UNCERTAINTY over the site of an annual horse fair has sparked concern in some communities.

Rumours are rife on social media websites that the East Durham horse fair, usually held in Seaham, Blackhall and Horden over the August Bank Holiday weekend, will be relocated elsewhere in County Durham this year.

Helmington Row, near Crook, had been identified as a possible site, prompting fears among nearby residents of anti-social behaviour and the mess left by travellers.

However, Durham County Council and Durham Police have stressed that no decision has been made.

A Durham County Council spokesperson said: “Historically we know that relatively small scale horse fairs will happen in the county whether they are authorised or not.

“To try and address some of the concerns raised in previous years, like traffic management, we have been liaising with the organiser of the event.

“A number of sites around the county have been considered but none have so far proven suitable locations and challenges have been raised which would need to be resolved ahead of any decision on a particular site being made.

“A site at Helmington Row was one of those under consideration and, as a contingency, the farmer leasing the field was issued with notice, but at no stage was a decision made regarding this location.”

The horse fair has drawn some criticism in the past, but, in a survey conducted by Durham Police last year, 77 per cent of nearby residents said the event did not have a negative impact on their lives.