Stanhope Ford should be closed to vehicles, says inspector (From The Northern Echo)

Stanhope Ford should be closed to vehicles, says inspector

8:00am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in News By Duncan Leatherdale

Stanhope Ford

A FORD popular with tourists should be closed permanently to motorists, an inspector has concluded.

Following a three-day inquiry, planning inspector Malcolm Rivett has recommended that Stanhope Ford, which crosses the River Wear at Stanhope, in Weardale, County Durham, should be permanently closed to vehicles.

Durham County Council and police sought the ford’s permanent closure on safety grounds after ten drivers in the summer months between 2001 and 2008 misjudged the crossing and had to be rescued from their vehicles.

But tourists, motor enthusiasts, residents, local councillors, 480 people who signed a petition, and more than 1,400 people on Facebook called for the ford to remain open between March and October each year due to its popularity among visitors.

The ford has been closed permanently since a couple were rescued from their car on April 1, 2008 – the day the crossing reopened for the summer.

In his report, Mr Rivett said the potential impact on tourism was outweighed by the risk to the public should the ford remain open.

County councillor for Weardale Anita Savory said: “Once again, something is being taken away from Weardale. We are losing one of our most famous landmarks and the majority are being punished for the actions of the minority.”

Mr Rivett said the perceived punishment was minor compared to the potential loss of life, made worse by sudden and unpredictable changes in water levels. Although there have been no fatalities to date, Mr Rivett said that did not mean there would not be in the future.

Objectors suggested new safety measures, including installing gates and raising the ford, but the inspector deemed none of them to be practical.

Bob Young, cabinet member for the environment at Durham County Council, said the inquiry was fair, adding: “We have a duty to ensure the safety of all road users, including those using Stanhope Ford, and we will consider this when we make a final decision on the ford’s future.”

Weardale councillor John Shuttleworth said he was disappointed but not surprised.

He said: “Once again the people in Stanhope have been asked their opinion and then totally ignored.”

The final decision will be taken by Terry Collins, the council’s corporate director of neighbourhood services, but advice will be sought from the highways committee when it meets at County Hall in Durham next Tuesday.