Anti-fracking Protestors Told to Move Their Camp

Anti-fracking campaigners who set up a protest camp near Chester have been evicted.

The activists set up a small camp on privately-owned land at the side of the A56 Warrington Road at Bridge Trafford. The camp was established when they discovered Star Energy Ltd, owned by IGas, had bought a field in the area for £141,000.

Papers were served on the camp prior to a court case at Manchester High Court brought by landowners Andrew and Sian Walley and Bill and Barbara Williams but backed by IGas, which gave the activists until Thursday September 1 to vacate the land.

However, protestor Dr Steven Peers argues that at least part of the land is a lay-by which is owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council. Dr Peers says the court ruled the landowners retained ownership across half the roadway – a decision he describes as 'barmy.'

He was also dismayed at the £5,000 costs that were awarded against him and fellow protester Simon Stafford-Smith. Dr Peers said:

"They are trying to stop us exercising our lawful right to protest by applying massive costs. We are going to carry on but we are considering our next steps very carefully."

Gordon Grant, spokesman for IGas, said:

"The decision of the court has made clear that the protestors were occupying the farmer's land illegally."

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