Friends of the Earth campaigner, Brenda Pollack, gave this reaction to news that Celtique Energie has appealed against the refusal by West Sussex County Council of its planning application to drill near Wisborough Green:
“This appeal will cast a dark shadow over the lives of local residents who have made it clear that they don’t want fracking to take place in their backyard.

“There were clear and sound reasons to refuse this application, less than 500 metres from the South Downs National Park – not least the impacts of extra traffic on a conservation area.

“The Planning Inspectorate must uphold the council’s decision and reject Celtique Energie’s appeal.”