Trench dug in field to stop anti-social behaviour

A trench has been dug in the entrance of a field to try to prevent vehicles being driven onto the grass and burnt, police said.

Durham Police and Durham County Council (DCC) neighbourhood wardens have had reports of vehicles being driven dangerously and abandoned in the fields near Parkside Academy, in Willington.

The entrance to the field is owned by DCC and it decided to have a trench dug in with protective red and white tape to "try and discourage access".

The authority's neighbourhood protection manager, Ian Hoult, said there was no public right of way in the area and their wardens will continue to monitor the situation.

He said: "We have taken preventative measures near Parkside Academy to try and stop vehicles being driven onto the nearby fields before being abandoned and set on fire, along with other anti-social behaviour."

A spokesperson for Durham Police said the force supported the effort to "implement the trench" to limit access to the land.

Their officers will also continue to monitor the area.

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