Everyone is invited to an anti-fracking demonstration in Upton during Saturday (November 28) to raise awareness about an imminent test drill before the on-site protest camp gets evicted.

The peaceful gathering is happening opposite Long Lane shops from 10am until 11.30 before people walk up to the camp in Duttons Lane– due to be evicted any time from December 4 onwards .

In preparation for resistance to the eviction, informal skill-sharing around 'towers, tunnels and treehouses' is taking place at the camp throughout Saturday and Sunday during a drop-in ‘solidarity building’ event with everyone welcome.

Residents and supporters of Upton Protection Camp tell energy company IGas to 'Frack off'.

Frack Free Upton is asking anti-fracking opponents to take placards and banners along to Saturday’s demo as well as warm/waterproof clothing, drinks and snacks. Opponents fear the environmental impact of IGas Energy’s exploratory coalbed methane borehole and the unconventional gas exploration and extraction that may follow.

A spokesperson said: “IGas have no social licence to drill in Upton. Over 2,800 residents have been surveyed and 85% do not want unconventional gas exploration or extraction in Upton. Please come along and support this event.

"Once the eviction has taken place, there will be nothing to stop the exploratory drilling at Duttons Lane from going ahead. Please also continue to support the camp with supplies of food and water.”

Demo information

Protesters will meet at 10am outside Long Lane Post Office before crossing the road to gather on the grass island opposite on the corner of Long Lane and Caughall Road. They will remain there in a ‘highly visible’ location to passing traffic until 11.30am when some demonstrators will walk up to the camp. As the peaceful protest is alongside a busy main road, it is not considered suitable for young children.

Recent visitors to Upton Protection Camp will have noticed that it has become increasingly fortified with high wooden walls and tree houses at the entrance to the field. And this weekend informal courses are taking place for people wishing to be part of the peaceful resistance to the eviction during an event entitled ‘Upton Solidarity Building Weekend - Towers, Tunnels and Treehouses’.

Reinforcements are being made to the anti-fracking camp off Duttons Lane, Upton, Chester.

Buses are coming from different areas across the UK with organisers saying there ‘should be plenty of opportunity to learn new skills and meet interesting people’.

A spokesperson said: “Come along and learn new skills and join in the work going on, or network, meet new people, help out with cups of tea etc.”

■ The new Frack Free Frodsham & Helsby group is holding a peaceful anti-fracking demo, with placards and banners, outside Thornton le Moors Parish Council at Holly Bank, Pool Lane, Thornton le Moors, between 7.15pm and 8pm on Wednesday December 2. The group claims the parish council accepted a £500 donation when it gave permission for seismic testing to go ahead on its own land.

A spokesperson said: “Come along and join other friendly local community folk who are peacefully lobbying the parish council in order to show peaceful visual opposition to fracking and all forms of unconventional gas exploration and extraction from taking place in the area.”

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