A POTHOLE ridden byway through a new housing development is causing residents to fear for the safety of motorists and pedestrians using it.

A track on the Burton Woods site, off Whitworth Road, Spennymoor, was only used by a few local people until hundreds of new houses were built around it.

Now it is getting much busier, people on the estate are calling for action to improve the track so it is safer for both walkers and vehicles - or for vehicular access to be restricted.

A mother who uses the route to take her daughter to school in the town, said: “I always knew the track was there but it wasn’t that well used, certainly not by cars, but now more people live here and know of it, it has got busier.

“There are a few families use it regularly and lots of dog walkers, but I’m getting nervous when I’m on it.

“It isn’t wide enough for two vehicles to pass in opposite directions yet they drive along it both ways, if two were to meet it would be a nightmare, especially if someone was walking nearby too as there is no path or verge to step into for safety.

“I am genuinely worried there will be an accident soon, it will just get worse in winter.”

A neighbour said he had witnessed wagons having to be rescued after attempting to use the track but slipping off the uneven surface.

The man, who asked not to be named, said: “We were told it would blocked up when the site was finished but now we’re told there is years of work left yet and it is needed for access to some properties.

“We thought it would be safe for the grandchildren to play outside the house but now we’re frightened to let them.”

Both said they knew of drivers who had been sent along the track by satellite navigation systems, even though it is not a proper road.

Mike Ogden, access and rights of way team leader at Durham County Council, said: “We are aware of residents’ concerns about the byway and are in regular contact with the housing developers regarding its management and maintenance.

“But there is no obligation on the county council or the developer to maintain it to the standard of a tarmac road as it was never meant to be the regular route for vehicles within the estate.

“When the development is finished there will be a complete network of proper tarmac roads.”