Local Group wins National Award: “Campaign of the Year” - Press Release

At their annual ‘Earthmovers’ ceremony this weekend, Friendsof the Earth awarded 'Campaign of the Year' to Fylde campaign group, Residents’Action on Fylde Fracking (RAFF).

Accepting the award, Julie Daniels of RAFF said: “This award is for all the groups and amazing individuals who have worked tirelessly to confront this threat to our communities. The industries seeking to extract unconventional sources of energy here are finding more and more people who know the truth and do not believe the propaganda; we are a growing force to be reckoned with.”

Presenting the award, Andy Atkins, Executive Director of Friends of the Earth said: "We're delighted to recognise Residents Against Fylde Fracking for their outstanding campaigning against dirty shale gas.

"They have inspired communities across the UK with their creativity and commitment, and show what can be achieved when a group of ordinary people come together to protect their community.

"They deserve to win not just this award but the bigger battle against fracking."

Praise, thanks and inclusion in the acceptance of the award also went to other local groups; Ribble Estuary Against Fracking, Frack FreeFylde, Refracktion and Defend Lytham as well as national groups Britain & Ireland Frack Free and Frack Off.

Tina Rothery of RAFF added: "Of course the true prize comes when we stop shale gas and other unconventional energy extraction here in the UK and beyond but for now, this award presents an exceptional opportunity to access the resources and support of Friends of the Earth who have groups throughout the UK and the world. Their support and solidarity is priceless."

Gathering on the Green

News of the award comes in time for the second ‘Gathering on the Green’ that takes place on Saturday 20 July at 2pm. The first gathering was in 2012 when local group opposing shale gas extraction arranged to meet at the Lytham Windmill during the Open Golf.

This year the groups are asking for local residents to join them for a community conversation about the risks posed by the shale gas industry.

Tina Rothery of RAFF said: “In addition to the local campaigning groups, representatives from national groups Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace will also be joining us to show support and contribute to this important conversation.  The recent report by the Advertising Standards Agency that reprimanded Cuadrilla for misleading and exaggerating their claims about the safety of ‘fracking’, show that we need honesty and residents need access to that. We’re hoping that everyone with concerns will come along.”