PATROLS might be introduced at Hamsterley Forest to deter anti-social behaviour by errant 4×4 drivers.
This comes after two locked gates were rammed open and an off-road vehicle was abandoned in the forest last week.
Residents say the problem has been ongoing for several years and not only are vehicles damaging the historic lane, but when abandoned they leak diesel and oil, sometimes polluting Ayhope Beck, an important salmon spawning waterway.
Another 4×4 was abandoned near the forest in December last year which had its wheels removed and windows smashed.
The track was closed temporarily in August 2020 for repairs after three vehicles were abandoned. Often drivers set fire to the vehicles after abandoning them.
Subsequently, county councillor for the forest Cllr Robert Potts met police and officers from Forestry England to see what can be done to curb the problem.
Cllr James Cosslett, who also represents the area, said: “Forestry England is to provide a map to identify the route used, for mobile patrols and get maximum visibility and council wardens to be consulted about how they can be involved.”
He added that a new police community support officer (PCSO) has been appointed to the area and his contact details will be shared with forestry officers so that they can share information with him about anti-social behaviour and off-road driving. Keys to the various gates and barriers are also to be giving to police by Forestry England, he added.
Cllr Cosslett said he hoped the new measures would help improve relations and communication between residents, police and forestry officials.
He said: “Hopefully it seems that we may be getting somewhere at last to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the forest.
Of the latest vehicle being abandoned in the forest, he said: “Apparently this vehicle has been stuck there since Saturday leaking fluids into the river.”
The lane is due to be temporarily closed sometime early this year following the incidents last month. At the time the county’s strategic highways manager, Paul Watson, said: “We are aware of the issues created by vehicles using Doctors Gate and Hamsterley Forest which are causing damage to the natural habitat and the road surface and the abandonment of vehicles.
“After discussions with local landowners to identify key access points onto the land, we are seeking to implement vehicle restrictions through the implementation of a temporary traffic regulation order which will ban the use of motorised vehicles on the area to allow the habitat to become established again.
“Key stakeholders have been consulted.”
