UNANIMOUS?applause greeted the South Downs National Park Authority's decision to reject Celtique Energie's application to test drill for shale gas and oil at a West Sussex site in Fernhurst. But the battle is far from over with the energy firm now pondering an appeal after last Thursday's decision. If it does, it will be the first real test of the Government's stricter stance on drilling for shale gas and oil in national parks. Responding to last week's decision, Celtique Energie chief executive Geoff Davies said: "Government, including the Prime Minister and several energy ministers, has repeatedly stated that 'we are all in this together' when it comes to oil and gas exploration in the UK. "We believe this proposal would be supported by the planning inspectorate or the Secretary of State in the event of an appeal. We are considering our further options and will make a decision in due course." For full story, see this week's Petersfield Herald.