I write in response to Ian Hunt’s letter on whether Balcombe shale oil (not gas) protesters were on benefits or not (Letters, April 11).

Having seen the employment details of many who were arrested on the B2036 at Balcombe during this protest, it was indeed noted that many were unemployed as stated by the courts which heard their hearings.

Only one Balcombe resident was arrested, with others arrested coming from far away places.

Some were at the protest camp for the duration of the Cuadrilla drilling operation, eating and drinking any free donation that came their way.

It was a summer holiday in the country with no thought for local residents or users of the B2036, with constant road closures causing traffic problems.

I, like many Balcombe residents, are hoping these protesters will never come back to the B2036. Sadly, so much ill feeling remains with the anti- and pro-fracking opposing groups, it is no longer the friendly village I grew up in.

M Thomason, Oldlands Avenue, Balcombe