A FRACKING group is protesting outside a specialist compaction service plant in the borough.

Sixteen people from Frack Free Wigan, Leigh and Makerfield have been stationed outside the CRH Plant at Landgate Industrial Estate in Ashton-in-Makerfield since 7am, blocking the entrance for trucks.

They say they are acting in support of campaigners at Preston New Road outside Blackpool, claiming CRH Plant trucks have been seen going into the site where Cuadrilla is constructing a well pad for exploratory drilling.

A spokesman said the group is protesting for 'CRH Plant to withdraw from contracting to Cuadrilla and to seek contracts in the renewable energy sector, rather than the fracking industry'.

Police have been called to the site.