A BUSINESS leader has defended entering into an official partnership with the firm behind the controversial fracking operation in Lancashire.

The East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce has linked up with Cuadrilla to identify and support businesses that want to be part of the shale gas supply chain.

Anti-fracking campaigners in the east of the county said Cuadrilla has responded to being “in urgent need” of more suppliers because of firms declining to become or stay involved.

Cuadrilla continues to face sustained protests from anti-fracking campaigners after winning permission to prospect for shale gas at the Preston New Road site in Fylde.

A spokesman for Keep East Lancashire Frack Free, a community pressure group, said he was not surprised by the move to set up a supply chain.

He said: “It is our belief that Cuadrilla is in urgent need of more suppliers because quite a few companies are refusing to deliver.

“An appeal has gone out for more suppliers because of firms deciding to back out.”

The East Lancashire chamber has joined forces with Cuadrilla along with its North & Western Lancashire counterpart.

The chambers are the first point of contact for business and agencies wishing to become involved in the project.

Miranda Barker, chief executive of the East Lancashire chamber, said that as an experienced environmental consultant she understood the debate.

She said: “I do not campaign for or against. Our position on any environment generation scheme is that it should be handled through the proper legal process.

“Whenever there is a new development our role is to help businesses link up with it if they wish.

“Companies can decide for themselves whether they want to work with that development.

“I appreciate the debate but our role is to work for the economic development of our companies.”

The chambers believe shale gas represents a 'huge economic opportunity' for firms.