ANTI-FRACKING campaigners are to hold a public meeting about the possibility of controversial gas extraction techniques being used in the York area.

The event, organised by Frack-Free York, will be attended by a representative from Dart Energy, which holds exploration licences for west York, as a petition calling for City of York Council to oppose any extraction of fossil fuels from the area comes to an end.

The petition has been signed by more than 420 people and wants the authority to prioritise renewable energy in its forthcoming Local Plan.

Friends of the Earth will also attend the free meeting at the Priory Street Centre on February 17, between 7pm and 9.30pm.

Frack-Free York spokeswoman Helen Whitehead said: “We are very pleased Dart Energy will be attending as they are in the best position to listen to our worries about what might happen in our area, and to explain how they would operate if they decide to apply for permission to drill.”