Farmers join fracking rally at Third Energy site
DO NOT REUSE Farmers joined campaigners during part of a protest against fracking in North Yorkshire.
About 60 people staged the demonstration over plans for fracking in Kirby Misperton, near Ryedale.
Third Energy has been granted permission by North Yorkshire County Council to frack for gas at the site.
See also: Landowners demand government action over fracking liability
Farmers drove tractors from the nearby village of Great Barugh to the protest where they were greeted by cheers from other protesters upon arrival.
Anti-fracking group Farmers Against Fracking staged the rally on Tuesday (26 September).
Matthew Trevelyan, a father-of-two and sheep farmer from the North York Moors, told the crowd: “Fracking isn’t just an environmental issue – it’s a livestock issue.
“It’s a food issue. It’s a livelihood issue.”
Third Energy response
A spokesman for Third Energy said: “The planning authority, North Yorkshire County Council, the Environment Agency and the Health & Safety Executive have robust procedures in place to ensure all these points have been addressed.
“Third Energy has been rigorous in its approach to completing its planning application and is confident it has prepared for its upcoming hydraulic fracturing operations.
“Third Energy fully respects people’s right to lawful and peaceful protest.
“We trust that those who object to our plans will also respect our rights, and the rights of Ryedale residents, to go about our business lawfully and peacefully.
“Last time we checked three small tractors do not represent the views of farmers in North Yorkshire.”