CAMPAIGNERS against Third Energy's planning application to frack at the company Kirkby Misperton site have called on Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake to oppose the scheme because it is less than one mile from residential properties.

Reverend Jackie Cray, who lives in Kirby Misperton, said: "Mr Hollinrake stated in an interview that he thinks fracking sites should be at least a mile away from homes and schools.

"Third Energy's KM8 well-site is 0.44 miles from Ashfield Caravan Site, about 0.6 miles to the centre of Kirby Misperton village, and only 0.7 miles from Flamingo Land, where there is semi-permanent accommodation for employees.

"We therefore call on Mr Hollinrake to be true to his word and publicly oppose Third Energy's planning application to frack at KM8 on the basis that it is too close to residential areas."

Sue Gough, who lives in Little Barugh, said: "Mr Hollinrake has also called for a five-year local plan for fracking, in the same way as there is a local plan for housing, and has previously stated on his website that fracking sites should be at least six miles apart. However, we are interested how he can square these suggestions with the fact that there will soon be 35 PEDL licences in his constituency, which will allow companies to explore for conventional and unconventional gas in almost every corner of Ryedale."

Steve Mason, from Great Habton, added: “I think Mr Hollinrake's concern about the industrialisation of Ryedale echoes the mood of his constituency, and I firmly believe fracking could be a clear and present danger to the area."