URGENT calls are being made to hold a public meeting to discuss the impact of fracking in Ryedale.

Despite reassurances by the district council that meeting is in the pipeline, Councillor Lindsay Burr, who also sits on the county council said she had been overwhelmed by the growing demand from local people for information on fracking.

Councillor Burr, who represents Malton, said: "Many residents in Ryedale are worried and concerned about the potential impact on the environment, and impact on Ryedale above and below ground, when fracking comes to Ryedale.

"Residents have a right to be given full details of issues which will affect them directly and as community leaders I feel the council needs to take the lead on this matter. With this in mind I have contacted the leader of Ryedale District Council and the Chief Executive to ask them to facilitate a public meeting on this subject.

"Talks are on going, but unfortunately no concrete plans have as of yet been drawn up, having said that I will continue to do my utmost to put pressure on the leader of the council to facilitate a public meeting as soon as possible.

She said: "The meeting will hopefully provide a balanced view on the subject, so residents can make up their own minds regarding Fracking in Ryedale."

Ian Conlan, from Malton, said it was vital local people were able to hear from and to question the experts.

"The Government is rail-roading us into this so it is vital we have proper public consultation - this has been discussed behind closed doors at Ryedale District Council but it needs to be out in the open," he added.

"This effects everyone in Ryedale and everyone should have the opportunity to have their say. What we don't want is create an unliveable world."

Philip Tate, from Butterwick, who has also written to the district council calling for a public meeting, said many people did not understand the impact fracking would have.

"It is very important that we have a discussion with at least three different speakers who can explain their views and take questions from the floor," he added.

"We need the opportunity to look at this calmly and try and get a proper view about what fracking means to the area.

A meeting to set set up a local anti-fracking group in the Slingsby area was held last night (Tuesday).

Campaign group Frack Free Ryedale is aiming to help residents to become involved in protesting to stop fracking following an initial talk attended by about 100 people last month.

The group has also objected to an application by gas company Third Energy UK Ltd for a radioactive waste water disposal permit at their well-site near Pickering which is currently used to transport conventional gas produced at the site to their Knapton Generating Station.

Frack Free Ryedale has said they do not believe the area is a suitable place to 'trial' any new disposal method of radioactive waste water and have raised concerns about the impacts it will have on the environment and that it could pass in to the drinking water supply.

Councillor Linda Cowling, leader of Ryedale District Council, said although she still believed North Yorkshire County Council should be the ones to facilitate a meeting that was not going to happen.

"Plans are already well underway to host a meeting, following the debate at the recent Parish Liaison Meeting, with speakers and venue yet to be announced," she added.