SO the Conservative group on City of York Council have decided to object to Government plans to speed up the planning process for fracking (The Press website, September 13). This is welcome, though it does not go far enough.

They are responding to the current consultation that expires on October 25 that would remove local councils’ ability to refuse planning permission for a fracking well pad.

I am bound to wonder, however, if this was a unanimous decision, which I doubt, and notice that there is nothing in the article to suggest that the group will put a motion to full council.

Some councils (not only Ryedale District Council, but also Bolton in Greater Manchester) have already passed resolutions condemning the move.

The Green group has no opportunity to propose such a motion. If it did, it most certainly would.

Indeed, a motion to full council is not the only way to progress this matter: the ruling group (Conservative and Lib Dems) could together make an Executive decision and ensure their objection meets the October 25 deadline.

Perhaps the citizens of York will outdo their council and respond with a resounding “No” to the consultation.

I do hope so.

Ginnie Shaw,

Derwent Mews,

Osbaldwick, York

Cheap energy from fracking is a myth

WHILE it is interesting to see that York’s Conservative councillors have objected to their own Government’s plans to make shale gas exploration “permitted development” (The Press online, September 13), one must wonder whether this, although superficially welcome, is not simply a damage limitation tactic to deflect criticism of what is a very dangerous and unpopular policy away from them.

The Conservatives I have spoken to, including Julian Sturdy MP, do not actually oppose fracking per se, but don’t want it around York and don’t want to industrialise the countryside.

Polls show that a large majority of the public oppose fracking, because they recognise the potential for damage to the environment and the rural economy.

The changes proposed by the Government will make it easier and quicker for companies to frack.

The myths of “cheaper energy” and “energy independence” are soon dismissed, as INEOS plan to use any fracked gas to make the very plastics which are polluting our oceans.

I oppose fracking anywhere, not just in York. I call on the local Conservatives to go further and join the Lib Dems in calling for an outright ban on an industry which will industrialise and pollute the countryside, damage farming and rural tourism and exacerbate global warming.

Tony Fisher,

Liberal Democrat spokesman,

Strensall Ward,

West End, Strensall, York