A PUBLIC meeting is to be held to discuss developments in efforts to close a country lane in Sedgefield.

But the Defend Our Village Environment (Dove) group says little progress has been made in finding a solution to long-standing problems in Old Beacon Lane.

Residents want access to the lane to be closed to traffic by a lockable gate to prevent travellers camping there and to alleviate other problems, including fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour.

But all proposals have so far met with resistance from Durham County Council, which has said that erecting a gate would only move the problem elsewhere.

This week, Dove members met farmers, police, members of the National Association of Gypsy Women and representatives from the town, borough and county councils.

The meeting, chaired by Councillor John Burton, acting for Prime Minister Tony Blair, discussed various proposals, including the county council's long-term strategy for gipsies and travellers and a proposal to close the lane once an alternative site was found for travellers.

A third proposal, to erect the gate but allow access to travellers at about the time of Appleby and Yarm fairs, won broad support, except from the county council.

Mike Gibson, of Dove, said: "We had a long and involved, but not altogether successful, meeting because nothing was really decided.

"What was really interesting is that the residents, the farmers and the National Association of Gypsy Women were in total agreement.

"We were also supported by the town and borough council, which left Durham County Council out on a limb."

Sedgefield residents are invited to a public meeting to discuss the present position, in the parish hall on Thursday, at 7pm.