THE fight against fracking in Ryedale is continuing to gather speed as more residents join a local campaign group.

Frack Free North Yorkshire held two meetings recently to continue to drum up support in the hope of stopping the controversial gas extraction process from taking place across the area. Pete Coates, 50, of Brawby, attended one of the meetings held at Hovingham for the first time and said that since finding out more about fracking and how Ryedale would be effected he would encourage others to do the same.

He said: “I have always been aware of the issues surrounding fracking, but now that it is potentially on my doorstep I am becoming aware of it a lot more.

“It could become extremely significant and it could be a major contribution to pollution. It could be a retrograde step on every level and could potentially result in sleep Ryedale becoming incredibly industrialised.

“If nobody makes a noise about it then it makes it easier for gas companies to carry on.

“I would encourage everyone to find out more about it to make a noise about it.”

Two members of a anti-fracking campaign group from Brighton attended the talks to give a one-hour presentation on fracking and what has been happening in the United States and Australia before members of the audience were invited to ask questions and share their concerns.

A number of 3D seismic surveys in areas around Nunnington, Stonegrave, Brawby, Swinton, Hovingham, Slingsby, Terrington and Coulton are due to go ahead this month to determine the underlying geological structure of the land.

However Third Energy UK Gas Limited, which has drilling licences over the area, said that the surveys would not show whether there is any underlying gas.

Another meeting was also held in Terrington and was well attended according to Russell Scott, of Frack Free North Yorkshire who says the group will be continuing to make people aware of the issues and drum up more support.

For more information email frackfreeyorkshire@hotmail.co.uk or phone Russell on 07841 632327.