COUNTY officers are planning a temporary closure of an historic off-road track through Hamsterley Forest to repair damage caused by 4x4s.
But there are calls for it to be permanently closed to all vehicles.
In the latest incident, a 4x4 was abandoned after it came off the track – one of a network through the forest known as green roads – between Redford and Wolsingham and crashed into Ayhope Beck.
On the same day, another 4x4 crashed into a ditch and another broke down in front of Hamsterley Forest resident Alan Swindale’s home.
He said: “Over the past 15 years and more, off-road enthusiasts have progressively destroyed the green lane.
“What was indeed a green lane has become a muddy morass as off-roaders try to navigate the obstacle course they themselves have created.
“A week ago one of these enthusiasts has tried to venture off the green lane onto the private forestry and ended up crashing their vehicle into the Ayhope Beck and abandoning it there, leaving a trail of damage and risk of pollution of the beck.”
He has since written to Durham County Council and the Forestry Commission calling for the road to be closed to vehicular traffic.
He said: “The road has an interesting history. It dates back to Norman times and was the main road between Barnard Castle and Hexham. In Victorian times it was used to take coal from Woodland to Wolsingham.
“The Forestry Commission have had to put in a footpath alongside the road.
“It has got to the point where the mountain-bikes can’t go on the road so now they are going on the footpath which is creating its own problem.”
He added: “They [4x4 enthusiasts] do nothing – they just wreck the thing and don’t put anything back.”
The Forestry Commission confirmed that two 4x4 vehicles had found their way off the official green lane and became stuck.
A spokesperson said: “Considerable damage was done to trees and drainage ditches in their attempt to extricate the vehicles.
“Most worryingly is the potential for a serious pollution incident in Ayhope Beck, an important salmon spawning river.
“Police are investigating this incident and plans are being made for the difficult extraction of the vehicle from the river.
“Driving 4x4s off-road on official green lanes is a fun pastime for many but it also comes with serious responsibilities.”
Brian Buckley, strategic highways manager at Durham County Council, said: “We are aware of the problems being caused by irresponsible drivers of 4x4 vehicles on this particular green lane and the surrounding countryside.
“While we know not all 4x4 drivers using the track are responsible for the damage being caused, the problem is getting worse.
“We do have approval to undertake some repairs, but the extent of the damage is now so great we will be seeking approval to close this lane to all vehicles to allow the land to recover.
“This will require a Traffic Regulation Order which will be presented to our highways committee, along with the views of those for and against the proposal.”
