas well if an injunction is thrown out.
The High Court will today rule whether energy firm Cuadrilla will be temporarily blocked from starting operations at Preston New Road in Little Plumpton, Lancs.
Environmental campaigner Bob Dennett is seeking the injunction pending a proposed judicial review.
He claims Lancashire county council’s emergency response planning and procedures for the site are inadequate.
Mr Justice Supperstone heard submissions yesterday. A verdict is due at midday. Nathalie Lieven QC for Cuadrilla said: “It’s important we know where we are by lunchtime.”
Mr Dennett has said: “The council can classify it as a medium-risk site, but... we say they should be looking at the worst-possible scenario.”