Anti-fracking protesters are staging a celebration this weekend at the Crawberry Hill site in Walkington.
12 months ago Rathlin Energy used bailiffs to evict protesters from a wooden structure that was built at the entrance into the site they operate.
Now one year on those who oppose fracking will again be at the site to mark the anniversary using it as an opportunity to remind people in the area about the issue the impact fracking can have on the environment and the quality of people’s lives.
A Spokesperson for HEYfrackoff, a group who oppose fracking said;
“we are holding a pop-up celebration of the Crawberry Hill wellsite this coming weekend from 2PM until 7 PM.”
“On the day be celebrating a whole year since eviction of the Crawberry Castle. It is a protest we will also be holding an awareness day, and we expect there to be many local people at site throughout the event.”
While at the time Rathlin Energy thanked the Council and local police for their support those who oppose the drilling for shale gas in the area branded what happened as nothing more than a corporate agenda while others said the eviction spelt disaster for the East Riding.
Over the following months, further evictions took place from the site, and the council finally dismantled the camp completely amid safety fears.
Campaigners have continued to make their voices heard in the East Riding and while they are no longer permanently sited at the entrance to Crawberry Hill a number of mobile protests have been staged around the area.
Fracking remains a hot topic. It is fully supported by the current Prime Minister David Cameron, who says it is the country’s duty to become energy self-sufficient.
Mr Cameron, however, insists there is no dash for gas saying that ‘recovering unconventional gas’ would only go ahead with stringent safety measures in place and real payback for local people and communities.
Very comforting to hear that the P M is ensuring all the safety procedure in helping the Country to become self-sufficient..
What are the celebrating? The delay in the development of the local economy, or the continued reliance on foreign energy sources making our island weaker?