Day 26 in the Cuadrilla House...

Deeply indebted to Miranda for keeping the updates... up-to-date from Preston New Road Rolling Roadside Protest whilst I'm in London. I am reminded on reading today's entry of the first shock of truly bias media being so blatant, the affront of abuses of justice, the sheer bloody awful sense of corruption and shock at the treatment of the good people... that comes with activism and although after time, we grow sadly used to this - it hurts like hell to realise what we are actually facing and what this all says about the world we live in, the myths of government and the lie of democracy. Thank you Miranda for more than the update - for the reminder of why we're still here <3 span="">

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Written by Miranda Cox:
Day 26 in the Cuadrilla House

Where to begin? It has been another day of tactics, solidarity, friendship, determination and a few tears.

Today has seen successful action at A E Yates in Bolton and the unlawful arrest of a photographer. 

There's been a nasty crash on Preston New Road, right outside the Frack site, resulting in injuries, and protectors have been kettled by Police to facilitate delivery of a few plastic pipes. The yellow ribbons in the hedge are spreading like blooms amid thorns and support is still strong.

Yesterday's positive results ( positive for us, negative for the fracking industry) meant that late in the day, we finally achieved some mainstream media TV coverage. The BBC visited Preston New Road Roadside Protest, filmed protectors stopping a lorry and interviewed a couple of people. Interestingly all questions echoed a Cuadrilla Press Statement issued earlier in the day, therefore we were not suprised to note it resembled more of a platform for CEO Mr Egan than an objective piece of reporting. However, we looked damn fine in the spring sunshine and a few more people joined us on the roadside today as a result of watching and being angered.

This morning brought news that another pop up protest in Bolton at EA Yates was successfully stopping lorries, placing further pressure upon Cuadrilla's main contractor. It appears from reports that lorries were slow walked to the main highway, where unfortunately a photographer who had only just arrived, was arrested. We have no further details at the moment, but we send our best wishes to him.

So it looked like it was going to be another quiet day in Little Plumpton....or so we thought.

Around 8.45am a cement mixer from a new supplier (Cemex) apparently entered site from the east, having to make a right turn, not permitted in the Traffic Management Plan. Security, Police Liaison Officers and two vigilant protectors indicated that this was not permitted and as the lorry hesitated, a car stopped, and another crashed at speed into the back of it.

Ambulances attended to the injured parties including young children. The witnesses were shocked and we all wish everyone involved a swift recovery.

The incident was reported to HSE and LCC and again, we are yet to see anyone visit the site or provide a satisfactory response to our concerns.

This is another shocking event, which is as expected, being spun to underplay the severity and also try to apportion blame anywhere but at the door of Cuadrilla. When most decent people would be concerned should be for the safety and well being of residents and road users, this company intentionally creates a web of alternative facts.

The cement company involved issued a statement suggesting that the delivery was a one off and in no way tied them to a contract.
After the road was cleared and the cars towed away, the site remained quiet. One flat bed truck carrying some plastic pipes and other small items was stopped without closing the road and actually left site without delivering. Around an hour later it returned but not before another alarming development.

We suddenly became aware that four police vans had assembled along the road. En masse, the police descended and ran across the road herding protesters against the hedge. Several are clearly heard asking why on videos posted online. The response was it was suspected there would be a breach of the peace. Within minutes the flat bed truck sped into the compound, and the police vanished, seemingly satisfied that no breach of the peace would occur. It appeared to us that their role had been to facilitate delivery.

One older protector was extremely shaken and tearful, expressing her frustration and confusion as to why we were treated so aggressively. What words can express any comfort to someone wanting to show solidarity, someone who's only motivation is a better, cleaner world for their grandchildren? That's something I am still trying to fathom.

It seems even more surreal when you consider this was all for a few pipes, and no work progressed on site all day.

Day 25 in the Cuadrilla House...

