A TRUCK stop in County Durham that’s blighted locals and council officials will be closed to HGV drivers from the start of next month after allegations of ‘misuse’, anti-social behaviour, and pollution concerns from drivers that have used the site.

Residents living in School Aycliffe have had to endure long-running incidents of unattended vehicles being left at the HGV park, as well as numerous other issues, including health sand safety concerns and overnight camping.

The truck park, which is located on School Aycliffe Lane, opposite the town council offices, was originally designated to house HGV drivers overnight, but due to the persistent issues, it will now be repurposed as a public car park and overflow for council offices.

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Following an investigation from Great Aycliffe Town Council during the start of this year, an announcement was made by the local authority earlier today (February 9) – announcing the news of the closure to HGV drivers from March 1.

A height restriction barrier will be installed at the entrance to the car park to prevent the use of the site by HGVs and other large vehicles.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Great Aycliffe Town Council said: “The Town Council hereby gives notice that the lorry park adjacent to the Town Council Offices on School Aycliffe Lane will be closed to heavy good vehicles with effect from Tuesday 1st March 2022.

The Northern Echo: The truck stop will prevent HGVs from entering from March 1, and will be monitored via a height barrier. Picture: GOOGLE. The truck stop will prevent HGVs from entering from March 1, and will be monitored via a height barrier. Picture: GOOGLE.

The Northern Echo: The site will now be used as a normal car park and an overspill for the town council offices. Picture: GOOGLE.The site will now be used as a normal car park and an overspill for the town council offices. Picture: GOOGLE.

“The Council has taken this decision following long-running problems with the site being misused, including unattended vehicles being left on the site, overnight camping, anti-social behaviour, health and safety concerns and pollution incidents.

“The car park will be re-designated as a public car park and overflow for the Council Offices.

“An alternative lorry parking facility is available at Newton Aycliffe Truck Stop, 1 Spring Rd, Newton Aycliffe DL5 6AJ.”

The Northern Echo: Since announcing the news, HGV drivers have expressed their disappointment with the cxouncil's decision. Picture: GREAT AYCLIFFE TOWN COUNCIL.Since announcing the news, HGV drivers have expressed their disappointment with the cxouncil's decision. Picture: GREAT AYCLIFFE TOWN COUNCIL.

Despite revealing the news of banning of HGV drivers from the site, the council has faced backlash on social media from concerned motorists, who believe the closure notice is being used as a “pointless exercise” by council officials.

After the council posted the decision online, one commentor said: “As a HGV driver of 26 years, I have pulled away from the industry because of treatment like this. I for one parked my truck in this park for 3.5 years. It seems a silly statement that vehicles are left unattended when by default that is the nature of parking a vehicle.

“It sometimes baffles me what decisions are being made in those offices, I presume like a previous contributor said it’s a step to sell the land for council gain whilst making no consideration for the people of Aycliffe and our visitors.”

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