Video: Balcombe fracking protesters hail battle as 'a success' Asked by the Telegraph on Thursday whether the 'Battle of Balcombe' had been a success, the Sussex protesters were adamant that the ongoing demonstrations had been worthwhile, pointing to increased local unity and national awareness around the issue of fracking. Cuadrilla, the energy company, began drilling an exploratory well for oil at the site on Friday morning. Outside the site around 40 tents are erected as protests continue against the operation. So far more than 30 people have been arrested for obstructing trucks entering the site. The protesters fear that Cuadrilla may want to frack to access the oil and gas.