A VILLAGE community is to have a chance to ensure there will be no repeat of May Day clashes with travellers.

Businesses were warned to close after eight caravans arrived on the Leeming Bar Industrial Estate, North Yorkshire, earlier this month.

Some people feared for their lives after they were threatened and the area was sealed off at one point, following reports of a noise like a gunshot.

However, there was just one arrest - and that was made when the travellers began to fight among themselves.

The North Yorkshire Police Authority met at Bedale Hall yesterday where assistant chief constable Peter Walker said a tougher stand could have sparked more violence.

Arrests might also have meant the travellers staying in the area for longer, while they were dealt with by the courts.

The meeting agreed the Community and Police (CAP) group should take a lead role in planning a strategy for the future.

"It would only be required when dealing with some sectors of the travelling community, as it would be unfair to tar them all with the same brush," said Leeming Bar resident and councillor Carl Les.

"However, the local CAP group is to try to get people together - businesses, residents, the council and police - so they can discuss this issue and come up with a plan so, if there was a risk of this happening again, there would be a strategy everyone could follow."