When West Sussex County Council refused Celtique Energy's application to drill on land between Kirdford and Wisborough in July 2014, the firm appealed the decision, leading to the prospect of a public enquiry.

However in March, the company withdrew its appeal. They have now been ordered to pay campaigners' costs incurred preparing for the appeal. Chair of the Keep Kirdford and Wisborough Green group, Dr Jill Sutcliffe, told the West Sussex County Times: "KKWG is delighted to have had the costs associated with the potential public enquiry repaid by Celitique Energy.

"The group of local residents was judged to have been put to unnecessary work after the company withdrew from the public enquiry on March 11."