Preston New Road anti-fracking councillor 'would protest again'

Green Party councillor Gina Dowding took part in the protest in July

A Lancashire county councillor found guilty of obstructing the highway during an anti-fracking protest has said she "would do it again".

The Green Party's Gina Dowding was one of 12 people convicted at Blackpool Magistrates' Court over a protest at Cuadrilla's Preston New Road site.

They were all handed a fine of £250 and a 12-month conditional discharge.

A spokeswoman for the energy firm said "elected councillors breaking the law should not be acceptable".

The protest on 3 July was part of a month of action by campaign group Reclaim the Power.

The councillor was one of six women and three men arrested at the site and later charged, while three other women were served with a summons over the protest.

Alongside the obstruction charge, all 12 were also accused of seeking to prevent workers from going about their lawful business.

That second charge was dismissed by District Judge Jeff Brailsford, as no evidence was submitted by Cuadrilla.

The anti-fracking campaigners were found guilty of obstructing the highway and fined £250 each

As well as a fine, the 12 were also ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £20.

Speaking after the hearing, Ms Dowding said the protest had been "a last resort".

"I feel, as a councillor, I'm representing the will of the people and I've done everything I can in terms of the other routes of democratic process," she said.

"It's not good to have a criminal record, but I've had nothing but support from people in my local area.

"I would do it again, I have no regrets."

A Cuadrilla spokeswoman said the energy firm had "no objection to peaceful, law-abiding protest but illegal obstructions... have caused immense inconvenience and disruption".

Ms Dowding has represented Lancaster Central on the county council since 2013.

Kirkham town councillor Miranda Cox and Julie Brickles, an independent councillor on Fylde Borough Council, were also among those convicted.