ANTI-FRACKERS TO BATTLE ON

ANTI-FRACKING campaigners have called for a nationwide response to fight the controversial gas extraction technique after a landmark decision to allow it to start in North Yorkshire.

Groups opposed to the development outside the village of Kirby Misperton, near Pickering, have launched a People’s Declaration in a bid to stop fracking, as one of the councillors who voted in favour of the application confirmed he’s received ‘intimidating’ emails.

Frack Free Ryedale, which led the campaign against the application by the UK firm Third Energy, launched the declaration along with Friends Of The Earth.

It said in a statement: “We urge and will support the Government to develop a balanced, long-term energy policy that will achieve our globally-agreed climate change targets.

“Today we resolve to continue to fight to remain free from fracking, to protect our communities, our beautiful countryside, our air and water, and to protect the future of the planet.

“We ask people across the country to join us by supporting this declaration.”

Councillors in Northallerton voted by 7-4 on Monday to give the green light to the first fracking operation in the UK for five years.

The controversial decision has been condemned as a travesty by those opposed to the move, but a “victory for pragmatism” by those in favour.