SHALE gas company Cuadrilla will not be able to start fracking at the Preston New Road site in Lancashire until after a hearing next week, the High Court ruled today.

An interim injunction order was signed saying the company “must desist from carrying out any hydraulic fracturing operations” until the hearing takes place.

The decision came after campaigner Bob Dennett applied to the court for an emergency injunction and judicial review of emergency planning procedures at the site, fearing the authorities had failed to protect locals.

Friends of the Earth director of campaigns Liz Hutchins said issues regarding the site had been raised before.

“Fracking has already been stopped in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland because of the risks,” she said.

“It’s bad news for our climate, environment and local people. When is the government going to wake up and realise it’s backed the wrong horse?”

Cuadrilla’s fracking will be the first high volume hydraulic fracture in Britain since 2011 and the country’s first ever of a horizontal shale gas well.

Green Party co-leader Jonathan Bartley said fracking companies’ “days are numbered” while MP Caroline Lucas called the news “fantastic.”

Ms Lucas said: “The government can ignore climate science, overrule communities and push through planning changes, but the people won't give up.  We will win the fight against fracking.”
    
Fossil Free’s Anna Vickerstaff said people power and local action has kept the industry at bay for seven years in Britain.

“We must continue to oppose fracking wherever the industry threatens communities and to stand with the people of Lancashire as they continue their fight,” she added.