AN annual triathlon has been accused of causing chaos for local residents.

At its latest meeting, Barnard Castle Town Council heard some people were unable to get out of their homes for the duration of the Teesdale Triathlon.

The race, which was held last Sunday, consists of a 500 metre swim, a 28 kilometre bike ride and a 7.7 kilometre run.

Members of the council complained that road closure signs which had been put up prior to the event had been inadequate.

The town mayor, Councillor John Watson, said: "Boards were put up but no details were furnished.

"One resident was told to stay at home for the duration of six hours."

Councillor John Yarker said: "I heard a case of one farmer who wanted to come out and rang the police and was told he wouldn't be able to come out of the farm."

The council suggested it may have been better to use a system of stop-go signs to keep traffic moving in the town.

The triathlon has been running for 13 years, and this was the first year road closures were put in place.

Teesdale District Council's leisure manager, Paul Branch, said the closures were put in place following discussions with police at Aykley Heads, in Durham, the county council and the Teesdale Safety Advisory Group.

Mr Branch said: "The safety of the competitors and also the general public is paramount, and it was deemed necessary.

"It was a case of closing the roads or not having the triathlon.

"It's a valuable event and brings people into Teesdale and we've had a lot of good feedback.

"When we come to plan next year's event, we will be having a debrief to look at ways we can improve it for the competitors and public."