[Omah]

Shale gas company Cuadrilla is to carry out exploratory drilling at a site in West Sussex.

Cuadrilla plans to drill a 3,000ft (914m) vertical well and a 2,500ft (762m) horizontal bore to the south of Balcombe, near Haywards Heath, in June.

It said if oil and gas were discovered tests would be carried out but neither well would be hydraulically-fractured.

The local authority previously told representatives of Cuadrilla on 3 May it was "committed to oppose" the technique.

Tony Bosworth, of Friends of the Earth, said: "Today Lancashire, tomorrow the Weald - this test drilling could lead to fracking on a large scale.

"This news will strengthen the resolve of local people who are already fighting to protect their communities from the fracking threat."

He added: "Fracking is dirty, unnecessary and a risk to our climate and environment. We should be investing in safe, clean energy from the wind, waves and sun."

The exploratory drilling is expected to last for about four months.

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