POLICE have been branded heavy-handed for stopping brass bands playing as they left Saturday's Durham Miners' Gala.

National Union of Mineworkers officials and a council leader will raise complaints with senior officers.

The 120th Gala attracted thousands of people and passed off peacefully.

There was anger after Murton Brass Band was ordered not to play to dignitaries on the balcony of the Royal County Hotel as it headed back to waiting buses.

And marchers from Sacriston said their path was blocked by a police van after they marched down a shopping street in contravention of instructions.

Easington Council leader Alan Napier, who was walking with the Murton banner, said: "There were more than 400 people in the crowd waiting to be entertained by Murton band, and the police moved the band away. I am going to be taking this further.''

Lawrence Claughan, secretary of Sacriston lodge, said his party, led by Sacriston Colliery Band, had been told to disband in the Market Place, but said there was no space because of crowds.

They followed three other banners down Silver Street into North Road, where a van was parked across the road, and police ordered them to stop marching.

Durham area NUM secretary Dave Hopper described police action as very heavy-handed.

A police spokesman said procedures had been agreed with Gala organisers and bands were limited to playing one tune by the hotel to ensure a free and safe flow of people.