CAMPAIGNERS are raising money for a legal challenge against Tory-run Surrey Council in a bid to prevent controversial oil drilling in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

Developers Europa are exploiting a loophole in order to build fences and security huts on a site near Dorking to enable plans to drill, Leith Hill Action Group (LHAG) warned yesterday.

Last month, Surrey County Council’s planning committee granted permission for the Leith Hill site.