TRAVELLERS who illegally set up camp near Barnard Castle face eviction after failing to leave the site voluntarily at the weekend.

Illegal encampments were reported to police and landowners at Staindrop and Barnard Castle late last week.

Authorities said both sites were illegal encampments, thought to have been set up by people travelling to Appleby Horse Fair which is on this weekend.

Barnard Castle Police said they were working with those affects and legal action would be taken to have the occupants moved if they did not move to an official Temporary Stop Over Area voluntarily.

The group who were on the village green at Staindrop left on Friday evening but the illegal encampment is still at Demesnes in Barnard Castle.

It is understood work is ongoing to evict them as soon as legally possible.

The Northern Echo:

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 traditional horse fair will run from Thursday, August 12 to Wednesday, August 18, which is later than usual due to coronavirus restrictions.

 

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