Open space in a County Durham village has been protected with fencing, to stop antisocial use of mopeds and quad bikes in its tracks.
Residents and councillors in Haswell, near Peterlee, have long complained about the mess, disturbance and potential danger of people using off-road bikes irresponsibly.
One patch of land, near Hessewelle Crescent and Gloucester Terrace, was highlighted as a problem area. It had been repeatedly damaged by vehicles driving over the grass.
Housing provider believe housing, which owns the land, worked with the three Durham County Councillors for Trimdon and Thornley, Haswell Parish Council and East Durham Rural Corridor Area Action Partnership (AAP) to address the concerns.
The housing provider agreed to erect a gated barrier around the land and provide a bench, which have both recently been installed.
The £5,337 project was jointly funded by believe housing, the Neighbourhood Budgets of Councillors Lucy Hovvels, Jake Miller and Chris Varty via the AAP and the parish council.
A private owner nearby has also fenced off their land and believe housing has given permission to the parish council to install planters and maintain the area.
Leah Sigsworth, a Neighbourhood Officer at believe housing, said: “The way quads and similar vehicles were being driven over this land was a nuisance, and it was making the area look a mess.
“It was a constant problem, affecting how residents felt about the area and creating extra work for our Neighbourhood Team, the councils and police.
“By working together, the partners on this project have made the gateway into Haswell and Haswell Plough look a lot nicer and helped residents to feel safe.”
Councillor Miller said: “This was causing great concerns to residents. We have listened and have worked with believe housing to introduce target-hardening of the area, and we have received nothing but positive feedback from residents.”
Councillor Hovvels said: “We’re delighted the improvements to the area are now completed.
“We will continue to listen to our residents’ concerns and work in partnership with believe housing to find solutions, projects like this will make a positive difference to our Haswell Plough community.”
believe housing has been recognised as one of the best places to work in the UK.
It was named a ‘3 Star, world-class to work for’ employer by Best Companies and has risen up three league tables.
believe housing has teamed up with North East councils and housing providers to fight social housing fraud, which is depriving families and vulnerable people of the homes they need.
A community centre has been given the kitchen makeover it needed so that local groups can make full use of its facilities.
We have completed a £5million project to make 1,100 homes warmer, greener, and cheaper to run … and a second, even bigger scheme is about to get underway.
