Lichfield-based Cuadrilla suspends fracking as protests escalate

STAFFORDSHIRE-based fracking company, Cuadrilla, is to suspend operations at one of its sites as tension mounts over the scale of an expected public protest.

The company has been operating the Balcombe site in West Sussex after being granted planning permission from the local authority.

However, there have been strong protests against the Lichfield-based company’s activities and there are concerns this will escalate into demonstrations.

To offset any problems, the company is temporarily suspending operations on the site and has stepped up security measures.

Cuadrilla was granted planning permission by West Sussex County Council to undertake exploration work at the Balcombe well location in 2010.

In 1986, energy company Conoco drilled an exploration well on the same site that Cuadrilla is using, situated half a mile from Balcombe village. According to the Department for Energy and Climate Change’s (DECC) records, more than 50 oil and gas wells have already been drilled in the county.

In May 2013, the company held a public information event to inform local residents about its proposed activities.

However, anti-shale gas protesters have failed to be convinced by any arguments in favour of the exploration and the Balcombe protests could become commonplace around the country as the search for highly lucrative sale gas reserves is stepped up.

Cuadrilla is a joint venture between private equity firm Riverstone and the Australian engineering group AJ Lucas. They each have 41%, with management holding the balance.