Although I'm in London ... here is the round up[ of Day 25 in the Cuadrilla House - brought to you by the lovely Miranda Cox who is covering the next three days - thanks so much Miranda <3 span="">

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Day 25 in the Cuadrilla House.... (by Miranda Cox)

A day of good news, another road rage incident, beautiful weather and a party-like atmosphere on the roadside.

Successful early morning Protector action in St Anne's at Moores Cement depot meant work was tediously slow on the site, with only one delivery made. It also meant another contractor pulled out....more on this to follow.

So today was interesting in many ways. The sun shone from very early and the temperature was considerably warmer. Protectors were wearing fewer layers and thermals, and the birds could be clearly heard singing in the brief interludes between traffic and supportive car horns.

We started the day hopeful, hearing the news that protectors were blockading a local supplier. Many of us watched a live stream whilst eating our toast, wondering how the action would play out and what the impact would be. I am sure I wasn't the only one who nearly choked when we received word that a protector had been knocked down in what appears to be another road rage incident. Thankfully the protector was checked by paramedics and was fine. Again the situation could have been so much worse, but this is the second horrible and distressing incident in 5 days.

Before 9am an email was sent from Moores to Cuadrilla. Below is an extract:

...

"As you are aware the potestors have now moved to block our St Anne's Depot, and we have been unable to move raw material in and concrete out to any of our customers this morning. I understand that this blockade will continue whilst we are supplying your contract at Preston New Road. In view of the drastic affect this is now having on the rest of my customers, we have no alternative but to cease supplies to the above site".

...

This is the domino effect talked about yesterday. The impact of dealing with a company that has no social licence, and no local mandate carries far too many negative ramifications for suppliers, who have their reputations and other customers to consider. Shares in the gas industry are falling as delays and public protest grow. This is what happens when people join together, using strategies and different methods of protest.

Meanwhile along Preston New Road we stood and watched very little happen.

A protector demanded action regarding the poor and dangerous state of repair in which the road had been left after yesterday's drilling, and a few shovels of tarmac were applied. One lorry (hired) arrived and was unloaded, and another carrying aggregate from a new supplier arrived at lunch time and was held safely for around one hour. The driver, unable to enter the site decided to call it a day and drove away. The road remained open in both directions and we danced to some new sounds on a louder amp and enjoyed the spring weather.

What tomorrow may bring, we don't know, but what we do know is the suppliers are questioning their involvement in this toxic industry and we know Protectors come in many forms- we have different skills, different stories and travelled different paths, but we are on the same road, a road to ending this undemocratic experiment on our communities.

Thank you to every single one of you!

Day 24 in the Cuadrilla House....

Day 24 in the Cuadrilla House… and the good people caught the scent of success in the air from the moment each arrived at Preston New Road Rolling Roadside Protest. Diesel-to-fresh air ratio was low and after a single delivery (slow-walked for nearly an hour) – there were NO more gravel trucks coming our way! All that clamoured up the hill, was cement and the road sweeper. Clearly, somewhere between us and a quarry in Bolton, was a wall and it was made of Protectors, saving PNR from the daily invasion.

So if the start of the day was good, the follow ups just kept getting better. The return of the Liverpool Socialist Singers brought song to the sunshine and then… oh my :) …mid-afternoon brought fantastic news; you could feel the triumph ripple out from one Protector in Bolton –then reverberate right through an entire movement from PNR to Scotland, Sussex and beyond: Armstrong Aggregate (supplier to Cuadrilla) wrote what read like a love letter to the frack-free movement:

“We have made the decision at 1pm today to terminate all work at Little Plumpton with AE Yates and Cuadrilla.” David Armstrong

Wow. This is more than one supplier, it is a domino that fell today. To the suppliers, Cuadrilla is just one contract - to Cuadrilla,, the suppliers are their air & water, their lifeblood and without them, they perish. This one supplier has shown others, not only how it's done but that they too should think twice about whether working with the frack companies is worth it at all. Unless of course they love a slow-walk and the friendly smile of a determined Protector for breakfast each day.;) Then there's the shareholders this evening, looking at their investment, wondering how many more millions will be lost in this industry of all spend and no earnings... and considering other options. Igas, Ineos etc. will also be looking on and wondering what on earth is in store the next move they make too.

