FRACKING brings huge risks to land, air, water, generates traffic and has the potential to damage a vibrant local economy dependent on tourism and agriculture (DST, June 12). It also keeps us hooked on fossil fuels and limits our opportunities to tackle dangerous climate change.

Yet, when Barclays Bank-owned Third Energy apply to carry out fracking in Ryedale, they seem to be incapable of providing the clarity of information required for local residents to make an informed response.

North Yorkshire County Council’s decision to refuse to validate the planning application is very welcome. But the fact that they had to do this throws up some deeply worrying questions.

Third Energy is asking local residents to trust them. But trust needs to be earned and these events hardly inspire confidence in their capacity to mitigate the considerable risks that fracking brings.

Local residents in Ryedale do not want fracking on their, or anyone else’s doorstep. Barclays Bank needs to do the right thing and put an immediate end to fracking in North Yorkshire.

Simon Bowens, Yorkshire and Humber Campaigner, Friends of the Earth.