FEARS that fracking could eventually take place at other places in Ryedale have risen.

Members of anti-fracking group Frack Free Ryedale have said they are worried that Third Energy UK Gas will look at applying for permission to frack at their other existing sites in the area.

Third Energy announced last year it will be submitting an application to carry out a test frack at an existing well site in Kirby Misperton.

The company has been drilling in the area for more than 20 years and currently has well sites at Pickering, Great Habton and Ebberston.

Chris Redston, of Frack Free Ryedale, said he was worried about the potential impact on the number of tourists visiting the area.

He said: “A conventional gas well can produce gas for 15 or 20 years, whereas fracking wells have a very short lifespan, of between one to three years. This means that for fracking to be commercially viable, they will need to drill literally hundreds of wells over the coming years. The effect this will have on business, tourism, agriculture and daily life will very grave indeed”

A spokesman for Third Energy said the company would be continuing to develop the business across Ryedale and would consider new locations in the future.

He said: “Third Energy will continue developing its Ryedale area business from its existing well sites and potentially new locations. We will be looking to develop new opportunities for conventional gas production as well as appraising the potential of the Bowland section.”

Meanwhile, Malton Town Council has announced that it has adopted an anti-fracking motion.

Councillors met to discuss putting together a response to set out a council policy on the matter. Town councillors and members of the public were given a presentation before councillors were asked to vote on the matter.

The proposal agreed was identical to the motion agreed by Norton town councillors.

Town council clerk Mike Skehan said members had concerns regarding fracking and they were keen to set out their views on the matter. He said: “Members decided that they did not want to delay the consultation of it and we adopted a motion which was identical to Norton Town Councils.”

“The council has unresolved concerns about any fracking activities and we were grateful for the presentation from Joy Forbes.”

A public meeting organised by Ryedale District Council will be held tonight (Wednesday) at the Milton Rooms, Malton, where John Dewar, of Third Energy, will speak along with Chris Redston, of Frack Free Ryedale, Mike Hill, an independent chartered engineer, and Professor Richard Davies, of Newcastle University.