ILLEGAL Traveller encampments have been set up on two public greens.

A number of caravans and vehicles are parked at the Demesnes, in Barnard Castle, and on the village green at nearby Staindrop.

It is believed the camps have been set up for short term stays by people travelling to Appleby Horse Fair, which is being held later than usual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Authorities have said they will seek to evict the occupants and encourage them to move to designated locations provided.

As in previous years, Durham County Council has set up Temporary Stop Over Areas (TSOAs) along roads traditionally used by Gypsies and Travellers heading to and from the fair, for the benefit of both those using them and residents living along the routes.

Nine TSOAs are being provided until August 27 as part of a coordinated response also involving the South West Durham Business, Residents and Travellers Forum and the Teesdale Residents’ and Travellers’ Forum, which include representatives from the county council, town and parish councils, Durham Constabulary, local businesses and Gypsy, Roma, Traveller representatives.

The fair will run from Thursday, August 12 to Wednesday, August 18.

A spokesperson for Barnard Castle Police said: "We are aware that Travellers have arrived at the Demesnes in Barnard Castle and on the village green in Staindrop.

"Both of these encampments are illegal and not included as part of the areas set aside for Travellers as stop over locations used for their annual migration to Appleby Fair.

"The police, Staindrop Parish Council, Barnard Castle Town Council together with representatives from Durham County Council Gypsy Romany Traveller service are seeking to evict them from both locations as soon as is legally possible."

 

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