Stanhope Ford public inquiry

The date has been set for a public inquiry into the future of a County Durham river crossing.

Traffic was banned from using Stanhope Ford in 2008, after a rise in the number of rescues from vehicles which had become stranded or swept away. Durham County Council wants the crossing to remain closed, but there have been a number of objections. The public inquiry will start on 17 January at St Thomas Church Hall, Stanhope.

Since 2001, twenty-three rescues operations have been carried out at the ford. Proposals to keep the crossing closed have been supported by police, fire and ambulance services as well as the Environment Agency. However, many local people view it as a convenient shortcut, and a number have objected to the closure.