THE cost of policing protests outside a site being prepared for fracking dropped significantly last month.

North Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Julia Mulligan, has published the latest costs incurred in policing protests outside Third Energy’s well site at Kirby Misperton.

In December it cost the county’s force £58,488 to police the site, down from £147,800 in November and £233,700 in October.

The figures include costs such as overtime, mutual aid with other police forces, subsistence and travel-related costs.

Mrs Mulligan said: “Costs were down in December, which is welcome, but there was little activity on the site, so this was to be expected. I continue to keep a close eye on this operation and the cost to the North Yorkshire taxpayer.

“Most importantly, whilst communities across North Yorkshire expect some impact to policing in their area as a result, that needs to continue to be kept to an absolute minimum.

“I will also continue to engage central government on this issue.

“Whilst maintaining my neutrality, I am concerned delays in processes in Westminster will have knock-on consequences here in North Yorkshire, and will be reminding ministers of my concerns.”