FRACKING firm IGas has now begun drilling at an old bomb test site in Misson, Nottinghamshire, in order to explore for shale gas.

Locals have mounted a sustained protest outside the drill site to highlight their environmental and safety concerns.

The site was used as a bomb test ground by the Royal Air Force until 1958 and the parish council claims that 400,000 bombs were dropped in the area.

Former Green Party leader Natalie Bennett told the Morning Star that the drilling was “obviously disappointing.”

“Having been on the gates at Misson with protesters, I know they will be downhearted and concerned,” she added.

She urged campaigners not to give up.

“The tide is turning very strongly against frackers. They have lost the public argument and this industry will not win in England.”

Drone footage taken last week shows IGas has set up dozens of shipping containers within the perimeter fence of the site and erected eight large storage tanks.