Controversial drilling is deferred

Rathlin Energy (UK) Ltd, a subsidiary of Connaught Oil and Gas Ltd, wants to drill for oil and gas just outside Walkington in the East Riding.

But some villagers are concerned about drilling down to a depth of 2,450m through an underground aquifer which supplies much of the region’s drinking water and the techniques which will be used to release the deposits.

Coun Phyllis Pollard moved deferral yesterday at a meeting in Beverley, which was packed with residents, for more information on the technical and scientific aspects of the operation. Councillors voted unanimously in support. The company which will design and construct the well, Bridlington-based Moorhouse Drilling and Completions, says it is not expecting to have to use “fracking” – a controversial technique involving the hydraulic fracturing of shale rock using high pressure liquid.

Rathlin has said it is “imperative” new reserves are found as North Sea gas fields are rapidly depleting.