THE public has been banned from a nursing home's grounds after residents were frightened by dogs.
The private grounds of Middleton Hall nursing home, at Middleton St George, near Darlington, have been used by some people to exercise their dogs rather than sticking to the public footpath around the hall.
Residents have been frightened by dogs left to roam the grounds, while others have been disturbed by people entering the grounds at unsociable hours.
Because of the nuisance caused to residents, the owners of the home have decided to stop general access to the grounds.
A spokesman said: "We would like to remind people this area is private and is for the use of residents, their families, friends and staff. All other people should use the public footpath running round the land."
A £1m refurbishment of the hall is almost complete, with 42 nursing beds and 22 residential care apartments now available.
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