CAMPAIGNERS are fighting to save a North-East landmark threatened with closure because of safety fears.
They say shutting picturesque Stanhope Ford, in Weardale, County Durham, would be a blow to tourism and remove an iconic feature.
Members of the Weardale Area Action Partnership (AAP) voted to save the River Wear crossing after they heard from co-ordinator Andrew Walker that Durham County Council and the Environment Agency had discussed permanent closure.
It is shut at the moment because of flood damage to the road bed, which is proving more expensive to repair than originally estimated.
Children can paddle and play safely in the ford when water levels are low, and families flock from all parts of the North-East to picnic on the riverbank.
But it can swell to a raging torrent in heavy rain, leading the council to introduce winter closures three years ago.
Over a few years, emergency services were called out more than 30 times to rescue stranded motorists, including some high-profile helicopter dramas.
The county’s fears follow a tragedy in North Yorkshire in March when Vanessa Robson, 53, was swept away in her Land Rover crossing a beck in Hartoft, near Pickering.
Mr Walker said: “They have come to the conclusion that the ford is beyond economic repair and needs to be fully reconstructed.”
Former Stanhope firefighter Bill Hobson told the AAP that the ford brought thousands of visitors every year and should stay open.
Another retired firefighter, Harry Irwin, said there was no reason to close the ford, accusing emergency services of over-reacting in the past.
He said: “A lot of excuses have been used to keep the ford shut. It should open again as soon as possible.”
David Heatherington, the chairman of the Weardale Visitor Network, said: “Stanhope Ford is an iconic feature and should stay open.”
Colin Bage, who represents Durham and Darlington Fire Brigade on the partnership, said they could rescue motorists safely using new techniques.
He said: “We have never advocated the use of helicopters “If the river is in flood, we would use swiftwater rescue teams.”
A Durham County Council spokeswoman said no decision had been made on the ford, although consultation would start soon.
She referred to the rescues, adding: “A recent incident in North Yorkshire saw the tragic death of a woman in similar circumstances and, obviously, the health and safety of the general public is always a priority.”
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