DRIVERS who deliberately cause damage to a Barnard Castle beauty spot will be hit in the pocket.
Town councillors have declared “enough is enough” with thrill seekers performing “doughnuts” on the lower Demesnes after one driver caused damage estimated at £2,000.
Such was the sodden state of the turf that the vehicle got stuck and had to be towed out.
A second incident, involving a different vehicle, caused further damage to the area.
Responsibility for the maintenance of the Demesnes lies with Barnard Castle Town Council, which took over management of the popular beauty spot from Durham County Council in 2019.
The lower Demesnes is a regular target for drivers performing “doughnuts” but on this occasion, town clerk Martin Clark said such was the extent of the damage, it could not be repaired by the council’s maintenance worker because of the deep ruts.
Quotes for the work, which includes digging out, applying new top soil and reseeding, had come in at £2,000, members of the services committee were told.
Mr Clark said police had been informed about cost of the damage and the council’s wish to pursue restorative justice or reclaim the cost through the driver’s insurance.
Mr Clark said the driver of the second vehicle had been served with a notice warning him not to do it again.
He said the situation had reached a point where people needed to know the council would take action against those responsible for causing damage to the Demesnes.
Cllr Valerie Ewart questioned the mindset of those who would cause £2,000 of damage for “five minutes of wanton vandalism”.
Services committee chairwoman Cllr Fiona Turnbull added: “People need to know we are working with the police and the council will take action.”
