A VILLAGE meeting, which was due to be held last night, was cancelled after residents said they were afraid to walk past a travellers' camp site.

They were due to discuss plans for local events and amenities, in the community centre in Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle.

Cilla Bushey, chairwoman of Stainton Grove Community Association, said last night: "It was to be an open meeting to discuss local topics and we could have had 20 or more people at it.

"But several told me they were too frightened to walk past the travellers, who look quite threatening when they gather.

"We may also have to cancel a youth club night next Wednesday if the campers are still around. Usually 30 young ones attend it."

Councillor Tony Cooke, vice-chairman of Stainton and Streatlam Parish Council, said: "I would have been at the meeting and am disgusted that it has had to be cancelled.

"It means that life here is coming to a standstill because of these visitors. It is the first time any event has been cancelled.

"Other unauthorised camp sites have been closed off, including a big one on the Demesnes in Barnard Castle, so the travellers have come here in force. We are suffering badly.

"Many children are afraid to use a new play area because travellers' kids have taken it over."

Councillor Ken Robinson, leader of Teesdale District Council, said: "We have done our best to solve the problems of previous years.

"Council officials have tried to persuade the travellers to move on to an authorised site without the need for lengthy legal action.

"But we realise the wishes and needs of local residents have to be taken into account.

"It is a difficult situation, but we will do our best to solve it amicably."

Durham County Council has set up a large camp site at Shaw Bank, Barnard Castle, for travellers to use while going to and from Appleby horse fair, which starts next week.

But one caravan owner parked at Stainton Grove, Stephen Lee, of Cannock, in the Midlands, said: "That other site is too soft. Caravans and cars would sink on it, so nobody is using it.

"We are doing no harm here. I'll be staying until next week, and so will most of the others."

Coun Cooke said several travellers have moved on at the request of council officials, but others immediately took their place.

He added: "I think we need big blocks of stone to make it impossible for vehicles and caravans to get on to the land around here."