I was shocked to hear some of the stories from people living in Kirby Misperton on BBC Radio York today. They talked about being bullied, intimidated, threatened and frightened by some of the protestors, many of whom are from the national campaign against fracking. It is absolutely wrong that local people, going about their ordinary business, are not able to get to work, are losing pay, and risking their jobs because a small number of people are preventing them from doing so. Contributors to the programme said that the villagers are at breaking point and Kirby Misperton is a miserable place to live. They described seeing policemen being spat in the face, lives being put at risk as protestors try to jump on wagons, the devastating effects of lock-ons which means roads have to be closed so people can’t get through and children can’t get to school or to the doctors. I’m in favour of the right to protest. Being able to voice your opinion is at the very heart of our democracy, but this sort of sickening behaviour with people shouting and screaming in front of children is unacceptable. I wonder if the protestors have considered the consequences if there is a serious emergency when their irresponsible behaviour could mean that the emergency services can’t get through. I wonder how that will square with their concerns for the health and safety of the local community that they repeatedly claim they are trying to preserve.