The trial is due to begin today (7/1/14) of the first people arrested at the protests against Cuadrilla’s oil exploration operation in Balcombe.

Eleven environmental campaigners were arrested on July 26th 2013, the second day of the blockade of Cuadrilla’s site at Lower Stumble. They are all charged with obstructing the highway. One is also also charged with assaulting a police officer. All deny the charges.

Three of the campaigners are from Lewes in East Sussex, two from Brighton and one from Worthing. The others are from London, south Wales, and Wiltshire.

The trial, before a District Judge at Brighton Magistrates Court, is expected to last three days.