This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-23462586

The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
All-night protest over Balcombe oil drilling Sussex Police arrest Balcombe oil drill protesters
(35 minutes later)
Protesters have maintained an all-night presence in a Sussex village to stop lorries entering a site where exploratory oil drilling is to start. Protesters stopping lorries entering a site where exploratory oil drilling is to start are being arrested.
Protester Natalie Hynde said about 25 people formed a chain all night. A BBC reporter at the scene in West Sussex said arrests were made after police told the group to leave.
Cuadrilla has been given permission to drill a 3,000ft (914m) well and 2,500ft (762m) horizontal bore near Balcombe.Cuadrilla has been given permission to drill a 3,000ft (914m) well and 2,500ft (762m) horizontal bore near Balcombe.
Campaigners fear the firm could also carry out hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Cuadrilla said any further activity would need fresh permission.Campaigners fear the firm could also carry out hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. Cuadrilla said any further activity would need fresh permission.
The blockade started on Thursday with about 100 protesters at the site.
Protester Natalie Hynde said about 25 people formed a chain through the night.
Ms Hynde said the protesters, who were mainly from outside the village, had received "overwhelming support" from local people.Ms Hynde said the protesters, who were mainly from outside the village, had received "overwhelming support" from local people.
She said 82% of local people opposed the test drilling, and any fracking that went ahead would affect future generations because, she claimed, it would pollute the water table. She said 82% of local people opposed the test drilling.
'Very British stand-off' 'Very British'
Asked if the protesters were using scare tactics to shock local people, she said: "I think people need to be shocked. She alleged any fracking that went ahead in the area would affect future generations because it would pollute the water table.
"If you look into it - I invite people to look into it - just put into Google 'dangers of fracking' and enough said." Asked if the protesters were using scare tactics to shock local people, she said: "I think people need to be shocked."
BBC Sussex reporter Simon Jenkins said the protest appeared to be a "very British stand-off" and the site felt like a little village on Friday. Earlier on Friday, BBC Sussex reporter Simon Jenkins said the protest appeared to be a "very British stand-off" and the site felt like a little village.
Lorry's brakes cut
Cuadrilla obtained a waste permit from the Environment Agency on Tuesday - the final regulatory approval it needed to carry out work to the south of Balcombe.Cuadrilla obtained a waste permit from the Environment Agency on Tuesday - the final regulatory approval it needed to carry out work to the south of Balcombe.
A spokesman for the firm said on Thursday: "Cuadrilla's forthcoming activity at Balcombe is for exploratory drilling only and is a temporary operation that will not include hydraulic fracturing.A spokesman for the firm said on Thursday: "Cuadrilla's forthcoming activity at Balcombe is for exploratory drilling only and is a temporary operation that will not include hydraulic fracturing.
"Should Cuadrilla wish to undertake further activity, they would need to apply for new permissions and licences from the relevant regulatory authorities.""Should Cuadrilla wish to undertake further activity, they would need to apply for new permissions and licences from the relevant regulatory authorities."
He said Cuadrilla had held information sessions and written to the local community, and had contacted all local councils.He said Cuadrilla had held information sessions and written to the local community, and had contacted all local councils.
On Thursday, up to 100 protesters blocked a lorry trying to enter the site. On Thursday, protesters blocked a lorry trying to enter the site.
The vehicle had its brake lines cut during the demonstration, Sussex Police said.The vehicle had its brake lines cut during the demonstration, Sussex Police said.
Officers said the truck was quickly repaired without "interference from any demonstrators".Officers said the truck was quickly repaired without "interference from any demonstrators".
West Sussex County Council granted Cuadrilla planning permission to undertake exploration work in 2010.West Sussex County Council granted Cuadrilla planning permission to undertake exploration work in 2010.