A GROUP formed in Sedgefield village has promised to take action if steps are not taken to close a country lane to traffic.

Defend Our Village Environment (Sedgefield) is a group of residents concerned about long-standing problems in Old Beacon Lane.

They have called for a gate to be installed across the lane to prevent travellers camping, with access only available to those with a lawful right to use it.

A statement released by the group said that a petition was being organised and a fighting fund established to force Durham County Council to take action.

Other strategies being considered include a demonstration at County Hall, Durham City, withdrawal of payments of the county's element of council tax and, if necessary, an approach to the European Court of Human Rights

The group has also passed a vote of no confidence in county council leader Councillor Ken Manton, who represents Sedgefield village, and who members feel has abandoned residents.

The statement said: "Old Beacon Lane has, for many years, been plagued by speeding cars, drug and drink users, fly tipping, illegal encampments and general anti-social behaviour."

The group fears the county council is creating authorised encampments for travellers all-year-round, making the lane a permanent no-go area for local people.

Coun Manton said residents were entitled to organise as many petitions, fighting funds and demonstrations as they liked, but said it was important they took their complaints to the right bodies and organisations.

He said: "When it comes to problems like those raised in their Press release, these are not matters solely for the county council to tackle.

"The borough council, town council and the police all have an interest, as well as ourselves."

He said a gate had been placed across the lane twice before and physically removed, but not by the travellers.

Coun Manton said a new gate would not be a solution, adding: "Restricting access to all but specially exempt vehicles is like squeezing a balloon, and would only push gypsies and travellers on to other land in the vicinity, with possibly even greater and more complex problems."

He said he would ask the Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership for its views, and urged everyone involved to work together to find a mutually acceptable solution.