The day passed pretty much without trucks as they were tied up in those clutch-grinding binds on a hill in Bolton. The one that had made the dash for freedom early – arrived only to find PNR Protectors waiting to greet it with a gentle slow-walk of over an hour. I arrived as police vehicles were unloading and asked if there was anything wrong – it was said that some in the slow-walk were obstructing the highway (due to non-movement) – although it was denied, a few of us replaced the current walkers to finish it just in case. That done, the site staff set about the only job they were able to get on with – getting electricity to the new little island in the middle of the road.

Today the road lane closure changed sides to accommodate a noisy drill tearing a trench through the now fenced-off area between lamp and island. This took all day and ate-up the pavement so there was no passage. If any needed to pass through, all work had to halt and there was reluctance by those working, to accommodate us but they got on with it grumpily, stopping work each time. Little more to say on work progress today… which is deliciously nice.

A real ray of sunshine and an accordion, the Liverpool Socialist Singers took a while getting through the escorted footpath walk – having arrived in little clusters rather than a lump.;) Once through they tried magnificently to reach sound levels to beat the asphalt-chewing drill and were such welcome harmony amidst the cacophony. Huge thanks.

I'm off to London tomorrow for 3 days at lovely and much needed, LUSH Summit. A brilliant event in perfect time that will allow activists from across the country to come together, skill share, idea share and plot and plan. Miranda has kindly agreed to update daily so I can share from her, what goes on in the continuing saga at the roadside at PNR and beyond. See you Friday?

*Whopping great, magnificent highlight of the day – brilliant Protectors in Bolton helping Armstrong Aggregates to understand what the community wants and getting them to agree.<3 span=""> Yay Bolton Against Fracking

“Additional bonus highlight of the day – livestreams that kept us up to speed with all that unfolded x

Image thanks to Peter Yankowski

9 out of 10 prefer...

We have so many choices – makes some wonder what we have to complain about – after all, if we can ‘choose’ from so much to improve our lives, when life feels impossible, it’s implied that this is as a result of our personal ‘choices’.

Like those comparison sites that tell you if you just spend some time, you can find and choose a provider that is priced reasonably – first though you have to work your way through the thieves and muggers with the hidden charges, rising rates, expensive marketing and myriad of ‘choices’ that give you a sense of frustration and inadequacy along with the illusion of control… but with personal effort, maybe you’ll get the first 3 months at a reduced rate, rising gradually to astronomical over the course of a few decades of a contract linked to inflation in a small offshore tax haven and a free pen to make you feel good about it along with a finale of congratulations from construction workers dancing in shorts and stilettos to tell you how right and clever you are.

We can choose which app we use to control our heating from our phone
We can choose from hundreds of versions of a plain cheese pizza
We can choose to buy now and pay later
We can choose the same cat foot that 9 out of 10 cat owners prefer
We can even choose whether to writhe in agony for an operation we already paid for through taxes – or instead pay more for private treatment quickly.

There are some things that are beyond our reach though in this world of choice… things we’re told are going to happen regardless of our knowledge or concerns:

…we CAN’T choose what poison fills our children’s lungs from industry or if we play roulette with the safety of our water or if dangerous waste and toxins are left to fester deep underground before they journey gradually up through sources of that water and eventually agricultural land to emerge in our livestock, our crops and the symptoms of our sicknesses and reasons for birth defects.

...we can’t choose who our government kills in our names in wars they deem necessary.

…we can’t choose whether our taxes pay for weapons to kill or healthcare to heal

…we can’t choose our system of government – it is inflicted on us and comes in disguise as a ‘democracy’ with the illusion of 'choice' every 5 years when a pen is presented along with a choice of options supported by promises that will be broken.

Those who become activists as a result of realising how dangerous it is to ignore these myths of choice and truths of harm, know very well too – that you can’t choose to Protect your young or defend what matters – without interference and aggression from the system of government and its agencies.

