Summary
Villagers near Bishop Auckland are concerned that a main road, the C31, might never reopen after it collapsed into the River Wear over three years ago. Local authorities are working on solutions, but no progress has been made. The road's closure is causing inconvenience and additional costs for residents due to long diversion routes.
Key Facts
- The C31 road to Hamsterley collapsed in January 2023.
- The road remains closed because parts have fallen into the River Wear.
- Villagers are upset because they've been waiting more than three years for the road to be fixed.
- The county council is looking into solutions but it is a complex issue because the river has eroded the land under the road.
- Villagers are using a 4.5-mile (7.2km) detour, which takes more time and costs more money for them.
- There have been several near misses with large vehicles on the narrow diversion route.
- Local authorities plan to decide soon on the future of the road.
