Fracking fears in East Kent

At the moment, its a quiet corner of east Kent. But locals there fear that they could be at the centre of battles between police and protestors. Scenes similar to Balcombe in Sussex - if an oil exploration company has its way.

Coastal Oil and Gas have submitted drilling applications at Shepherdswell, Tilmanstone and Guston in east Kent. The licence they have says they'll drill for methane - not shale gas.

But that hasn't stopped the worries for villagers. They think it could damage their countryside - and their way of life.

Andrea thomas has been speaking to campaigner Julie Wassmer, from East Kent Against Fracking, fellow campaigner Councillor Ian Driver, from Thanet District Council, Councillor David Brasier, from Kent County Council and local MP Charlie Elphicke.

Three planning applications have been submitted to Kent County Council to allow exploratory drilling for coal and shale bed methane gas in East Kent.

The sites involved are in the villages of Sheperdswell, Guston and Tilmanstone.

The applications have prompted objections from the campaign group East Kent Against Fracking (EKAF).

Concerns have also been raised by Protect Kent, an affiliate of the charity Campaign to Protect Rural England.

Protect Kent held a meeting last night in Shepherdswell for residents of all three villages to raise concerns.