Protestors from Lancashire join local Frack Free groups

Members of Frack Free Ryedale said they will be joined by supporters ahead of Third Energy UK Gas Ltd moving forward with its application to frack at an existing Kirby Misperton well-site.

The announcement by Frack Free Ryedale member Frank Colenso comes after Ryedale District councillors rejected calls for a blanket ban on fracking at an extraordinary council meeting last week.

Mr Colenso said: “We are extremely concerned that there could even be one fracking well in Ryedale. I was disappointed at the council’s extraordinary meeting on Tuesday. I believe we need our local electives to come together.”

A 1,000-strong petition was handed to councillors at the meeting.

Anti-fracking protesters at The Milton Rooms

Mr Colenso said: “People from Lancashire came to Kirby Misperton last week to support us.

“We will be uniting with the other anti-fracking groups across the country – they have been and will be actively supporting us.”

Council solicitor and monitoring officer Anthony Winship told councillors that agreeing a motion put forward by Councillor John Clark for Ryedale District Council to completely oppose all fracking in Ryedale could lead to legal problems.

Mr Winship warned that passing the motion could give rise to a judicial review and potentially cost the council £250,000.

He said: “The adoption of an unlawful blanket policy in relation to fracking has potential serious implications. If the council has to be challenged and there is a judicial review, it is expected that its own legal costs could amount to about £50,000.”

Mr Winship said the council could also be responsible for up to £200,000 of the applicant’s legal costs.

About 120 people gathered at the meeting and anti-fracking protestors held up A4 Frack Free Ryedale signs with the words, “we won’t vote for politicians who condone fracking”.

Council leader, Councillor Linda Cowling said: “I have all the same concerns you have. When and if we say no to fracking I want that no to be able to stand up legally under scrutiny.” She warned members that not taking Mr Winship’s advice would “put the public purse at risk” and warned members that “note should be taken of legal action”.

She said: “I know how important this issue is to the people of Ryedale When I make a decision I want it to be based on absolute facts that I can stand behind and say yes that’s the decision we have made for Ryedale.”

The council’s monitoring officer report was accepted, but Coun Clark said: “I make no apologies for this being a blanket policy. If we don’t stand up for the people of Ryedale who is going to?”

Amendments to Coun Clark’s motion were put forward by Councillor Luke Richardson, who wanted to add figures in to ensure that fracking would be opposed until it could be proved that it was safe.

Councillor Tommy Woodward also put forward an amendment to the motion to ban fracking for the next five years. Both amendments were rejected by councillors.

Speaking after the meeting Coun Di Keal said: “I am totally against fracking being inflicted on our community and countryside.

“The Tory group on Ryedale District Council voted against a motion to make Ryedale a frack free council, ignoring the views of the many people in the area who are totally opposed to this invasive and hugely damaging industry coming to Ryedale. By hiding behind legal advice they have put the health and well-being of local people at risk.”