Saturday 2 October 2021

Operators of a controversial East Yorkshire oil and gas drilling site may appeal a decision by East Riding Council planning committee to turn down an application to extend the wellsite at West Newton. Despite over a thousand objections including concerns raised by many parish councils, officers had recommended approval. Councillors finally rejected the application by a narrow majority of 7 votes to 5. Informed sources told Beverley FM that it would be unacceptable for a council which recently acknowledged a climate emergency to approve such a scheme, especially at a time when there was pressure internationally to halt all new fossil fuel development, including in the UK, which is hosting this year’s UN COP26 Climate Conference. Reabold Resources said that based on their current understanding of the reasons for refusal they’re confident they have a strong basis for a successful appeal. It’s been estimated that the site has 283 million barrels of extractable oil and over 265 billion cubic feet of extractable gas.

Following the announcement that Virgin Money is to close its Beverley premises in the New Year as part of a wider national closure of 31 branches, local charities have been shocked to learn the company is also closing its fundraising platform, Virgin Money Giving, by the end of November.

The Beverley campus of East Riding College says it is reopening its facilities for community events. College principal, Mike Welsh, said that although teaching and learning never stopped during the pandemic, he’s delighted to be able to open up as a community venue once again.