NORTH Yorkshire's chief constable could face a rough ride today over travellers who cost businesses from a village community their takings, during the May Day bank holiday.

Eight caravans arrived on the Leeming Bar industrial estate on the Friday night, just hours after being moved on from Knaresborough, 20 miles down the A1.

And, almost immediately, the travellers had clashed with residents, who declined to help when one of their vans got bogged down in soft mud.

Staff from the Proctor's Coaches depot were threatened and abused and, once police were called in, were advised not to use their headquarters, specially if they were carrying takings.

Owner Kevin Proctor was forced to relocate his business to his home for the weekend - although he estimated he still lost thousands of pounds in income.

Meanwhile, the Leeming Bar Hotel was closed for three days after customers were attacked and threatened by a group of the travellers, who urinated on the walls in the bar and vomited on the furniture.

The village shop also closed on police advice while the area was sealed off for a time on the Saturday, after there were reports of a shot being fired.

Although police maintained a 24-hour presence, senior officers still came under fire for not taking a tougher stand.

And, this morning, the community has an opportunity to underline its position when the North Yorkshire Police Authority meets at Bedale Hall.

"There needs to be a serious discussion undertaken with all parties involved," said county councillor and police authority member, Carl Les, who lives in the village.

"This is the perfect opportunity for the community and police to take the lead in reflecting local concern and to find solutions with strong support from the police authority.

"I am sure police authority members will be keen to hear about the problems faced in handling and containing this disruption to our quality of life and what action will be taken in future," he said.