A viewing area has been set up as preparation work begins for fracking to resume near Preston.

Cuadrilla has set up the area in what it hopes will bring an end to anti-fracking protests which have regularly brought the A583 to a halt.

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The site in Preston New Road is seeing vehicles regularly coming and going but the shale gas firm has set up an area allowing members of the public to see what’s happening.

A statement from Cuadrilla said: “Cuadrilla has set up a dedicated viewing area near its Preston New Road shale gas exploration site, in order to allow interested members of the public to observe the site from a safe location as work progresses.

“It is intended that the area will be open during daylight hours from approximately 0900 to 1700 each day that works are taking place. The area, which measures approximately 18mx12m, and has clear visibility of the site, is on private land owned by a local farmer who has agreed the use of this part of his land for this purpose.

“Members of the public interested in viewing the site are encouraged to make use of the space, which will ensure that the major A583 road and entrance junction is not obstructed and is kept safe and secure for all road users.”

Read more: Fracking site near Preston has new speed limit introduced

The firm says those wishing to protest can use the viewing area to protest in a peaceful and lawful way.

Lancashire for Shale has welcomed the setting up of the viewing area.

A spokesman told Business Lancashire said: “This is constructive action designed to minimise disruption for local residents and businesses using the A583 from the antics of some of the people who’ve been protesting on this busy road since the start of the year

“Obviously, the protesters actually need to choose to use this area for this measure to be effective, so hopefully the more sensible activists will ensure that common-sense prevails.”

Drilling for shale gas, the process known as fracking, was given the go-ahead by the government who overturned a decision to refuse Cuadrilla permission to resume fracking made by Lancashire County Council.

Anti-fracking campaign groups have been holding demonstrations near the Preston New Road site. Some protesters have taken direct action by blocking traffic and this week a man was removed by police from a lorry leaving the site.

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