A RURAL picnic area that is regularly used by travellers could be formally adopted as a temporary encampment.

The Broomielaw picnic site, near Barnard Castle, County Durham, is already used as an unofficial camp by travellers and is occupied by about seven caravans.

A working group formed to tackle problems with travellers in the dale is now exploring the possibility of designating the Broomielaw site as a recognised stopping place.

The group, which includes officers and members from local councils, police, landowners and travellers' representatives, was set up last summer following complaints about camps across the district particularly around the time of Appleby Fair.

A spokesperson said significant progress was being made in its attempt to find temporary accommodation for travellers in Teesdale.

It is hoped to identify several areas that could be considered for temporary stopping places and the first one being considered is Broomielaw.

Scott McInally, of Durham County Council's travellers liaison service, said: "The picnic area has been used by gypsies and travellers in the past, and is presently being occupied by a number of campers.

"But before the site can be officially adopted, issues relating to planning and the provision of facilities will have to be explored and the views of all interested parties taken into account.

"The working group will continue to look at the possibilities for identifying other areas to ensure that there are sufficient stopping places during the Appleby Fair period."

The group says it has made progress in other areas, by agreeing that the county council should act as the co-ordinating body for an action plan.