RESPONSIBLE 4X4 drivers have launched a crowdfunding campaign to restore a “magnificent” green lane repeatedly damaged by less considerate motorists.

Stretches of Doctors Gate Road, between Wolsingham and Hamsterley Forest in County Durham, have become so churned up they are now impassable to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

For the unclassified county road is also popular with off road vehicles, including 4x4s, quad bikes and motorcycles, whose large tyres can wreak havoc after spells of heavy rain.

The majority of 4X4 drivers act responsibly and avoid green lanes when the weather is poor. However, a minority ignore all advice and inflict mindless damage not only to the road, but to the surrounding moorland when they veer off course to avoid floodwater.

Some have damaged gates and sign posts; others leave a trail of litter in their wake; and a few have been caught driving untaxed vehicles.

Last year, the Green Lane Association (GLASS) decided enough was enough and, with the landowner’s permission, installed signs to encourage people to be considerate and stick to the track. GLASS, a national rights of way group representing the interests of 4x4 drivers, also asked motor vehicles to avoid Doctors Gate Road over the winter to help protect it.

Andy Hutchfield, GLASS County Durham area representative, said: “What these people are doing isn’t ‘green-laning’ it’s a criminal offence, our members have been working hard all year to help stop this vandalism. ‘Green-laning’ is about exploring the countryside using our forgotten unmetalled road network without causing damage to the surrounding area.”

GLASS has now joined forces with the Forestry Commission and Northumbria Trail Riders Fellowship to raise funds to repair the route. The aim is to secure £1,500 to enable Durham County Council’s Highways department, which is responsible for the road, to correct the damage.

They hope to meet with Highways officers later this month, with work to take place in the spring if the project is given the go ahead.

Mr Hutchfield said GLASS had a network of volunteers who could be called upon to help, adding: “This project is about multiple user groups coming together with one common goal of saving a truly magnificent unclassified county road before it’s too late.”

Alex McLennan, of the Forestry Commission, said: “We are really pleased to be working with Andy and the team. They have come up with a good case to fix the road and hopefully we can move it forward.”

GLASS has already secured £1,205 towards its target. To make a donation, visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/andy-hutchfield

All money will be returned to the donors if the work cannot go ahead.

Brian Buckley, the council’s strategic highways manager, said: “We’d be happy to discuss any proposals to contribute towards the costs of maintaining this stretch of rural highway.”