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Fracking given go-ahead in North Yorkshire

An application to frack for shale gas at a site in Kirby Misperton has been approved by North Yorkshire County Council.

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Friends of the Earth: Fracking approval 'absolute travesty of a decision'

Friends of the Earth has called North Yorkshire County Council's approval of fracking in North Yorkshire as 'an absolute travesty of a decision'.

Protestors demonstrating against fracking, react outside County Hall, Northallerton, as councillors have approved an application by UK firm Third Energy to frack for shale gas near the village of Kirby Misperton, North Yorkshire. Credit: Press Association

"This is an absolute travesty of a decision but the battle is very far from over.

“Today 7 out of 11 North Yorkshire county councillors voted to approve this fracking application in Ryedale, ignoring the objection of Ryedale District Council itself, as well as thousands of local residents and businesses.

"Despite this decision, public support for fracking is plummeting as Wales, Scotland and countries across Europe have suspended it. The risks to people’s health and the environment are unacceptable and we will fight on.”

– Simon Bowens, Yorkshire and Humber campaigner for Friends of the Earth

Meanwhile Energy Minister Andrea Leadsom said fracking is a 'fantastic opportunity' which will help jobs and the economy.

“This decision has been made by the local council. We’re very clear that fracking is a fantastic opportunity. It’s good for jobs, the economy and strengthens our energy security. “We already have tough regulation in place to ensure that fracking is safe. We are now looking forward to the safe exploration of shale gas beginning and finding out just how much of this home grown energy supply is available to power our homes and businesses.”

– Andrea Leadsom, Energy Minister
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Fracking given go-ahead in North Yorkshire

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