Yobs attempt to smash up lifesaving heart-start machine in Evenwood

YOUTHS have been causing a headache for villagers by riding noisy motorbikes on paths, as well as risking lives by trying to smash up a lifesaving heart-start machine

An attack was made on the Randolph Community Centre, in Evenwood. Police were called recently after youths smashed downpipes on the building and tried to break the defibrillator by kicking it in.

Martin Clark, the clerk to the parish council which runs the centre, said they tried to remove a bench installed in memory of the late Evenwood stalwart Raymond Gibson. They also ripped up a noticeboard.

Mr Clark said CCTV evidence has been given to the police who are dealing with the matter. The parish council is insured, said Mr Clark who explained he was relieved the defibrillator survived the assault.

Meanwhile, Cllr Mike English said people were growing concerned about a group of young people riding motocross bikes around the village. He said: “Over the past three to four weeks, there has been a group of young people on motorbikes using Shirley Close as a through way. They have been churning up paths.

“It’s getting to become a nuisance because I can hear people say ‘They are out again – I can hear them’.”

Cllr English said the motorcyclists were mounting the pavement and going in the direction of Craggwood.

“We need to nip it in the bud,” he said.

Parish chairwoman Cllr Barbara Nicholson: “It’s been going on for ages.”

The parish council is to contact Durham Police about the issues.

Elsewhere, worrying cracks are opening up on a historic dale bridge. Repairs were carried out to Ramshaw bridge after a car smashed into it in 2016, causing a large chunk of the structure to fall into the river. Parish councillors reported this month how cracks were developing on the opposite side.

Cllr Rachel Webb said: “There are a lot of wagons going over it.”

Durham County Council has been asked to investigate.