Arrests made at roadside protest camp

Work is continuing today to clear a protest camp at the side of a County Durham Road.

Three people were arrested yesterday (19th April) along the A692 between Leadgate and Dipton on suspicion of aggravated trespass.

The demonstration is against developers trying to secure fields that have been given planning permission to operate as an opencast site.

Police and bailiffs have remained at the scene overnight.

The protest camp was obstructing both the highway and access to the opencast site.

A section of the A692 which was temporarily closed during the morning for safety reasons, reopened in time for evening rush-hour.

Chief inspector Richie Allen, of Durham Constabulary, said: “I would like to thank the local community for their patience during today’s operation.

“It is a busy road and we didn’t take the decision to close it lightly, but our paramount concern has got to be the safety of everyone, the public, the protesters and the police and council staff working at the scene.

“We have been dealing with very determined and very organised protesters.

“Activity to remove the last of the protesters will continue into tomorrow (20th April).

“At this moment in time, it is not anticipated that we will need to close the road to do this”