THE headquarters of North Yorkshire County Council have seen their fair share of protests over the years.

One of the most memorable saw thousands turn out in support of the Friarage Hospital in 2012 over plans to downgrade services.

Campaigners lost that particular battle, but those among the crowds today (Friday, May 20) vowed they will win theirs.

Gabrielle Naptali, from Scarborough, who is dressed as Rosie the Skull and wearing a headband of red and white roses to signify Lancashire and Yorkshire in unity, says: “We are going to stop them. Whatever decision comes out. There are going to be more and more people who are just offended by the fact that their democratic rights are being ignored.”

Fellow protester Peter Jordan, clutching his “No To Fracking” placard, says the Government should be investigating new sources of green energy, instead of looking to exploit shale gas.

One of his biggest concerns is what happens to the large volumes of heavily polluted water which result from the fracking process.

Industry experts say categorically that because of tight UK regulations, there is no way it could get into the wider environment.

But Peter contends: “Accidents happen. It doesn’t matter how much regulation you put in place, it only has to happen once.”

Protesters have come from all over the country, - as far afield as Shetland - to try and stop county councillors from giving the go-ahead to Third Energy’s plans to extract shale gas from its existing KM-8 well at Kirby Misperton using hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

As well as campaigners from outside the area, many of those present are from North Yorkshire. One woman and her greyhound live just over the road from County Hall, and another chap, sheltering under a tree from the rain, is from Richmond.

There are all ages in attendance, including school-age children, and veterans of many an environmental campaign sporting Friends of the Earth and Greenpeace sweaters.

The approach to County Hall via South Parade is lined with posters, and red painted bicycles bearing the slogan “Protect the Environment – Just Say No To Fracking”. On the roundabout at the top of South Parade sits a slightly wonky paper Clanger making its own protest.

Outside the Station Hotel, a red double decker Frack Free Lancashire bus is parked, blocking off the entire frontage of the pub.

A 15 foot home-made robot-type creation is being held up among the crowds. His name is Mr Frackhead and he’s “coming to get me”, his owner says. That’s until the wind gets up and he has to lie down for his own safety.

There is a woman dressed as an Earth angel, whose companion asks the way to the nearest shop, and various others wearing George Osborne masks.

The banners are varied and creative. One says, “don’t p*** on my head and tell me it is raining”. Another reads “All that is necessary for the triumph of fracking is that good men do nothing”.

As rain showers strike, the queue for the tea and cake stall fluctuates. There is even a neat row of portaloos, and police officers are mingling with protesters at the back of the crowd.

Those at the front are listening intently to the debate from inside the council chamber, which is being relayed on speakers.

Bob Payne, who has come down from Livingston, between Glasgow and Edinburgh, is wearing a placard which reads Farming Not Fracking and has a white rose of Yorkshire on his lapel.

He says: “If this goes through, it’s opening the door to more applications to be granted so we are trying to come here and stop it.”

The meeting will continue on Monday, before councillors vote on the plans. Whatever they decide, judging by the scale of today’s protests, this is a debate which is going to run and run.