A PAINTBALLING activity run in an area of tight security near judges' lodgings is set to expand.
Challenge Events has been given planning permission to increase the number of paintballing games it runs from less than 28 days a year to 75 days a year in woodland near Plawsworth, Chester-le-Street.
The bid originally raised security concerns from the Court Service as the area is not far from lodgings where leading judges stay while presiding over North-East cases.
The area is governed by heightened security.
Durham police did not object to the proposals but told Chester-le-Street council that if the public reported seeing people in camouflage clothing and carrying guns it could result in an armed police response team being sent to the area.
To date there has been no problem. Organisers inform police when paintball games are held.
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