THE director of a caravan park has defended activity on the site following complaints by residents concerned with social distancing.

One dog walker was left "surprised" to see people on the site of Newbus Grange Country Park, Neasham, after non-residential caravan parks were closed as part of coronavirus restrictions.

Gilbert Maguire, director of the site on Hurworth Road, Darlington, defended the activity saying no additional people have entered the site since measures were enforced, and those that currently reside there have given sufficient evidence they cannot return to permanent addresses.

He said: "People currently on the site are there for medical reasons or social distancing. For example, NHS workers are using it as a temporary abode to keep their families safe while people at risk are using it for social distancing.

"We’ve let the council know who is there, have changed the barrier code on the gate and are patrolling to ensure no one is sneaking in.

"People have contacted us asking if they can come and say, empty the fridge of their caravan, but we’ve had to say no because that’s not essential travel.

"We’re doing the best we can and are following guidelines to protect the NHS."

Councillor Alan Marshall, Darlington Council’s cabinet member for economy, said: “Environmental health officers have had discussions with the management of the site and have been assured that the site is being used as temporary accommodation by people who are permitted to do so under current guidelines.”