• The government is due to reveal whether fracking can go ahead at two sites in Lancashire in a landmark ruling for the UK shale gas industry

• The director of Public Health for Lancashire says obesity is one of the county's most concerning health problems
• Police are looking for the driver of a flatbed truck after a cyclist was struck in Chorley last month

The government is due to reveal whether it backs fracking plans in Lancashire in a landmark ruling for the UK shale gas industry. 

Image source, Getty Images

Communities Secretary Sajid Javid will decide on a planning appeal by firm Cuadrilla to test frack in the county.

Lancashire County Council refused permission to extract shale gas at two sites - Roseacre and Preston New Road - last year on grounds of noise and traffic impact, forcing Cuadrilla to appeal.  

His backing would enable shale rock to be fracked horizontally for the first time, in a bid to yield more gas.

Protesters say it uses techniques that risk the environment because of the chemicals and pressure used.

BBC Weather

It will be cloudier for most of us today, although some sunny spells are still likely.  It will be rather breezy too. Highs of 15C.

More from BBC Weather

Jon Lowe
Reporter, BBC News Online

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