Gas firm replies

About 300 local residents visited our exhibitions in Thornton-le-Dale and Allerston on March 5 and 6 to learn about our plans and provide their views. The vast majority of their feedback praised our events, displays, brochure and team available to answer questions.

We publicised these exhibitions during February by distributing 4,000 invitations to local households, through news stories in the local media and the placement of adverts in local newspapers.

I should like to reassure readers that Moorland Energy is committed to minimising the visual and environmental impact of the scheme.

The gas from our Ebberston well must be treated to meet domestic standards before entering the mains gas pipeline, and the proposed site for the facility, along Hurrell Lane, was chosen after careful analysis. This site is shielded by the existing disused railway embankment, and further landscaping will minimise its visibility from Thornton-le-Dale. To reduce the visual impact further, the quantity of plant and equipment at the proposed facility has been scaled down to the absolute minimum needed to process the gas safely and economically. In addition, despite its industrial nature, materials and colour will be used to help the proposed facility blend into its natural setting.

The Ryedale Gas Project will create temporary and permanent employment and we will look to recruit the required skills from within the Ryedale communities. Developments, like the Ryedale Gas Project, have been shown to boost the local economy by benefitting other businesses within the vicinity.

Moorland Energy hopes to drill further wells from its existing well-site to access other gas resources. This gas will be transported to the proposed processing facility along the same pipelines, so we plan on doing business in the area for the next 20 to 25 years.

Lawrie Erasmus, Chief executive officer, Moorland Energy Ltd, Farnham Road, Guildford, Surrey.