Fracking has been suspended once again at Preston New Road after four earthquakes inside 30 minutes, one of which measured at magnitude 1.1.

In a statement, Cuadrilla said the “micro seismic event measuring 1.1ML (local magnitude) was detected” while fracking was taking place.

The incidents were recorded at around 11.30am this morning (October 29).

“This will be classed as a ‘red’ event as part of the traffic light system operated by the Oil and Gas Authority but as we have said many times this level is way below anything that can be felt at surface and a very long way from anything that would cause damage or harm.

“In line with regulations, hydraulic fracturing has paused for 18 hours now, during which seismicity will continue to be closely monitored by ourselves and the relevant regulators. Well integrity has been checked and verified.”

So 1.1 tremor this time shuts down #Fracking at Preston New Road. Getting bigger and bigger. End it now. @frackfreelancs @prestonlabour

— Councillor John Swin (@CllrJohnSwin) October 29, 2018

The Preston New Road site in Lancashire is Cuadrilla’s first commercial fracking site on UK soil – and it has been controversial.

More: Latest from Lancashire County Council as cold weather persists

Environmentalists have repeatedly protested in objection to fracking at the site due to the potential environmental impacts .

An injunction and judicial review had been put in to the courts by campaigner Bob Dennett and the company were forced to stop its work.

However, the High Court gave the go ahead for the fracking earlier this month, despite Dennett’s argument that Lancashire County Council had not properly assessed the risks.