Two Bristol Residents Acquitted, And One Convicted, In Fracking Protest Trial

bristol | the environment | feature Tuesday September 11, 2012 17:02 by Bristol Rising Tide bristol at risingtide dot org dot uk

A woman from Bristol who climbed a drilling rig in a protest against fracking in December last year was today found guilty under the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act at Preston Magistrates Court. Yesterday two other defendants were cleared of charges of aggravated trespass as part of the same court case.

On 1 December 2011, protestors from Bristol Rising Tide occupied the test drilling rig, shutting it down for 13 hours.

UK Methane have announced their intention to apply for planning permission to drill a Coal Bed Methane borehole at the Hicks Gate Roundabout in Keynsham.

UK Methane and Eden Energy, an Australian company, own PEDL (Petroleum Exploration and Development License) licenses for an area covering Keynsham, Midsomer Norton, Peasedown and Chew Magna. Reservoir Resources own PEDL 225, covering Wells, Shepton Mallet and Bruton. This area also includes a large number of villages, farms and water catchments for several areas, including the city of Bristol and water for areas in the Mendip such as Glastonbury & Street.
Full story & links