NEWS that a bid to explore for shale gas in rural West Sussex has gone to appeal will come as a blow, but no shock to residents.

Celtique Energie’s application to drill near Wisborough Green and Kirdford was roundly criticised by councillors who said its highways assessment was riddled with failings.

But Celtique has predictably come back fighting, appealing to the Planning Inspectorate, and describing West Sussex County Council’s reasons for objection as “unsound”.

The inspectorate now has the power to overrule the decision or refer it to the Secretary of State.

Surely it is time to invest in clean energy – not spoil our landscape with dirty fossil fuels.