BOLLARDS are being erected to prevent damage to a grass verge in a Teesdale village.

Members of Etherley parish council were worried about the number of cars that parked on the grass verge at Toft Hill.

The damage has worsened during the recent wet weather and following an inspection by Durham County Council it was agreed that wooden bollards should be erected.

The council has increased its precept to £10,200 which represents £14.47 a year for a Band D property.

Councillors said that although the precept has been increased to reflect the work required to maintain the verges, some people are spoiling the appearance of the village for all residents.

Council chairman Martin Clark said: "It is difficult to get the balance right between keeping the precept at an acceptable level and ensuring that we maintain the services the parish council provides.

"Over the past few years resources have been put into improving the appearance of the village - with some success - and we must ensure that this continues in the future.

"We cannot understand how this situation has escalated to such a point where there are sometimes five or six cars parked overnight along this particular stretch of grass verge - a lot of damage has been caused to the grass and we have received several complaints from residents."

Parish clerk Alison Overfield, who is also the secretary of the community association, said residents could park in the community centre car park.