THE energy firm behind plans to launch the UK's first fracking operation in five years has dismissed claims it has a poor safety record.

Third Energy, which is seeking permission from North Yorkshire County Council to hydraulically fracture rock deep underground near Pickering to produce gas, said it had been operating safely in Ryedale for the last 20 years

It said a report by campaign groups Frack Free Ryedale and Frack Free North Yorkshire into sour gas leaks, problems with flooding, staff accidents, environmental incidents and disputes with the Health and Safety Executive was "an exercise in selectively taking information out of context".

The campaigners said Freedom of Information Act requests had revealed a poor standard of protection by the firm on its North Yorkshire gas pipeline, with an HSE inspector stating in 2008 that it was "a situation that has continued unresolved for many years" and that the firm faced being served with an improvement notice.

The Frack Free report claims the firm had to shut down the pipeline in February 2014 after sour gas, which it highlights has caused numerous explosions in the US and Canada, was found to be leaking at its Pickering site.

The report also claimed there had been accidents which had led the firm's staff to take time off and there were future water contamination concerns, following flooding at Third Energy's site at Marishes.

Third Energy said the campaigners' report demonstrated a lack of knowledge and understanding of gas exploration and production.

It said following the comments from HSE on the pipeline infrastructure an extensive programme of inspection work was implemented which, in 2010, achieved full revalidation for the entire design life of the infrastructure and there had never been “numerous injuries" to employees at its well sites.

A spokesman for the firm said: "Contrary to their insinuations, the documents actually demonstrate that Third Energy’s monitoring, controls and systems are effective as well as demonstrating the rigour and technical knowledge of the HSE in regulating well and pipeline operations.

"For example, the report of the minor gas leak at the Pickering well site is not a failure, but a demonstration of the company’s controls, diligence and ability to respond quickly and effectively.

"At no time was there any risk to people or property or harm to the environment."

It added the HSE had confirmed it had no records of any convictions against the firm for health and safety offences.