A PUBLIC tip in a rural area faces closure because of new government legislation.

Residents of Cockfield, in Teesdale, are worried the closure of Cragwood tip could lead to increased fly-tipping on Cockfield Fell.

The tip was scheduled to close next month but has been granted a reprieve to allow Durham County Council to consult local residents.

It is located outside of Cockfield and borders Cockfield Fell, England's largest scheduled ancient monument.

Because the tip does not contain any amenities, such as running water, sewage or electricity, it does not comply with new regulations laid down by the Environment Agency and was therefore due to close on December 12.

Because the next nearest tips are at Tindale Crescent, near Bishop Auckland, or Stainton Grove, near Barnard Castle, Cockfield parish councillor Neville Singleton fears people may resort to fly-tipping.

He said: "It's ridiculous, it's a very busy tip.

"There's already been a bit of fly-tipping on the fell, which is an ancient monument. It's going to turn the area into a dump. We're getting a petition up to see if we can get it stopped."

The local county councillor, John Priestley, said: "I'm going to meet with the officer responsible and we'll look into it. Hopefully, we'll be able to get something done."

A spokesman for the county council said: "The Environment Agency required us to bring it up to a modern standard, but the geographic situation meant it would make it financially very difficult to carry out the necessary work.

"For these reasons, we were looking at closing it. But we've had some concerns expressed and, as a result of that, we've now put back any decision to close until we've carried out an extensive consultation with the town and parish councils."