A COUNTY Durham councillor has taken aim at vandals who have caused consistent “misery and despair” for some residents in Peterlee by joyriding quad bikes and cars along it.

For the last six months, councillor Louise Fenwick, who represents the Peterlee West ward within Durham County Council, has been left frustrated at the “lack of action” against the anti-social behaviour taking place on Westmoreland Rise, Peterlee.  

The persistent incidents on the patch of land in question, which has seen the grass churn up and mud splatter all over nearby properties, has led to numerous complaints from residents.

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Until now, Cllr Fenwick hasn’t been able to act on the issue, but after releasing several “shocking” images of the incidents taking place in Peterlee, she now hopes to bring forward action from the neighbourhood police teams and the local MP.

She said: “Not only are these joy riders terrorising residents, but they are destroying Peterlee’s landscaping and causing damage to homes.

“Today, I contacted Peterlee Police, Durham Police and Crime Commissioner, Durham County Council, Believe Housing and Grahame Morris MPs office.

The aftermath of the damage on Westmoreland Rise, Peterlee:

The Northern Echo:

The Northern Echo:

“I have asked for a coordinated response from us all to support residents who have to live with this behaviour on a daily basis.”

As well as calling on individual agencies for help preventing the anti-social behaviour, the Peterlee councillor has also urged residents to get in touch with the police if they are the victims of this kind of behaviour, as well as contacting herself on 0300 026 9042 or Louise.fenwick1@durham.gov.uk.

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