MEMBERS of a County Durham angling club have been left counting the cost of an act of vandalism which saw a walkway go up in flames in a wooded area.

Ferryhill and District Angling Club will be unable to foot the bill for the estimated £8,000 replacement of the raised wooden path which runs around its rented pond behind Mainsforth Sports Complex.

Membership secretary Neil Marsden and friends discovered the scorched walkway and an incinerated, new, plastic fishing peg a fortnight ago.

In a bid to ensure the safety of anglers and surrounding woods, this week members decided to prevent further attacks by ripping out the walkway.

Mr Marsden said: "We could try to repair the walkway but we risk it all being set on fire - and it's in the fir trees too.

"For the steps to have gone up like that, someone has done it purposefully and have probably poured petrol on it."

Members have access to ponds and eight stretches of river across the South Durham area.

The pond in Ferryhill, rented from Durham County Council, is one of three used by the club.

Mr Marsden said due to its location, it is not the first time the site has been targeted by vandals.

Patches of scorched grass have also been left by people lighting fires.

"Damage like this has been done before," he added. "People camp down here and though the gates get locked on a night, people have access through a field and down the old lines.

"In my view I think why should I spend my spare time [pulling up the path] when someone has done this damage."

Anglers are allowed to fish on the site from June 16 until March 15.

During the closed period the pond flourishes as a nature reserve.

Ferryhill Town Council has pledged its support to the club and have offered to see what they can do to help.

Deputy Mayor of Ferryhill, Cllr Jacqueline Cansella, said: "This was brought to our attention and we're keen to work in partnership with all community groups.

"We appreciate how important the fishing group is for our community and it's a beautiful place."

Angling club members started the three-day task of pulling up the walkway on Tuesday.

Mr Marsden said the overnight incident was not officially reported to police as he believed there would be no way of catching the culprit or culprits.