Scarborough anti-fracking group’s campaign ‘nowhere near over’

​Although Europa Oil & Gas’ proposal to install a 125ft (38m) rig in the village of Burniston, close to the North York Moors National Park, was rejected at a meeting last month, local campaigners have warned that “the fight is not over yet”.

​It comes as the oil and gas company behind the scheme has said it will lodge an appeal against the council’s refusal of its plans to explore for gas near Scarborough.

​At a meeting of Frack Free Scarborough on Friday, May 8, campaigners reflected on the “really successful” rally that saw hundreds of residents, campaigners, and activists from across the country protest outside Scarborough Town Hall in April.

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen,, Ldrs.

​The meeting was also held to consider next steps for the organisation.

​John Atkinson, of Frack Free Scarborough, said it was “absolutely vital” to broaden the group’s campaign.

​“In fact, we would like a coordinated national effort to put pressure on the government to stop the proppant squeeze loophole,” he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

​Europa has said there is no ‘loophole’ in the moratorium on fracking. ​

​The proppant squeeze method has been likened to “small-scale fracking” and is allowed under current legislation.

​Mr Atkinson said that since the rally at the planning meeting last month, Frack Free Scarborough had seen “an uptick in people joining” the group.

​He added: “We need them to come out and actively oppose this. It’s fine that they show their opposition, but they’ve got to show that physically, they’ve got to come out and oppose this, and numbers really matter.”

Anti Gas Rig Demo Scarborough Town Hall. Courtesy Numminen, Ldrs.

​Asked if he was optimistic about whether or not the proposal would progress, Mr Atkinson said the industry had “people lobbying at all levels”.

He added: “It’s an extremely tough fight, and it’s going to take everything we’ve got to stop this.

​“And I think, yes, people will rise up.”

​Speaking last month, ​Europa’s CEO, Mr Holland, said: ​“I’m quite confident that the grounds that it’s been rejected on, when we go to appeal, and we will appeal it, the decision will be overturned at appeal.”

​​North Yorkshire Council’s strategic planning committee voted to reject the application based on:

• Heritage coast and landscape harm, and concerns that the temporary nature of the plan would not mitigate the harm and would be contrary to council policies
• Proximity to residential properties and vibration, noise and disturbance, and 24/7 operation of the site
• The site, height, and lighting would impact the scenic beauty of the North York Moors National Park
• Concerns that the impact on tourism and economic benefits had not been demonstrated
• Conflict with the council’s climate commitments and objectives