RESIDENTS have raised concerns after sections of sewer pipe were placed near their homes to prevent travellers taking lorries and caravans on to riverside land.

But they were promised that the eyesores, and four others due to arrive this week, will look attractive once the job is completed at Barnard Castle.

A council working party decided the large pieces of pipe were the easiest way to protect the Demesnes from travellers who arrive in large numbers each summer on their way to Appleby horse fair.

There were many complaints last year when more than 30 caravans, ten lorries and 20 horses took up most of the space, which is used at other times as a play and picnic area.

Chris Tomlinson, head of street care services for Teesdale District Council, who is in charge of the operation, said last night: "I know the pieces of piping don't look good at the moment. They are just pieces of sewer turned on their end. But we mean to bank soil up against them.

"We will probably plant flowers and bulbs inside and outside, so they will become nice features which will form an excellent barrier."

He pointed out that the working party, made up of police, local and county councillors and a representative of the travellers, had agreed that this was the best solution to protect the Demesnes.

He said: "We were heavily criticised last year when all the travellers got on to this piece of land. Now we are being attacked again for our efforts to keep them out.

"But everyone should be pleased with the end result."

The working party is still deciding on other places in the area at which the travellers can camp this summer.

A local woman, who did not want to be named, said yesterday: "These things are really ugly and everyone has been moaning about them.

"So it is a relief to know that they will soon look better."