NORTH Yorkshire County Council have finally done it – they have recommended fracking to take place in a tiny village in Ryedale.

In making this decision they have ignored the considerable opposition of the Ryedale residents, the wishes of the parish, town and district councils, the wishes of over 200 businesses, and the concerns raised with regard to the environment, health, water contamination and in doing so have flagrantly flaunted the concept of democracy.

Given that none of the councillors making this decision live in Ryedale, I suppose fair political representation would be too much to ask.

They are in good company with Ryedale MP Kevin Hollinrake, who also seems to have failed to understand the concepts of political representation and democracy, voting with the Government on fracking initiatives.

So it’s official, NYCC has hung a great big For Sale sign above Ryedale and its residents.

The property details read: large area of outstanding natural beauty for sale, you can pillage and plunder as much as you like and we promise that we will not stand in your way.

K Russell, North Back Lane, Terrington