Villagers' 'fracking' fears for stunning national park

ANGRY villagers have taken to the streets against plans for “small-scale fracking” near a stunning national park which they fear could lead to 20 years of misery.

- By Mark Branagan

They are worried the UK moratorium on the controversial fossil fuel extraction process will crumble after energy outfit Europa Oil & Gas announced plans to drill near the North York Moors.

Its initial application is for a three-year consent to operate a 100ft tall drilling rig on farmland just 350 yards from the picturesque village of Burniston, outside

'Disruption could last for 20 years'

Scarborough. But if the company's hopes that it has stumbled on a major gas field are realised, the disruption could continue for a further two decades.

At the moment, fracking is banned in Britain but Europa claims it wants to carry out a “proppant squeeze”, which bosses denied qualifies as fracking.