“Once again, the actions by a group of misguided protesters have significantly disrupted the road network around Preston New Road and caused a major inconvenience to both local businesses and the community” said Lancashire For Shale spokesperson Tony Raynor.
The A583 was blocked both ways today from around 7am to just before 10am. Unfortunately, this coincided with a major accident on the M55, which has increased the disruption.
“It is unbelievable that protesters knew about both main routes between Blackpool and Preston being blocked during the busiest time of day, but still chose to prolong the disruption for local people for a period of time. This is further evidence of their callous and inconsiderate behaviour and is losing them any local public support.
“Lancashire For Shale calls for this type of on-the-road protest to stop immediately. This is even less acceptable following the recent opening of a dedicated viewing area overlooking the site where the protestors could gather without inconveniencing local road users.”
Babs Murphy chief executive of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce said: “These people should be ashamed of themselves. Ordinary, law abiding citizens who merely want to go about their daily lawful business should not be inconvenienced to this extent. Whilst some activists have revelled in the disruption caused to local road users today, thousands of people have had to suffer the consequence of their actions. It is shameful behaviour and wrong on all counts”.
