IN answer to Lorraine Allanson’s letter, as an elected councillor, I have to judge what is or is not a threat to residents’ interests. I believe fracking in Ryedale is an immense threat.

The draft county joint minerals plan determines how fracking is to be permitted.

Paras 5.134 and 5.137 accept two hectares for each multi-borehole fracking pad and 10 multi-borehole fracking pads every 100 square kilometres. One hundred square kilometres equates to about 38 square miles, and this means that, if the pads are evenly spaced, approximately one multi-borehole drilling pad every one and a half miles in every direction.

Third Energy has stated that for their 19 planned fracking pads, there will be 960 separate bores. As each bore takes about 100 days to complete, this means continuous boring at each pad over a period of 15 to 20 years.

This will completely industrialise the Vale of Pickering. As this forms an integral part of the setting of the AONB and the National Park, it will destroy local amenities and wreck the local visitor economy. KM8 is already having an adverse impact on property values.

Perhaps this explains why so many residents donate fresh and cooked food and drinking water to the camp.

Yes, I have done what I can to keep the protection camp – not that this amounts to much, as only the owner of the land has the power to evict the campers.

The owner of the land is Flamingo Land, and the fact that they have taken no legal action against the camp for nine months speaks volumes; it suggests Flamingo Land consider KM8 fracking a greater threat to their business than the camp. If this is correct, we should all be worried.

I believe it is in the interest of every resident that the protest should succeed.

Councillor Paul Andrews, Ryedale District Council (Malton ward) and chairman of Habton Parish Council

Turn fire on firm

LORRAINE Allanson writes that local villagers in Kirby Misperton “have suffered untold disruption” and “are unable to live a normal life” because of anti-fracking protests.

She lives in Allerston. I live in the centre of Kirby Misperton and my life is carrying on as normal.

I have experienced just one road closure when the police inexplicably called the fire brigade to remove someone standing on some structure off the road.

The Secretary of the North Yorkshire Fire Brigade Union Steve Howley has confirmed his union’s opposition to fracking. Moves are afoot to stop the fire brigade being put in such a ridiculous position in the future.

Admittedly, I am not around every day, but my wife advises me that a convoy of six vehicles came through the village one afternoon which does not conform to the traffic management plan presented to North Yorkshire County Council.

This allows for a maximum of four-vehicle movements in one hour, including return journeys.

Lorraine Allanson should perhaps turn her fire on Third Energy, not the protesters.

Peter Winter, Kirby Misperton

Thanks for money

THE Macmillan coffee morning held at my home on Friday, October 29, raised £276. Thank you to all who donated raffle prizes and donations for this very worthy cause.

Kathleen Cuthbertson, Malton Great music night ON Friday, October 6, I attended a music evening at Cropton Village Hall where the Malton Male Voice Choir, together with guest singers, gave an excellent concert.

During the first half, the choir sang a selection of music from the shows, including I Dreamed A Dream and The Bare Necessities.

Vivien Wilcock, the resident conductor, introduced each item and during the concert performed a duet on the piano with accompanist Moira Grey, which was very well received.

Rachel Reynolds sang Gershwin’s Summertime beautifully and then teamed up with David Ackroyd from the choir to sing Never Too Late To Fall In Love during the second half.

The well supported evening was brought to close by village hall organiser Dick Feaster who gave a vote of thanks to the choir.

I am sure like me the audience felt they had been treated to a very good evening’s entertainment.

Brian Anderson, Newton-on-Rawcliffe

Cancer cash boost

A HUGE “thank you” not only to the people who turned out on a damp and dismal morning to support our Macmillan coffee morning, but to all those who kindly donated some magnificent cakes and raffle prizes.

We raised £768.40, which was brilliant. This provides about 28 hours of vital care from a Macmillan nurse - making a direct difference to people in North Yorkshire fighting cancer.

Yvonne, Denise and myself were thrilled from all the support in the village, so many thanks once again.

Sarah Stow, Thornton-le-Dale