Eviction Underway At Upton Anti-Fracking Camp

An eviction is underway in Upton at the site of a camp occupied by anti-fracking protestors.

Duttons Lane completely closed as @FrackFreeUpton are evicted: pic.twitter.com/elwqmRGg1a

— Phil McCann (@phi1mccann) January 12, 2016

Appears access to the Upton anti-fracking site is restricted, however there is a live stream from inside the site: https://t.co/X3U7r3V3gT

— TheCestrian (@TheCestrian) January 12, 2016

The scene at Upton community protection camp..live..!. pic.twitter.com/Hri8OJKltX

— W A T R P (@Reality_Party) January 12, 2016

The police have issued the below statement:

Cheshire Constabulary is aware that High Court officials are attending a local protest site in Duttons Lane, Upton to carry out an eviction process.

Previously, an order of possession had been served by High Court Enforcement Officers on the site. The Enforcement Officers have now been instructed to enforce the writ on behalf of the court, and Cheshire police officers are monitoring the situation and ensuring public safety.

Over the past few weeks, police liaison officers have been speaking to the protestors. Officers have also met with local residents and residents groups listening to their concerns, and officers have worked with the local community to minimise any impact in the Upton area. Local beat officers will continue to be available throughout the operation to address any issues raised by the local community.

The law provides for the right to peaceful protest, but also for the right for everyone to go about their daily business and the role of the police is to balance all lawful rights.

Over the period that the land has been occupied by the protesters, structures, tunnels and fortifications have appeared on the site which means the eviction process may be protracted. Police are on standby should they need to intervene where necessary.

Depending on events at the location Duttons Lane may have to be closed to allow this process to take place. If this is the case the public are thanked for their patience during this time.