We can’t even choose our politicians really – like a vending machine, the system of government only spits out same-shaped objects to choose from. Anything slightly radical, any new-fangled flavours or healthier options – just don’t fit the machine… so those with heart who aim to enter the system to help change it – find themselves trimmed, neatened, cut-off in parts and moulded to fit the machine… or they just don’t make it.

Our system of government is an abomination. Like a greedy, selfish, nasty psychopathic partner – it just takes and takes from this relationship between citizen and state. Each payday we give it our money in the expectation that it will ensure the children are educated, our elders can access care, the sick can be treated and planning is in place for the provision of the necessities of existence like safe air and water… instead though, our partner gets drunk on subsidised champagne, has a row with the neighbours, builds a wall, buys a gun and calls itself a hero for keeping us safe.

If you’re not already raging – you’re probably the right shape for that vending machine …nearby, a chorus-line of dancing bankers are rejoicing every time you choose to shut up, sit down and take what you’re given.

Activistism is not a choice - it is an obligation, a responsibility and once accepted - a lifelong commitment that shouldn't have to be

Day 23 in the Cuadrilla House...

Day 23 in the Cuadrilla House… and the good people found counting trucks almost pointless as other than a few little vehicles, hardly anything came to the site! Thank you thank you thank you wonderful Protectors in Bolton today – impacting AE Yates and Armstrongs; suppliers and enablers of Cuadrilla. The atmosphere was different today and up until the awful part where a Protector and a Security Guard got run down by site staff (more on that later), there was a happier mood made by genuinely friendly people of good intent. Much loved Protectors came to visit from the South and nearer to home, bringing food, cake and most appreciated of all… laughter and friendship. Felt uplifted. Some of us were talking about how truly, no day at the roadside of PNR, is ever the same as the last.

So first to the awful incident in the afternoon that I missed witnessing due to a loo break (these take up to 40 minutes as it’s a trek). When I was arriving back I saw an ambulance and the incident was described to me as: a small truck had been held in place at the traffic lights by a Protector, the driver grew impatient and veered across the road, blocking the only open traffic lane. The driver got out and walked off n anger. A member of site staff got into the vehicle, sped off to the top of the site and quickly, recklessly reversed in – hitting a security guard and a Protector visiting from Lancaster. Police took statements from witnesses and the dangerous driver was breathalysed and questioned – will update when we know about charges etc. Here are the words of some who were there at the time and know more:


[I'm sat on the floor on the pavement opposite the Cuadrilla fracking site. I am on the floor as I am still shocked at what has happened. It happened so fast. Witnessing people get knocked down and reversed into causes weird emotional high alert and then physical shut down. Now I have stopped shaking and crying I can think.

What we witnessed was aggressive driving with blatant disregard for safety. The security guy was knocked down the moment the AE Yates truck reversed into the work zone. His helmet flew off. At this point I started running to see if he was OK. Another protector ran to his aid and ended up behind the now briefly stationary truck. The moment the driver saw the security guy stand he carried on reversing at high speed. If the protestor and security hadn't been carried along, they would have gone under the wheels.

We were screaming at the driver who carried on. And for what?....What is so worth reckless behaviour, behaviour that is life endangering ( is that a word?).

This industry is corrupt it's beyond careless.
This is why I am here.
PLEASE join us. We need to Stop them for all our sakes]


And this from the Protector who was hit by the truck:
["I walked behind the truck to stop the truck from backing up. If the security guard hadn't kept me on my feet I would have been under the truck.I’m OK."]


And another witnessing Protector:
[No, she wasn't injured, thankfully, but it could have been so much worse. The security guard protected her and took the force of the truck.]

