Police and security guards were brought in to maintain order at a council meeting amid fears of crowd trouble.

The last two meetings of Richmondshire District Council's resources committee have been abandoned in chaos after hundreds of angry protesters turned up.

Two weeks ago more than 800 residents tried to pack into the local school hall to discuss the controversial sale of land to fund the council's new office block.

After the meeting was abandoned amid jeers, boos and swearing, council leader John Blackie had to be escorted to his car by police.

In a move to stop a similar situation, police patrolling outside and security guards were on duty inside the venue for the latest committee meeting to discuss an unrelated issue on Tuesday night.

Crowd barriers and traffic bollards were also in-place on the roads around Swale House, Richmond.

However, the measures proved unnecessary as only around 50 people turned up to hear councillors decide the future of council-owned playing fields and open spaces in the district.

Numbers allowed into the council chamber were strictly controlled and around a dozen people were stopped from entering.

Harry Tabiner, the council's chief executive, said: "We had been told in advance by several of our councillors that a lot of people could be expected, so we took the precautions necessary to make sure that the meeting took place.

"The meeting went very well. The room was full but not oppressive and the people who were able to get in, seemed happy with the outcome."

Acting Inspector Tim Osborne, from Richmondshire Police, sent three special constables and a sergeant to the meeting.

"We have to balance everybody's demands," he said.

"The council have their job to do and the public have their views.

"We don't take sides - we were just there to make sure people can carry out their lawful business without interruption."

At the meeting, councillors voted in-line with officer recommendations to keep control of 45 play areas, parks, sports fields and public gardens. The decision on a further 14 pieces of land was deferred for further consultation and research to be carried out.