People asked for views on bid to protect village green

Gainford people are to be given a say in how to protect the village green from illegal encampments during the annual Traveller migration to Appleby Horse Fair.

Parish councillors fear that people want a public space protection order (PSPO) that is far too broad which covers all forms of anti-social behaviour.

In May, the parish council called an extraordinary meeting attended by the public and police after a number of caravans, horses and horse traps were taken on the village green ahead of the annual fair.

The idea of applying for a PSPO was raised by police during that meeting.

At the council’s latest meeting, Cllr Sarah Hannon said a letter should be written to residents explaining what a PSPO is and inviting them to give their opinions.

The letter should include a reference to the three PSPOs that exist in the county, she added.

Cllr Hannon said: “This is something we were going to apply for to prevent illegal encampments, it is not something that can stop anybody doing anything bad or naughty, because potentially it is going to land on kids in the village if they do something a bit naughty.

“We need to get across to the village that it is not something that can solve every bit of anti-social behaviour in the village. It is something to prevent illegal encampments, fires and human defecation within that area.”

She noted the PSPO should be for a limited time of the year and suggested it extend four weeks before and four weeks after Appleby Fair.

She pointed out that a PSPO for High Force covers from May to October and not the whole year.

Clerk to the council Martin Clark warned that it is Durham County Council which decides to award a PSPO and it may not become a reality.

He said: “Let’s be honest, there is no guarantee you are going to get it.

“High Force got theirs because they were having a lot of anti-social behaviour there.

“What we had here is one encampment, it doesn’t necessarily mean you are going to get the PSPO.”