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Before this the day started with sunshine and welcome smiles from newcomers to the roadside. Lots of new conversation, observations and plan sharing - when word to ear is the best way ;)


Other bits:
Dawn got the freshly broken horn of her car fixed (yes broken due to overuse on her daily drive-bys lol!) and although the children were supposed only to be using whistles till it was fixed – they just gave it everything they had for a full-volume drive-by of perfection. Love that car-full of little ones shouting “Roar like a dinosaur!” and the smile of the driver x


Then there was the return of the near-naked cyclist from a local club, in a variety of costumes cycling by. He went through a range of looks today: fully clothed clown on a bike, semi-clothed clown on a bike, near-naked clown on a bike and then simply a return to near-naked cyclist (appropriately at last) on a bike.


The end of the week at the roadside but tomorrow still brings the chance to find out more, meet up and make plans at our PNR Solidarity Saturdays – every Saturday at Maple Farm (just down the road next to World of Water Blackpool.) from 10-2. Hosted by RAFF - Residents Action on Fylde Fracking If you can’t make it, we’re back at the roadside on Monday, see you then?

*Highlight of the day… the passion for ‘the plan’ ;)


*Image thanks to Cheryl Atkinson

Day 22 in the Cuadrilla House...

Day 22 in the Cuadrilla House… and the good people gathered at the roadside on a day when we hear news that makes many feel low and trampled under this enormous, time consuming, energy exhausting burden; word has come from Lancashire County Council that deliveries to Cuadrilla’s Preston New Road site can (now there is an entrance-way) arrive between 7:30-18:30 - the temporary traffic light hours of 9:30-15:00 are still in place for roadworks (currently a traffic-island being constructed and work at curbs and footpaths). Going to be difficult to maintain truck count; although today we slow-walked just 5 trucks and the road sweeper – there were certainly other deliveries. Yes this is horrid. Tactics have to adapt and thankfully, as we need to be together and focused, a greater plan is beginning to unfold amongst Protectors and groups across the country.

So although the sun shone for a while, the music played, horns beeped, a much welcome delivery of lots and lots of coffees was passed from a supportive driver (received with huge gratitude by chilly Protectors) and Dawn’s car-full of children seemed louder and more gleeful than ever… there was a sense of helplessness, anger, frustration and weariness. Some days you just feel so bloody inadequate to the task. Constantly wondering at what more we should be doing, analysing it all, waking at night with an idea to make it right then thinking it through and realising you’ll hit a brick wall with that one… looking to each other and seeking answers and all the while – the immense burning anger in your belly with each new dig by the digger. I know I should be used to the brick walls of our phoney democracy – but they still hurt. Each time you are certain that ‘this’ is full-proof, ‘it’ is certain to change everything …it doesn’t and you keep clawing at the data, the mounting evidence and the strength of opposition to find the next ‘this’ that will really be the thing that does it… on and on we’ve gone.

A comment from a fellow Protector also added to the gloom:

“Jesus H.Christ ! just read the postings from Mike Hill re Environment Agency response to his question last night as to what they are doing with the radioactive sludge which is 90 x acceptable safe limit. Answer: dump it in local landfill. Ie:Clifton marsh just over a mile from my house. We already have the toxic crap from Springfield's nuclear fuels and low level radioactive medical waste. Scotland looking more and more attractive.”

Although right now feels devastating, desperate to lash out and stop each part of this coming together - it’s never been more important to remember that having gone from a handful of groups in 2011 – to hundreds covering the entire country now, we HAVE been successful at stopping fracking from starting years ago when it was expected to. Soctland, Ireland and Wales have had successes. We’ve chinked at their edges, put our foot out and tripped them up, stalled their progress and got in the way of their plans time and again since we found them out – and it’s worked to now; there’s STILL NO FRACKING production sites in the UK.

PNR though is intended for production and is under construction - so far though it’s the roadworks and not the pad or massive infrastructure stage... and this place may present our best chance to stop the industry. The patience of investors is stretched to breaking with no gas being produced and nothing but spend spend spend and effective tactics now, could break them completely.

There is the greater plan that is gradually filtering between many and coming together but there is also an urgent need right now for the supply companies to be helped to realise that this ONE CONTRACT is just not worth the trouble it brings. For all that our diverse Protectors say needs to happen, there is freedom of choice always in how we ensure it does and if you’re with a group, it’s worth asking if you've received updates or info concerning PNR. Sorry this all sounds a bit cryptic but there are times when Facebook/Blog is not the place to chat.

