England: Opponents Block Road to Third Energy Fracking Site at Kirby Misperton

by Ruth Hayhurst / Drill or Drop?

Opponents of Third Energy’s plans to frack a well in North Yorkshire blocked the road either side of the site entrance early this morning with wooden platforms.

Protesters, who are on top of the bird-table style structures, are aiming to prevent deliveries and the removal of equipment from the site at Kirby Misperton.

Third Energy has said it was ready to begin fracking the KM8 well from last Thursday (26 October 2017). Since then, reports of the expected start date for fracking have varied from three days to three weeks.

The workover rig, which had been preparing the well, was taken down on Thursday but is still on the site.

Kirby Misperton Protection Camp, which is trying to prevent Third Energy’s operation, said this morning:

“It is believed that Third Energy were hoping to have removed the workover rig at the end of last week, in order to make space for the fracking equipment.”

An occupant of one of the platforms, called Jag, said:

“It’s a sad indictment of the world today that we have to go to these lengths to prevent the government from pushing fracking upon us. There’s no public support for fracking, the evidence of its toxicity and harm is clear.”

North Yorkshire Police have closed the road.

A statement from the force said the platforms were erected at about 3am. Superintendent Alisdair Dey said:

“I know that protest activity has had a significant impact on the local community, particularly over the last few weeks. We are doing all we can to make sure residents can go about their daily lives safely and without disruption. “Local neighbourhood police officers and PCSOs will continue to be active in Kirby Misperton and surrounding villages, addressing any concerns about the impact of protest activity.”

Update

Reports from Kirby Misperton say the platforms have been removed this afternoon. More details as we get them.