A COUNCIL has decided to ban motor vehicles from a country lane after complaints it was too rutted and muddy for most users to pass.

Durham County Council’s highways committee agreed to a permanent traffic regulation order prohibiting motor and horse drawn vehicles from Hexham Lane, Wolsingham, on Friday. (March 13)

The 2.5mile track, north of Thistlewood Lane, was made a byway open to pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians, motor and horse drawn vehicles following a public inquiry in 2005, before which it was part bridleway and part footpath.

Since 2010, the council’s access and rights of way team has received reports about its deteriorating condition due to motor vehicles.

In June 2012 off-road bike and 4x4 groups were contacted and notices erected urging responsible use of the route to reduce damage.

But officers said the following winter it worsened, becoming rutted with areas of standing water and mud and a stretch of stone and bricks was in parts washed away making it almost impassable.

Temporary closure orders have been in place to all but walkers since summer 2013 when drainage work was carried out and officers felt a permanent order was needed to preserve and secure the historic route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Andrew Cuthbertson, of the National Farmers’ Union North Durham Dales branch, supported the move on behalf of farmer Bruce Watson, of Baal Hill Farm.

He said allowing vehicles back would be detrimental to the farm’s livelihood and security, spook livestock, interrupt the peace and quiet and damage the eco system including nesting birds, wildlife and plants.

But members of the Trail Riders Fellowship (TRF) feel unfairly blamed for the state of the track and believe they could have worked with the council to solve the problem.

Tony Huntrod (COR), chairman of TRF Northumbria, which has around 100 members, said: “We’ve worked with councils in other areas to volunteer or raise money to maintain and improve byways, we use self constraint and other methods like seasonal, weight and wheel restrictions could have been used.

“Four wheel drives and even horses cause more damage than our bikes, I think some people including the councillors have a false idea of what we’re like.

“We’re professional people who take road legal bikes 100 to 200 miles a day using byways around our country, we’re not vandals tearing up fields.

“We fill up while we’re out and bring people from all over the country to events, like a camping weekend at Nenthead.”

TRF member Joe Thomson (COR), of Langley Moor, added: “Shooting parties in 4x4s can still use it for access, but this taxpayer can no longer use a byway that was fought for a decade ago.

“They have cut off a great link between the Barnard Castle and Consett areas and forcing responsible riders, including a planned charity ride, to make a massive detour.”

Cllr John Shuttleworth felt it was the right decision.

He said: “They go up there with their bikes whatever the weather and rive the place to pieces.

“I’m not aware of them contributing anything to the local economy or community, they treat the countryside as one big adventure playground.”

The 3,000 member strong TRF is seeking legal advice and may challenge the decision.