Appeal to fix pot hole danger lane no-one owns

A DISABILITY charity has stepped in to help raise cash to make good a potholed-lane that no one admits owning.

Stangarth Lane, in Staindrop, is the only route by which disabled people can access the Scarth Memorial Hall but it is in such a state of disrepair that people on mobility scooters are being advised to avoid it.

The lane also provides access to the village Scout hut and playground, creating a problem for parents with prams and pushchairs.

Now Teesdale Disability Access Forum (TDAF) has stepped in to help raise cash to fix the lane after complaints from its members.

A central problem with the lane is that no one owns it, something the Staindrop Parish Council has already established.

Cllr Ed Chicken, who is also on the Scarth Hall committee, said: “It literally does not belong to anyone at all and it is also unadopted by Durham County Council.

“The ramp is great but the route to the ramp is not. At least we have put lights down the side so people can see at night but the tripping hazard is ridiculous.”

Cllr Chicken added that it was always the committee’s intention to make good the lane, at least to the disabled ramp, but Lottery cash for the hall’s major refurbishment could not be used for that.

He said it would cost about £3,500 and a number of groups had been asked to contribute.

Raby Estates, which has houses along the lane, has already agreed to help and BT, which has an exchange on the lane, had also been approached.

The struggle disabled people have was highlighted last week when Paula Rogers, from Barnard Castle became stuck along the lane while attending an art class at the hall.

The 29-year-old had taken her dogs, Saffy and Batty, outside to relieve themselves

and her wheelchair had become stuck while she was making her way to the dog poo bin.

Art teacher Jane Young had to help her become unstuck.

Ms Rogers said: “It is really difficult. It is uneven and bumpy because there are really big potholes. It is not easy at all and you tend to need someone to help you.”

Ann Henderson, of Teesdale Disability Access Forum, has inspected the lane and has subsequently put out an appeal to groups to contribute towards repairs.

She said: “On inspection we could not believe the condition of the road surface.

“It is in a dangerous condition and needs urgent attention.

The potholes are over three inches deep and anyone falling or tripping in the potholes, it is unimaginable what injuries could be caused.”