A PUBLIC meeting has been called to discuss the future of a Sedgefield road which many residents want closed to traffic.

Beacon Road is used by many local people as a country walk, but it is also a favourite annual stopping point for travellers en route to Appleby or Yarm fairs.

Other concerns include speeding cars and fly-tipping.

Sedgefield Town Council has been pressing Durham County Council to close the road and has suggested a lockable barrier, which would still give access to utilities.

But the barrier idea has received little support from the county council, which says such gates often get damaged and keys tend to go missing.

One resident, who asked not to be named, said: "The town council is trying very hard to resolve this problem and want to get the road closed, but we can't get any co-operation. We are just getting nowhere.

"The travellers will be starting to come here again in a couple of months time so, to be fair to them, we want this to be dealt with now so that the gypsy liaison officer can speak to them.

"We could end up with a terrible situation if we do succeed in getting it closed off and the message doesn't get out to them."

A public meeting to debate the issue is to be held in the Fletcher Room at Sedgefield Parish Hall, on Monday, February 18, at 7.30pm.