Anti-fracking protesters will maintain a presence outside an exploratory drilling site following two days of direct action against the energy company carrying out the work.

Hydraulic fracturing for shale oil and gas is “in the national purpose” and right for Britain’s energy security, the chairman of Cuadrilla said.

The Church of England is “out of touch” with local communities and some of its own dioceses over the issue of fracking, according to activists in the UK.

Fracking close to an important wildlife site could disturb birds, conservationists warned as they lodged an objection to the planned scheme.