Over the coming months, more and more Lancashire anti-fracking campaigners arrested at Preston New Road face trials at Magistrates Courts around the north west of England.

Even for experienced activists, appearing in court is nerve-wracking and many defendants from Lancashire are facing a hearing for the first time. All would welcome as much solidarity as possible, with supporters in the public gallery to witness proceedings.

However, local campaign groups have said they recognise the risk that drawing a significant number of Protectors away from the frontline on Preston New Road to attend court may make it easier for Cuadrilla to beat the blockade without sufficient opposition on site.

They need others to step forward and offer court solidarity – can you help?

Verdicts in magistrates’ court cases are not officially published and are often difficult to monitor. Rather than give more work to busy solicitors defending Lancashire campaigners, if you are attending court you can help Netpol member organisation Legal Defence and Monitoring Group to keep track on the verdicts in trials by sending them an update at ldmg@riseup.net

The following are dates when court cases have been listed, with the venues where hearings are taking place. Please come along at 9.30am (unless otherwise indicated) and show your support.

We will update this list as new court dates are announced or if charges are dropped.

BLACKPOOL MAGISTRATES COURT
Civic Centre, Chapel Street, Blackpool, Lancashire FY1 5DQ

13th-17^th Nov, Blackpool. The 13 Locals Lockon from the 3^rd July.

17^th Nov, Blackpool. Gary from outside the red van lock on, from the 31^st.

24^th and 27^th Nov. Blackpool. 6^th July banner lock on pair.

29^th – 30^th Nov, believed to be Blackpool. decoys lockon pair from the 11^th July.

6^th – 7^th Dec Blackpool? Italian solidarity stealth rucksacks.

9^th Dec,Blackpool (?) Two Rising Up lock on crew from the long stake out action on the 31^st July.

12-14^th Dec, Blackpool. tubes and a concrete barrel at the gate from 4^th July

15^th – 17^th DecBlackpool? Morning Rising Up crew from 26^th July

22^nd Dec, Blackpool Eds Quarry swing action from way back in the spring

5^th 8^th and 9^th Jan TBC successful truck surfing by two protectors on 10^th July.

13^th 14^th Feb, Blackpool? Lancaster car crew from 27^th July.

21^st-28th Feb Anti Nukes car and Bristol crew tubes from 5^th July

17th Feb Blackpool? protectors car lock on from 14^th July

BURNLEY MAGISTRATES COURT
The Court House, Parker Ln, Burnley BB11 2BS

30^th Jan, Burnley afternoon Rising Up crew from the 26^th July doing a novel defence.

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY COURT
County Court and Family Court hearing Centre, Tapton Ln, Chesterfield S41 7TW

20^th 21^st November, Chesterfield. The Marriots lock on crew and Bristol tripod crew that blockaded Marriots 13^th July

LANCASTER MAGISTRATES COURT
George St, Lancaster LA1 1XZ

29^th 30^th Nov, Lancaster arrive on the bus crew from Leeds 19^th July

PRESTON MAGISTRATES COURT
Lawson St, Preston PR1 2QT

14^th Dec, Preston. Alleged attempted truck surfs on the 17^th July

22^nd 26^th Jan, Preston Family lockon from 12^th July

19^th Feb Preston Sheffield Notts crew from 20^th July.