A PUBLIC meeting about fracking has been organised by Ryedale District Council as campaigners call for the authority to take an anti-fracking stance.

The move follows a unanimous decision by district councillors in December to to hold an impartial public meeting on fracking to raise public awareness.

Speakers at the meeting at the Milton Rooms, Malton, on Wednesday, February 4 at 6.30pm, will include:

• John Dewar – Third Energy

• Chris Redston – Frack Free Ryedale

• Mike Hill - Independent Chartered Engineer

• Professor Richard Davies, Durham University

Janet Waggott, Chief Executive of Ryedale District Council, said: “This impartial meeting has been facilitated by Ryedale District Council to exchange information and raise public awareness of fracking. It is not a planning meeting.”

“It is vital that as many people as possible can add their questions to the debate to ensure a fair representation of the views of local people. The meeting will be recorded and filmed giving people who are unable to attend the event the opportunity to hear the discussion and put forward their views.”

She added: “I would encourage Ryedale residents and businesses, where possible, to submit their questions in advance of the meeting however questions will also be taken on the night.”

Councillor Lindsay Burr, who put forward the motion at December's full council meeting calling for a public meeting, said: "I am delighted that finally a public meeting will be held and Third Energy will be attending.

"In addition to pro and anti speakers who will also be on the top table to answer questions, I will be inviting all the prospective parliamentary candidates to give their political parties views on fracking."

On Monday, members of Frack Free Ryedale held a demonstration and handed in a petition to the district council asking it to adopt an anti-fracking stance.

David Davies, from the group said the petition had been signed by over 1,000 people from across Ryedale.

"The petitions clearly demonstrates that a growing number of people in Ryedale are very concerned about fracking and would like the district council to take an anti-fracking position," he added.

• Admission to the meeting will be by ticket only – due to restrictions on numbers allowed in the Milton Rooms for Health and Safety reasons - and numbers are limited to 250.

For further information, to book a place and submit questions phone 01653 600666, go to www.ryedale.gov.uk or email publicmeeting@ryedale.gov.uk or write to Public Meeting, Ryedale District Council, Ryedale House, Malton YO17 7HH.

Closing date for applications and questions is 12 noon on Wednesday, January 28 .