River level probe as notorious ford stays closed

May 5 2008 by Neil Mckay, The Journal

A FORD notorious for hapless motorists getting stuck in mid-stream is to remain closed pending an investigation of nearby river bed conditions.

Highway engineers believe a build-up of silt and sediment downstream from Stanhope Ford in Weardale, County Durham, could be creating a dam-like effect and affecting river levels at the ford itself.

They have asked the Environment Agency to look at the river bed conditions and in the meantime are seeking a temporary road closure allowing the ford to remain closed for a further 21 days.

The ford closed for the first time last October to avoid any repeat of incidents where emergency services, including rescue helicopters, had to be called out to rescue drivers who become stuck in the ford after ignoring flood conditions, water depth gauges and warnings signs.

Just weeks ago, on April 1, fire and rescue crews were called out after two off-duty soldiers became trapped in their car at the ford after trying to drive across fast flowing water.

Firefighters were dispatched from Crook and Stanhope, as well as an emergency rescue boat from Bishop Auckland.

The ford, which only re-opened for the summer earlier the same day, was closed again and has remained closed since.

Durham County Council’s Acting Director of Environment Roger Elphick said: “Although the water level in the river is still too high to make a detailed inspection, our engineers are concerned that silt and sediment on the river bed below the ford may be affecting water levels back at the ford itself.

“We have asked the Environment Agency to investigate, and their findings could delay the re-opening even further.

“In the meantime, we are also waiting for the river level to fall so our own engineers can examine the condition of the carriageway across the river.”

Last year the County Council’s Highways Committee voted to install lockable gates to prevent vehicles from getting on to the ford between October 1 and March 31 after members were told firefighters had to be called to the ford, which spans the River Wear, 27 times in the previous six years.

Around 80% of the call-outs had been between October and March.

Michael Dunn, Fire Safety Officer for County Durham Fire and Rescue Brigade, said the risk of carrying out rescues to both fire crews and people who get stuck on the ford were “extremely high”.

County Councillor John Shuttleworth, member for Weardale, said local people reluctantly accepted that a winter closure was necessary “because you cannot legislate for idiots from outside the area who attempt to cross the river when it is in full spate”.