A DECISION to approve fracking in North Yorkshire will have dire consequences for policing in Craven, a councillor has warned.

County and district councillor Andy Solloway (Ind) says he has several concerns about fracking, but uppermost is the impact on an already stretched police force.

"Although not directly affected by fracking, there will be a big knock-on effect to areas like Craven, and the main area will be in policing," said Cllr Solloway, who although he doesn't serve on the council's planning committee, does sit on the transport, economy and environment scrutiny committee and has taken part in related discussions.

"Not only will these fracking sites become the focus for protests and demonstrations in the shorter term, but they will also need protecting from terrorism and sabotage in the longer term. With an overstretched police force already in North Yorkshire, this will mean police officers and resources are taken away from areas like Craven, unless extra funding is put in by the Government."

His concerns have been dismissed by police and crime commissioner, Julia Mulligan, however, who says resources are perfectly adequate.

“There is a positive duty on North Yorkshire Police to facilitate lawful and peaceful protests, with fracking being absolutely no different, and I do not expect any resourcing issues as a result of the county council’s decision," she said.

"North Yorkshire Police has the necessary contingencies and budgets in place to ensure the force is well able to deal with such events in the calm and professional manner you would expect, ensuring any impact on local residents is kept to a minimum."

She added there are reserves available to cover the cost of unplanned major incidents and also the option of applying to the Home Office, but she believed the need for that would be "highly unlikely".

In addition, Cllr Solloway said he had concerns about the impact of fracking on global warming and damage to roads caused by HGV traffic.

North Yorkshire County Council gave the go-ahead last week to Third Energy to start fracking for shale gas in the vicinity of Kirby Misperton.

Seven members of the planning committee voted to approve the application, including Skipton member, Cllr Robert Heseltine, and four against, including Ingleton member, Cllr David Ireton.

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