"If this goes ahead there are serious health and environmental concerns. I would seriously fear for my family's health if the application is approved," anti-fracking activist John Tootill, who will participate in the protest, told Sky News on Tuesday.
In mid-June, the Lancashire County Council recommended allowing Cuadrilla to drill exploratory wells at the Preston New Road site. It did not endorse the firm’s second bid for Roseacre Wood due to road safety concerns.
Shale gas production, which includes injecting a mixture of toxic chemicals into ground water, is heavily criticized by environmentalists over serious environmental risks and triggering minor earthquakes.
In 2011, shale gas test drilling in Lancashire caused two earth tremors, leading to a temporary fracking ban that was lifted the following year. Several activists at the time occupied the Lancashire drilling site to protest against the controversial practice.
Fracking is currently banned and restricted in all EU states except for Denmark, Poland and the United Kingdom.
