Monthly Archives: March 2017

Acclaimed fracking play comes to Guildford

Following a sold-out run at Chichester Festival Theatre, Fracked! or Please don’t use the F-word is coming to Guildford’s Yvonne Arnaud Theatre as part of a major UK tour.

The comedy by Alistair Beaton takes us to an idyllic English village threatened by an energy company intent on drilling for shale gas.

Anne Reid plays Elizabeth, a retired academic who finds herself transformed from obedient citizen to angry protestor. James Bolam plays her husband. Bolam himself campaigned against a drilling proposal in his home village of Wisborough Green.

Fracked! is at the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre from 12-20 April. Find out more and buy tickets here: Yvonne Arnaud Theatre

For other tour dates: http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/fracked/

Brockham oil protestors in court as Surrey confirms drill was not permitted

As the row over unauthorised oil drilling in Brockham continues, local residents from the Dorking area and other anti-fossil-fuel protestors are appearing at Redhill Magistrates court on Monday 20 March. They were arrested in January for “slow walking” in front of lorries at the Brockham drilling site. They are charged with obstructing the highway and are expected to plead not guilty.

The arrest of one of them, Jacqui Hamlin – who was led away in handcuffs despite protesting peacefully – has been watched thousands of times on Facebook and YouTube.

Another arrestee, Amanda Wheatland, said, “The police were being taxpayer-funded security for the oil company Angus who were flagrantly flouting planning consents and permits at an oil well in Brockham.

“Myself and others were in constant communication with Surrey County Council over the numerous breaches of planning permissions and were constantly lied to and fobbed off by both Angus and SCC. Last week it was revealed that Angus had drilled a 1,350 metre side track without permission and in direct opposition to what Surrey County Council had told them they were allowed to do within existing permits.” 

Oil firm told it needed planning permission

The arrestees – and members of the Protection Camp which was set up to monitor the activities of Angus Energy over the winter – were concerned that unpermitted drilling was being carried out at the site. They watched as a drilling rig was brought in, as well as lorries carrying toxic materials.

It has now been confirmed that Angus Energy did not have planning permission for the horizontal sidetrack that was drilled. Angus Energy claims it did not need planning permission, despite being told it did by the Council.

Local Green campaigner, Jacquetta Fewster, said: “Whilst Angus Energy was drilling, without the necessary planning permission, it was ordinary people – peacefully bearing witness – who were subjected to arrest.  It is the directors of Angus Energy who should be held to account.

Keith Taylor, MEP for South East England, said, “The drilling, without permission, of a new well is an outrageous breach of an already deeply strained trust. It is little wonder why residents and campaigners simply don’t trust the oil and gas drilling industry or the Government ‘regulations’ utterly failing to protect our environment and our local communities.” Read more from Keith Taylor MEP

Surrey County Council has confirmed that Angus Energy needs to submit an application for retrospective planning permission and will oppose any further unauthorised work at the site.

Those who support the protesters are invited to come and show support the strength of public opinion on this issue, at the Redhill Magistrate’s Court, at Hatchlands Road, Redhill, RH1 6DH, at 9.15am on Monday 20 March.

Two chances to stand up against oil drilling in Surrey

Next week offers two ways to show your opposition to oil drilling in our countryside, and to support local campaigners

 

Monday 20 March Support people arrested at Brockham

The people arrested while protesting peacefully against oil drilling at Brockham will be tried at Redhill magistrates court on Monday 20 March.

Please come along for 9.15am, to show support and demonstrate the strength of public opinion on this issue.

The court is at Hatchlands Road, Redhill, RH1 6DH,  between Reigate and Redhill on the A25.

 

Wednesday 22 March: UPDATE! 

The fencing application has been deferred as the Secretary of State has requested an Environmental Impact Assessment. A big win for campaigners Leith Hill Action Group

Surrey County Council’s Planning Committee will be considering an application for a two-metre high fence and other buildings at Leith Hill, to last the 18 week period of the development, on Wednesday, 22 March.

The County Council planners have judged that this application does not need an Environmental Impact Assessment. Campaigners believe this is against national planning policy and have called for an EIA to be required. Read more on the Leith Hill Action Group website.

The Landscape and Restoration Plan is still going to the planning committee this week.

People from Leith Hill Action Group and A Voice for Leith Hill will be speaking and it would be great to have a crowd along to show the level of public interest and support for having an Environmental Impact Assessment of the fence application.

The meeting is at 10.30am at County Hall, Kingston – details here.