AN unauthorised camp of travellers at a tourist spot in Bishop Auckland has caused concern among residents.

Three caravans arrived at privately-owned land on the riverbanks near Batts Terrace more than a week ago and, since then, up to 20 more have arrived, causing concern for nearby residents.

Several residents complained to Bishop Auckland town ward councillors Sam Zair and Sharon Ord about noise caused by generators and horses. They said people are scared to walk near the area.

Coun Zair said: "The riverbanks is a very popular area for fishermen, dog walkers, ramblers and families and we are hoping they will move on as soon as possible, as they have created an eyesore in a scenic public area.

"The problem has snowballed over the past week, with more travellers arriving and the residents who live there have been extremely patient up until now.

"Once the travellers have left, I am going to discuss setting up a prevention plan so the same problem will not happen again if they return to the riverbanks."

"Durham County Council are due to complete a welfare assessment of the travellers next week."

A resident from Batts Terrace, who did not want to be named, said: "The riverbanks are often used as a place to picnic and people are scared of coming down now because the travellers are there.

"The generators make a noise too, which isn't nice for people living here, we'd just rather they went so the area can return to normal and be used by people again over the summer."

Michael Laing, chief executive of Wear Valley District Council, said: "I have been down to the area and was informed that the travellers will be leaving by August 19, after that time we will be at the area cleaning it up."

Tom Carver, public protection manager for the district council, said: "We are looking into it, it is not our land and we are trying to find out who the land owner is."