THE opporunity to hold a public meeting about fracking has been branded a “no brainer” by councillors.

Members of Ryedale District Council said at a full council meeting that they welcomed the idea of a public meeting where they, along with members of the public, could learn more about fracking and what it could mean for Ryedale.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Lindsay Burr and Councillor Elizabeth Shields, “noted that there is overwhelming public concern in the Ryedale area and nationally about hydraulic fracturing and all other forms of unconventional fuel extraction”.

During the meeting at Ryedale House on Thursday night, the motion was seconded by Councillor Brian Maud in the absence of Coun Shields.

Coun Burr said: “Fracking is a very real threat to Ryedale.

“We need to support the public’s requests to hold and facilitate an impartial public meeting so that all the facts can be put on the table. We owe them a chance to be given factual information.”

Coun Burr said that parties from both sides of the debate had agreed to come to the meeting and ensured councillors that it could be easily set up for January.

She said that Third Energy UK Gas Limited, the company which is applying to frack an existing well at the firm’s Kirby Misperton site, said it was keen to take part in the meeting.

Councillor Edward Legard said: “I think this meeting is an excellent idea, it is a no brainer.

“It is important that we maintain an open mind and at some point in time all of us will have to make up our own minds.”

Meanwhile, Councillor John Raper said that the “scaremongering needs to be challenged” with scientific, factual information and expert advice.

While the majority of councillors agreed that they were yet to decide whether they agreed or disagreed with fracking and that the meeting should not become “political”.

Councillor John Clark said that sooner or later the council should make clear its stance on the controversial process.

He said: “This council will have to decide which way it stands on fracking. We can have a public debate and yes we do need one, but it doesn’t decide for the people of Ryedale where we stand.

“We will never have enough information to know for certain either way whether it is safe or not.”

Councillors voted unanimously for the motion for a public meeting.