WE write with regard to the recently delivered “News Update” by Moorland Energy Ltd about the proposed gas project at Thornton-le-Dale.

Our comments on it follow below:

Landscape – The proposed site is impossible to screen as it lies 136ft below the village in the valley bottom and is therefore not an appropriate site.

Noise – We will prove that Moorland’s proposed attenuation measures will not work, and unacceptable noise levels would emanate from the site.

Air quality – We will prove beyond doubt that the proposed plant will generate harmful emissions and smells that are toxic and cannot all be contained within their proposed system as claimed.

Socio-economic effects – During construction there would be personnel who would use local shops. Is it worth having short-term shoppers for a long term eyesore?

Will visitors walking our southern boundary still think it is scenic?

Will everybody enjoy the rotten egg smell that will come from this plant, and the toxic fumes that will adversely affect your lungs?

Are you aware that house prices will devalue if the plant is built?

Villagers, please trust us, and support us. Write a letter to County Hall, because the permanent negatives of the proposed plant vastly outweigh any short term positives, so the conclusion is:

1) Withdraw this application now Moorland Energy Ltd.

2) Re-submit it on the only viable site next to the well head in Cockmoor Plantation which screens the site with existing trees round 80 per cent of the site area.

TAGS (Technicians Against Gas Site), c/o Jerry Scarr, Thornton-le-Dale.


* A GLOSSY brochure from Moorland Energy arrived on my doorstep extolling the virtues of its proposed gas project at Thornton-le-Dale.

I believe this document, addressed to “the occupier”, was received by all the residents of Thornton Dale and Wilton.

On the first page, I read that we were “no doubt aware of the proposed gas facility”. No doubt we are, but this was no thanks to Moorland Enery, but to the residents’ opposition group, AGHAST!

We now appear to be with Moorland Energy’s second PR company and full marks to them for the brochure we all received. It’s just a shame that their message seems to be the same. I quote from their letter accompanying the brochure: “If you have any specific questions or concerns, please do hesitate to write to us”.

If this is the way Moorland Energy deals with its PR, heaven help us when it comes to issues of anything more serious, such as safety.

Janet Sanderson, Thornton-le-Dale.


* IN response to Mr Naylor’s letter on the proposed gas plant in Hurrell Lane, it is only irresponsible dog owners who do not clean up after their dogs.

Although the lane is a dead end to vehicles it is not for walkers, as there are several public footpaths that lead off the lane and across agricultural land, making the walks really beautiful. He has obviously not ventured down there on foot.

The main issue is the siting of this gas plant. It will only be partially obscured by the railway embankment on the one side, but would be open on the other three.

Even though Moorland Energy says it will plant trees, it takes many years to mature and the plant will have come to the end of its life before they are tall enough to screen it. Moorland has said the plant will have a low impact in the village – but if Mr Naylor did his own research into the processing of sour gas he would find that it may not be as environmentally friendly as suggested.

The gas flare chimney alone is 49 feet high and could potentially be noisy when burning off gas. Hydrogen sulphide in the air is detectable at one part per billion and makes a smell like rotten eggs, compressors make a humming noise.

And could the emissions harm the local livestock?

Perhaps Mr Naylor should take his head out of the clouds and think of the impact it will make, because once it is built it is there for good.

V Matthews, Thornton-le-Dale.


* I READ with interest the comments from J P Naylor.

I am a resident of Thornton-le- Dale (and dog owner) who walks down Hurrell Lane and has done so since before the plans for the proposed industrial eyesore were made common knowledge.

I am not part of any of the protest groups that have been set up but agree with their views. I found the comment “NIMBY” condescending, when these individuals are trying to keep the village the way it is.

Does JP Naylor think they will see a “slinking fox” gambolling across concrete and grey pipes that are supposed to fit in with the natural environment? Will the “timorous deer” still roam around the proposed car park or will the “masses of dog excrement” keep the “frolicking hares” in situ?

As for “the swooping barn owls“, I for one am not convinced the 50 foot towers will keep these protected and magnificent birds breeding no more than 10 feet from the development where they currently breed.

It is time commonsense prevails and I urge everyone who may be affected by this to write to or email North Yorkshire County Council with an objection.

Mrs V Marsden, Thornton-le-Dale