A STEEL barrier is to be placed over a stretch of the old A66 at Bowes to deal with problems of parking and overnight camping.

At the latest meeting of Teesdale District Council members heard that discussions had been ongoing for some time between Bowes Parish Council and Durham County Council over the problems of vehicles using the stretch of old road at the west end of the village.

The county council has proposed making an order to prohibit driving vehicles over the section of road, which is now known as the C163.

The council plans to place the barrier across the road just past a bus turning circle opposite West End service station.

The gate will only be closed and locked during periods when considered necessary and legitimate users will be provided with keys.

The district council raised no objections to the stopping up of the highway and members comments are to be passed to the county council.