Spennymoor Liberal Democrat councillors Bill Thorkildsen and Dean Ranyard have participated in a multi-agency site meeting to discuss issues of off road vehicles riding through the woodland area by the Merrington Park estate. Joining them were Danny Booth of Spennymoor Town Council, John Wilson of the Woodland Trust and PCSO Emily Curry from Spennymoor and Ferryhill Police.
Cllr Thorkildsen said: “Local residents have expressed concerns to me about off road vehicles regularly racing through this area between the housing development and the Whitemoor Allotments managed by Spennymoor Town Council.”
Cllr Ranyard added: “The woodland area which links Spennymoor to Ferryhill is popular with dog walkers and the kids play park on the housing estate is adjacent to the footpath. The potential of an accident here is high, so we want to deter vehicles from accessing the area.”
The Woodland Trust will be putting in posts and fencing to block access routes on land they manage, while the police are hoping to erect signage warning that vehicles accessing the area can be seized. Durham County Council have been approached to see if a gate can be installed on the public right of way to further prevent vehicle access.
Illegal vehicles causing a nuisance are an issue across the county and residents are urged to report incidents to police using the 101 number or via the online 101 Live Chat.
For residents who have general concerns they wish to raise can attend the next Police and Communities Together (PACT) meetings. The next one is due to take place on Wednesday 27 September from 6pm in the Memorial Room at Spennymoor Town Hall.
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