POLICE fear a lack of road safety measures could lead to an accident in the Weardale village of Stanhope, during the annual visit of a funfair.

Durham police believe it is only a matter of time before there is a serious accident at the funfair, run in conjunction with the agricultural show in the village, which is a century-old tradition.

They have asked the parish council to consider putting up safety barriers along the length of the funfair and temporary traffic lights, or to move the fair to an alternative site.

In previous years the funfair has been sited along the A689, for nearly the entire length of the village, during the annual show weekend, which starts on September 9.

But Stanhope Parish Council has refused to accept either of the police recommendations, saying it is not responsible for the running of the funfair.

The council says Wear Valley District Council and Durham County Council should meet the £1,300 cost of providing barriers and traffic lights during show weekend.

Both councils have told the police they are not responsible for funfair safety.

Nearby Wolsingham Parish Council has agreed to pay for a £1,300 traffic management scheme during its show weekend, starting on Friday.

In a police report to Stanhope councillors, Inspector Graham Hall said he believed only good luck had prevented an accident to date.

He said: "It is my view that it is only a matter of time before an accident occurs, which will raise serious questions as to why the event has been allowed to be held for so long in its current format."

A safety review was important, he said, adding: "The purpose of this is not to stop the funfair from proceeding and create ill-feeling among the community, but to ensure that it can carry on successfully for years to come in relative safety."

Stanhope parish councillor Harry Irwin said he was opposed to the fair being moved, but the vital question was who would pay for traffic lights.

"This has been a part of Stanhope show weekend for generations. It is most important that a great part of Weardale's tradition like this should be maintained," said Coun Irwin.