I was contacted earlier this week by a resident concerned about the impact off-road bikes were having in and around our villages, and in this particular case along the Haswell to Hart Walkway in Hesleden. As regular readers of these pages will know this is an issue I’ve raised on several occasions at monthly PACT meetings and consequently it’s something the police are well aware of.
However, because this latest correspondence related to a specific location I contacted the parks and countryside team at county hall to ask for an update on their plans to install ‘target-hardening’ measures on the Haswell to Hart Walkway to physically prevent off-road bikes gaining access to a well-used public footpath.
Whilst recognising that such measures may have unintended consequences they have responded to my request by confirmation that preparations are underway to tackle the problem at this location. I’ve reproduced their response below in full.
**If you are aware of any similar issues in your neighbourhood please report every incident to the police on 101. I know from past experience that some may feel this is pointless when problems persist, but regular reporting gives the police an accurate up to date picture of the worst affected areas.
Alternatively, if you prefer to contact me please do so at: rob.crute@durham.gov.uk and I’ll raise your concerns with the police and appropriate authorities on your behalf.
Hello Cllr Crute,
Thank you for your email regarding the issue of off-road vehicles on the Haswell to Hart railway line. This is a problem we are encountering across the entire countryside estate, as you are likely aware.
The Haswell to Hart railway line is hopefully set to undergo improvement works in the future, and managing off-road vehicle access is a something we will be looking in to within these plans. However, due to the nature of the multi-user route, we are unable to implement physical restrictions such as A-frames and K-frames, as they would impede access for route users, including pedestrians, cyclists, equestrians and disabled access.
We understand the frustration this causes and are actively looking into alternative solutions that balance accessibility with preventing unauthorised vehicle access. we recommend that any sightings of off-road vehicles on the railway line be reported to the non-emergency police number, 101. This reporting is crucial, as it helps the police identify hotspots and patterns of illegal activity, which in turn enables them to allocate resources more effectively. Increased patrols in known trouble areas can lead to quicker response times and a stronger deterrent against such activities.
We appreciate your vigilance and cooperation in this matter. Your reports are invaluable in assisting law enforcement and ensuring that the railway line remains safe and accessible for all legitimate users.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support.
Countryside Ranger [Parks & Countryside Team]