By Mike McCarthy, North of England Correspondent
A council has delayed its decision on the future of fracking in Lancashire, as demonstrators from around the UK gathered in the county to oppose the process.
It is the first time that Cuadrilla, an exploration company, has applied to develop new fracking sites since being blamed for creating earth tremors in Blackpool three years ago.
The firm suspended test drilling and abandoned its site near the seaside resort following the quakes in 2011.
The Preese Hall site remains the only place in the UK where modern fracking techniques have been used so far.
And the new areas sit on the same massive reserve of shale gas which experts say could help revolutionise Britain's energy market.
But groups opposed to fracking say it would industrialise the countryside and pollute the environment.
Cuadrilla has applied to Lancashire County Council for permission to frack two sites in a rural area between Preston and Blackpool.
But following guidance from a legal adviser, councillors agreed to defer a decision for a minimum of two weeks.
Officers at the authority have recommended that the proposals be rejected because of concerns over noise and road safety.
But if the councillors accept the recommendations, it will be seen as a major blow to the efforts to kick-start Britain's shale gas industry.
Anti-fracking campaigner Tina Rothery said: "Like many people in the anti-fracking movement, we have completely put our own lives on hold for four years just to get this done - because how do you walk away from this?
"Every door I would look to walk out of would have my granddaughter's face on it. I can't walk away and go 'It's okay - they'll take care of it' because it's too big."
Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is the process of drilling a mile or more into the earth before water, chemicals and sand are injected under high pressure into rock, releasing the shale gas trapped inside.
In recent years, it has become one of the most divisive issues in the UK, leading to violent scenes between police and protesters at proposed sites in Manchester, Lancashire and Sussex.
Supporters such as Blackpool businessman Tony Raynor claim his interest in fracking was prompted by the local earth tremors several years ago.
"Like most people, I was ambivalent to shale gas, but the tremors made me want to find out more. Now I'm in favour," he said.
"There are fewer jobs here now than there were in 2004 and we all worry about the brain drain (from the area) and our children finding opportunities in this region. We need economic activity happening in Blackpool."
The anti-fracking movement has built up considerably over recent years. Its supporters say pollution in the US has shown the process is environmentally unsustainable.
However, supporters argue that it has considerably reduced America's dependence on imported energy supplies and helped to bolster the economy.
Cuadrilla had asked that the local authority allowed more time to consider its proposals for minimising the environmental impact at fracking sites. If Lancashire councillors had rejected Cuadrilla's plans, the company is expected to appeal.
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