A GROUP set up to help ease tensions between travellers and Teesdale residents is hoping for a "peaceful summer".

The Travellers Working Group met recently to discuss arrangements ahead of the forthcoming Appleby Fair.

The horse fair, which is held in Cumbria between June 8 and 14, attracts travellers from across the country and Europe.

Teesdale's villages and towns are often used as staging posts for travellers travelling to and from the fair.

The working group was set up last year with representatives from parish, town and district and county councils, Raby Estates, Durham Police and the travellers themselves.

Part of the arrangements this year include the provision of authorised temporary camp sites.

Areas under consideration include a site near Wackerfield, Broomielaw picnic site and land near Bowes, Lartington and Winston.

Inspector Kevin Tuck, of Barnard Castle police, called for compromise, tolerance and understanding.

He said: "Police officers have no powers to evict those who trespass on public or private land.

"Police powers are available in certain circumstances to issue directions to leave and arrest if there is a failure to comply.

"However, although these powers remain an option for Teesdale, they have been described by the courts as creating a draconian procedure and should be used as a last resort."

It was also announced that a telephone help-line would be set up for the duration of the fair.

Scott McInally, from Durham Council's traveller liaison service, said that while things are improving, gipsies and travellers were the most discriminated against ethnic minorities.

However, Barnard Castle councillor, Alan Wilkinson said: "I object to turning this into a racist issue.

"I think we should simply regard it as a travellers issue."