ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners say police should stop fracking at a site in Ryedale because the operations could break bat protection laws.

Friends of the Earth lawyers have written to North Yorkshire Police, urging them to look seriously at the risk Third Energy’s plans at Kirby Misperton would pose for rare bats.

It is against the law to disturb bat roosts, and the campaigners say the matter is all the more important as Ryedale is known to be home to the country’s rarest species of bat.

In their letter to Assistant Chief Constable Amanda Oliver, the campaigners say Third Energy’s own bat survey was not good enough, and other evidence shows several species of protected bats are present.

The group’s Simon Bowens said: “We are hopeful the police will pursue this, because disturbing the protected species of bats which have been identified at Kirby Misperton is a criminal offence.”

Although deliveries have started at the site the activity they think will harm bats the most - like strong lighting - has yet to begin. The police have a chance now to stop the harm before it occurs, Mr Bowens added.

“We are expecting a lot of light pollution and noise, and the commuting routes of the bats are very very close to the site.”

A spokesperson for North Yorkshire Police acknowledged the force had received the letter, and said it was working with Natural England and other relevant organisations to determine the next steps.

Gas company Third Energy said it could not comment on a letter it had not seen, but said the protection of wildlife was specifically addressed in the planning process. With operations starting at the well site in September, another full survey will be done, a spokesman added.

“It should be remembered that the KMA well site itself has been there since 1985 and provides no suitable places for bat roosts and limited foraging opportunities, because of the hardstanding and existing well site infrastructure.”