NEW government guidance on fracking is set to make it harder for energy companies to drill for shale gas and oil in the South Downs National Park. "The Government recognised the importance of the South Downs' special landscapes when they made it a national park, so we welcome their intention to make sure it stays protected," said Keith Reed, deputy director of planning for the national park authority. "Planning permission for oil and gas drilling in a national park, as with any other major development, should be refused except in exceptional circumstances and where it can be demonstrated that it is in the public interest. This includes assessing whether it can go elsewhere." For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.