Radio Mundo Real

Company Cuadrilla Resources is ready to begin in a few hours shale gas drilling works in Preston New Road, Lancashire, England. The local residents who have been opposing fracking for years received the news with deep sadness. Nevertheless, their socioenvironmental struggle has inspired locals and foreigners.

In 2017, mobilizations against fracking projects intensified in the area. But July marked a milestone. Religious groups, unions, environmental activists, farmers and families in general carried out massive demonstrations in the framework of what was known as “The Rolling Resistance”, organized by the national movement “Reclaim the Power”. The direct actions even halted the general operations of Cuadrilla Resources.

Real World Radio interviewed on Friday activist Barbara Richardson, of the “Roseacre Awareness Group”, also member of the “Frack Free Lancashire” movement and resident of the area where the extractive project was installed. Barbara told us about the local resistance to fracking, the concerns of the inhabitants, the need to develop renewable energies and the context of the struggle against climate change. She also made reference to the emotional aspect of this struggle and the international support received. Along these lines, Barbara made special reference to Friends of the Earth England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FOE EWNI) and Friends of the Earth Groups from different parts of Europe.