POLICE have taken action to prevent a gateway into a historic town being used by travellers returning from Appleby Horse Fair.

A mobile police base, a CCTV van and water-filled barriers have been deployed in Bridgegate, Barnard Castle, to prevent travellers from parking their vehicles and caravans there.

The street, sandwiched in between the River Tees and the castle walls, is the main route into the town centre from the A66.

But last month it was packed with cars, caravans, trailers and horses as travellers made their way to the fair in Cumbria.

When the travellers moved on, many left rubbish and it was alleged that some tipped human waste into the river.

“The trespass is actually onto an A classification road, causing potential danger, as well as anger and concern among residents who have reported some intimidation and loss of parking spaces,” said Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police.

“The trespass was also very visually impactive for residents and visitors to the town, and fires under the castle walls and possible human waste being tipped into the river added to a deteriorated situation at what should be an attractive historic entrance to our market town.”

Police in Barnard Castle have become the first in County Durham to apply for special powers under Section 62 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act to remove travellers, and have taken extra measures to deter anyone from staying on Bridgegate.

The water barriers have been placed along 250 metres of the street. It is hoped they will encourage travellers to use the three official stopover points in Teesdale.

Insp Tuck said: “We hope the combination of these actions will prevent further impact on the Bridgegate community.

It should be stressed that it does not follow these measures can be routinely used elsewhere in Teesdale.

“Each trespass has to be judged on it merits taking into account all negative factors.”