A FAMILY has decided to leave their home of the past 21 years after a seventh vehicle ploughed into it.
The smash is the fourth at Kinninvie crossroads in a month, and comes only weeks after a petition was launched to make it safer.
But for Jim Brough the recent spate of collisions is the final straw and he and his family are moving to Copley.
The accident happened at about 8.30am on Monday, March 16, when a black SUV and a white van collided.
The SUV, which was travelling from Folly Top towards Staindrop, smashed through Mr Brough’s home and partially into his dining room.
His daughter Tina was in the room at the time.
She said: “I was just walking out. It was a big bang – as soon as I heard it I thought, ‘not again’. Literally the whole house shook.”
Mr Brough said his family had decided to find a new home two months ago and were due to move today (Wednesday, March 16).
He added that the last time the house had been hit was when a Discovery and trailer ploughed into it seven years ago.
Marwood parish councillor Peter Stubbs, who also lives on the crossroads, said every collision had involved a vehicle coming up the road from Barnard Castle.
He said: “We have had our house hit, but not to the extent of the Broughs.
“It is not the road to blame. It is not the [county] council to blame. It is people not giving full thought to the road – it is driver error every time.”
Cllr Stubbs said there were seven signs warning drivers to the take care of the crossroads, but people were simply ignoring them.
Following on from the launch of a petition two weeks ago talks have taken place with Durham County Council officers to improve safety at the crossroads.
Among the works being suggested is coloured Tarmac and additional signage. Also possible is an electronic sign which can flash warnings.
Cllr Richard Bell, who represents Marwood on the county council, said: “I will be getting onto highways and injecting a sense of urgency into the planned works.”
Insp Ed Turner, of Barnard Castle Police, urged drivers to take extra care when approaching the Kinninvie crossroads.
“The signs are there to be seen. The signs are motorway grade signs but I would urge drivers to be aware there is a dangerous junction.
“We are working with the local authority to see what can be put in place.”
A police spokesperson confirmed that two people received minor injuries after the collision and had been taken to hospital as a precaution.
