PARISH councillors have agreed to work with the travelling community which intends to visit a South Durham village every year in memory of a friend.
The decision comes after about 400 people descended on Eldon Lane, near Bishop Auckland, last month reportedly without warning.
Villagers were told that the gathering was in memory of a person who had been killed in an accident a year ago.
The visit caused chaos, particularly a "chariot-style race" on the village roads. Buses were forced to bypass the area.
Talks between the parish council, police, Durham County Council, Wear Valley District Council, Dene Valley Parish Council and a representative of the travelling community have led to an agreement that notice will be given of the travellers' arrival.
Chairwoman of Dene Valley Parish Council, Dorothy Burn, said: "I know that people in the village will not be keen on the idea, but it is better to work with the travelling community than against them.
"If we all work together next year may be more peaceful.''
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