THE annual pilgrimage to a famous horse fair has left residents of a market town angry after travellers descended on an area of public land.

More than 20 travelling families on their way to Appleby, in Cumbria, have parked their caravans and started grazing their horses on a large riverside green after breaking through a barrier put up to keep them out.

The travellers also pulled a variety of lorries on to the Demesnes, a popular spot in Barnard Castle, County Durham - but insisted yesterday that they were doing nothing wrong.

Residents are now demanding for a stronger barricade to be erected to prevent any more travellers using the site.

The original barrier - designed to let cars in but keep caravans and lorries out - was put up by Teesdale District Council five years ago following complaints about mess and noise caused by travellers each year.

Mounds of earth were later added either side of it.

The barricade has worked during the past few years, but at the weekend it was damaged to allow big vehicles to be driven on to the land.

A man living nearby, who asked not to be named, said: "We had a great deal of trouble in the past and we want to ensure it does not start up again in future years.

"This new lot have been quite peaceful but if word spreads that the Demesnes is open again, we will be overrun and can look forward to a lot of filth and noise once more.

"The barrier wasn't strong enough. It was only a matter of time before someone decided to smash it. A new much stronger barricade will have to be arranged."

Teesdale council chief executive Charles Anderson said: "It would be pointless to close the barrier now that the travellers are inside. We will wait until they go then review the situation and see what can be done for the benefit of the local residents."

The campers included families from Bishop Auckland, Newcastle, Stockton and other parts of the North-East.

One man, who gave his name only as George, said: "It's a fine piece of flat land, so why shouldn't we pitch up for a few nights?

"It's an ideal place - we can wash our horses in the river and there is plenty of grass for them to eat.

"We'll be here for only a short while. Travelling like this is part of our tradition."

A police spokesman said: "As far as we are concerned, the travellers have not caused any real problem, and we are not proposing any action. It is a matter for the council."

There have been regular protests from other parts of the dale, including Staindrop and Winston, where travellers camp at the roadside on their way to Appleby fair, which starts this week.