AN MP and commissioner have joined forces to seek Government support towards the cost of policing fracking protests.

Kevin Hollinrake, MP for Thirsk and Malton, and Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, met with policing minister Nick Hurd, after it was revealed the additional cost to North Yorkshire Police has so far topped £700,000.

Although Third Energy’s operation at Kirby Misperton is on hold and further fracking equipment has been moved, it is likely to resume.

He responded positively to their argument and set out the process for putting forward an application of support.

Mr Hollinrake said: “Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been spent quelling aggressive protests and local resources have been stretched as a result. The minister confirmed that a special grant is available and that, so long as criteria are met, our bid is likely to qualify.

“After the Police and Crime Commissioner’s team have calculated the total cost, they will be submitting an application to the Government for a reimbursement of funds. I will do everything that I can to help make sure that this is successful.”

Ms Mulligan said she will be writing to the chief constable with the concerns of residents, who have presented her with an 80-strong petition.

She added: “Whilst the fracking itself is now on hold, I am keen that the police fully understand the impact on the community, to learn lessons for any future operation."