Backlash against Balcombe fracking “hysteria”

Chris, who lives in Brighton, used his powers as an illustrator to reflect what demonstrators have described as the ‘Battle of Balcombe’.

Yet, despite what appears to be strong support for the protest, there are clear signs that some residents in Balcombe and further afield are neutral on the issue.

One 71-year-old told the Middy this week: “If [oil in Balcombe] is there and it can benefit the community then let’s use it, providing safeguards are in place.”

In a letter sent to the Middy today (August 1), a North Chailey resident wrote “I am disgusted at the degree of NIMBYism being demonstrated by Balcombe residents over the fracking affair.

“For 64 years my home was on the B2036 north of Cuckfield. I commuted from Balcombe station and remember well when Conoco drilled their well at the present, disputed site - and found un-commerical amounts of oil - and in Broxmead lane, Bolney. The disruption was minimal.

“Why not let Cuadrilla drill and see what they find? Then will be the time to review the situation in a calm and measured manner.

“The present hysteria about earthquakes, water pollution, flares, industrialisation and traffic disruption is mostly born out of ignorance and is merely feeding the media.”

Anti-fracking campaigner, Georgia Lawe, who belongs to the ‘NO Fracking in Balcombe Society’ (NOFiBS), set up the event with author Chris Riddell today (August 1).

She said: “We need help from high profile people like Chris to keep raising awareness of our campaign. We are very grateful to him for his support.”