WHY is the taxpayer paying for large numbers of police to “facilitate” Third Energy’s deliveries to the North Yorkshire fracking site at Kirby Misperton (Echo, Sept 26)?

Should these costs not be borne by Third Energy and entrusted to their own security?

The reduced police presence then would only be required to ensure the protection of demonstrators involved in their lawful pursuit of slowing down an industry established in the quest for profit.

This industry is rejected by an overwhelming majority of those who cared enough to voice their opinion, on grounds economic, prophylactic, practical, environmental and, not least, moral.

At present, it is only the demonstrators who need protection. They pose no threat, as shown by the atmosphere at the gates and the character of those involved, particularly the brave women prepared to lock themselves in for hours on end.

They are doing this on our behalf.

David Cragg-James, Stonegrave, York