Huge thanks were missed yesterday, to our much loved and appreciated 'Herbalist to the Protectors' for the gift of more cough medicine and some lovely sleepy mix, will try tonight and see how it goes x<3 span=""> See you tomorrow?

Video highlight of the day… not an easy share this as the title is a challenge lol! One of these fine dancers in the video is a Protector at PNR roadside and we’re thinking of getting some lessons lol! (Dawn, cover the children’s eyes!)  “10ft Wizard Covered in Tits” 

Day 21 in the Cuadrilla House...

Day 21 in the Cuadrilla House… and the good people danced in sunshine, talked strikes and Unions, masterminded plots and plans and decorated hedges with bunting and signage as well as yellow ribbons and knitted pieces. Music returned along with a delicious cake and sandwich delivery courtesy of 2 fantastic visitors from Ellesmere Port who came in solidarity. We slow-walked 4 tucks and a road sweeper but missed 1 that had arrived before the works lane was operating. Awaiting clarity but now that the entrance-way of the site is sufficient for some trucks to turn directly in, we’re informed that they’re able to arrive from 7:30am – temporary lights and lane closure from 9:30-3 as usual.

So after the dramatic and effective day yesterday, today was a contrast that brought with it welcome news that due to actions over the past 21 working days at PNR and additional support in Bolton, the site is around a fortnight behind schedule. This is worked out by the date the temporary works-lane was due to be no longer operating – around 6th Feb… it is indicated now that the temporary lane won’t be going till around 20th Feb. Well done all who did what they could to make this happen.

Last night’s blog was a bit lengthy so I won’t keep you so long this evening. Not every day is high octane and not every plan is seen, until it arrives but at the end of this day, the feeling was positive and confident about news that has come to the roadside. Protectors in all their ways at PNR are supported by an entire movement and not just by those who share our aim to stop fracking but by groups and individuals who offer what they can do because what’s happening here, is an attack on our democracy too. Local democracy was neutered when Westminster made the decision to frack – ignoring the demands of the people and Council of Lancashire that said NO. We are in a righteous and honourable position, imposed on by government but supported by the community and council.

No two days have been the same here and with many things to come to end this industry, a day like today was perfect for planning and sharing news, also good for talking with workers during the slow walks. A representative of UNITE the Union was with us today and we’ve asked for more information for those working here as their health and wellbeing is at risk too. Many are not informed about what they are creating and this feels very wrong; when they eventually find out about the harms this industry does to children, pregnant women, livestock, communities, water and air quality, how will they feel then?

If I found out I was contributing even in a small way to future birth abnormalities (search Midwife Utah fracking), the failure of farms (for every 10 jobs created by fracking, 18 are LOST in agriculture – search Victoria State Ban), death of livestock (search George Bender), induced dependence on delivered water (search Denton, Texas), increased earthquakes and fallen property values (search Oklahoma earthquakes – used to be 2 a year, now 2 a day) or the countless daily reports found on the ‘List of the Harmed’ Pennsylvania - I would feel sick and deeply responsible. Sadly without Union membership, a lot of these workers would be unable to get the help they need to be able to object on moral grounds. There is a thing called a ‘Green Ban’ which is a form of strike action, taken for environmentalist or conservationist purposes that is being looked into to see if it can apply to proposed fracking sites in the UK and as ALL but 1 (GMB) of the Unions in the UK support a call to stop fracking, it would be a valuable tool.

Aggressive driving at high speed by Armstrongs' drivers made for a few worrying moments but this was countered by the smiles as we watched the little digger truck dig itself into the hole and become wedged for a really long time... nice finish to the day. See you tomorrow? x.

*Food highlight of the day, another lemon drizzle cake this time from Ellesmere Port visitors that means we feel a bake off may soon become necessary as Nana Kate has clearly got competition!

*Image thanks to Cheryl Atkinson