Brighton protesters arrested at potential fracking site in Balcombe

At least four people from Brighton were among 16 arrested during a protest against the prospect of fracking in Balcombe.

About 60 protesters gathered at the Cuadrilla site in London Road, Balcombe, yesterday (Friday 26 July).

Some moved a tree across the entrance to the site and were blocking access, Sussex Police said.

The force said that police liaison officers spoke to protesters to try to persuade them to move away from the road providing access to the site to alternative locations.

After allowing some time for this to happen, Sussex Police said, 16 people were arrested.

Five were held for causing danger to road users, and 11 under the Trade Union Labour Relations Act for trying to stop drivers and other workers from accessing the site.

Superintendent Steve Whitton said: “Sussex Police fully recognises the right to demonstrate peacefully and seeks to facilitate such activity.

“We also have a duty to recognise and help facilitate the rights of other parties to go about their lawful business.

“These two rights sometimes conflict, so policing at demonstrations requires careful decisions to be made that help balance the two.

“Our aim at Balcombe is to provide a safe and secure environment for protesters, residents and the contractors alike, to minimise disproportionate disruption to the local community and to prevent crime and disorder.

“All of today’s arrests were made to meet this aim and ensure public safety.”