Campaign steps up against fracking

They have been screening a shocking documentary in 
local community halls, which they say, highlights the the dangers to residents.

The Scottish Parliament voted on Thursday to support an outright ban on fracking after SNP MSPs abstained..

Labour tabled an amendment saying there “should” be a full ban as part of an environment debate headed by new cabinet secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

After SNP members abstained, the motion was passed by 32 votes to 29.

Torrance Against Fracking (TAF) has been the first to screen award-winning 
American documentary ‘Groundswell Rising,’ at the village primary school.

Ruth Dunster of 
Torrance Against Fracking said “We had a large turnout and people were taken aback by images of fracking areas, interviews with people with physical and mental health problems in affected areas.

“They were also taken aback by the views of prominent American scientists warning of the potential impacts.”

“No wonder we’re accused of scare stories, but in fact it’s the industry that’s scared of losing profits.

“Because when people see the documentary evidence, they’ll know why we’re campaigning so hard.”

The title “Groundswell Rising” reflects the growing anti-fracking movement in the USA, and TAF with 
other groups hope to encourage people to create a similar groundswell of public opinion here.

Professor Andrew Watterson, Director of the Centre for Public Health and Population Health Research at Stirling University, gave a short talk about the science of sources of pollution and how it affects health.

Maria Montinaro, a prominent Scottish 
anti-fracking campaigner, spoke about how communities can bring concerns to Scottish decision makers 
before the Scottish moratorium ends.

Maria said: “On Monday May 23, North Yorkshire County Council set a precedent approving plans to frack at Kirby Misperton against the vast majority (99.2% responses ) objecting to the application.

“Overwhelming scientific and peer reviewed evidence now support real life testimonies of communities living side by side with this industry and was the basis of the New York State ban in 2014.”