Letter: Sentiments felt by many Balcombe residents

Firstly this week I will take issue with the recent ‘Independent Survey’ which stated 85% were against, 6% were for and 9% didn’t have an opinion with regard to Fracking in Balcombe.This ‘Independent Survey ‘ was carried out by 17 members of ‘Lock The Gate’ or Anti-Frackers. Having spoken to many residents they have told me they were not surveyed by anyone.This survey did not mention how many villagers were actually surveyed.

An elderly man quoted on the internet said “I voted against fracking due to the fact my neighbour was doing the survey and I didn’t want to fall out with him!” Which is very sad state of affairs in a democracy when you think about it. The village has started to become divided on this subject with antis and pro frackers not talking, this will only get worse the longer the protest camp is here,could it become another Greenham Common ? Lets hope not for the sanity and well-being of village life!

I read the Parish Council were at fault for not sending an objection to Cuadrillas planning application.An oversight yes, we all make mistakes.How many village people saw the application and thought they needed to send in a letter objecting to the application ? I would think the answer to be none.

I like most had until recently never heard of the word Fracking. After first hearing the word I started to research what it was and how the procedure was actually carried out. I was amazed that people had actually divised this technique to extract oil/gas from the ground.Was this fracking a new procedure ? No.Fracking first started in 1947 in USA.The Wytch Farm,Poole Harbour,Dorset site (In an area of oustanding natural beauty) have been fracking for last 20 years,the first fracking in UK took place in Lincolnshire in 1988,bet that surprised a few of you reading this!Even Frack Free Dorset are quoted as saying ‘This site has not caused an enviormental issues so far!’

Finally this week I have sent an email to our MP Francis Maude who stated on ITV the Cuadrilla site in Balcombe ‘Was not in anyones back yard,it’s a mile from the village!’ Wrong Mr Maude, the main Village is about 600/700yds away with two houses being about 300yds due north of the site.An MP talking rubbish ? Has this ever happened before? Answers on a post card please!

Malcolm Thomason, by email