POLICE in Teesdale have made 157 visits to traveller sites in recent weeks in response to community fears.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, said officers had called a meeting of all interested parties to develop a policy about travellers.

Insp Tuck was responding to criticism by Barnard Castle Town Council that police were not doing anything about travellers camping on the Demesnes in the town.

He told the council that the Demesnes was controlled by Teesdale District Council.

Any eviction must be supported by the district council, as well as the police area senior management team and evictions can only be used in extreme situations.

There would also need to be alternative sites.

Complaints that the travellers damaged a padlock on the barrier to the Demesnes could only be dealt with by witness or forensic evidence.

Insp Tuck said: "Even if the council or the police had been able to use eviction powers without alternative pitches the problem could and would be transferred to another location.

"This could be Flaxfield, Bridgegate, or even the Market Place, cricket club or main car park and the process would start all over again."

He said a policy of non-harassment should be followed and, where possible, services such as fresh water, skips and portable toilets provided.

He said: "This does not sit easy with everyone in the community, but if enforcement action is not going to be taken then this would seem sensible to reduce clear-up costs and environmental impact complaints."

Councillor Alan Wilkinson said: "If this was on a playing field then they would be moved, but because it seems to be somewhat more of a rough-kept piece of land it seems to be somewhat more acceptable.

"But it's still taking away the rights of residents."