Anti-fracking protests hit Blackpool

Blackpool's North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce was the subject of anti-fracking protests yesterday as part of a day of co-ordinated action against the industry throughout the UK.

Around 10 people from the group accessed the branch at around lunchtime on Monday, but did not gain access to the upper floor, where energy firm Cuadrilla has its Lancashire base.

Around 100 supporters were also outside the building, chanting and singing, to show their support.

Another 13 protestors set up stall in HSBC, Cuadrilla's banker, on Birley Street in the town centre, laying in the atrium of the bank and talking to customers about fracking.