SCRAP merchants are being driven off green spaces on a South Tyneside estate.
Residents in Hedworth, Jarrow, whose homes back on to the A19, have long complained about grassed areas outside their homes being churned up by lorries and vans.
People living in Brayside, Southlands, Moorlands, Westlands and Firbanks say there is a particular problem with scrap dealers doing U-turns and using the green spaces for illegal access.
Coun Steve Harrison, for Fellgate and Hedworth ward, said: “People say scrap men arrive early in the morning, looking for material, and drive across the green areas, rather than go the long way around the houses.
“This means the grass was constantly being churned up.”
Coun Harrison and fellow Independent Linda Hemmer sourced cash from Jarrow and Boldon community area forum for new fencing, aimed at preventing scrap merchants and other commercial vehicles from driving across the grassed areas.
Coun Hemmer said: “Drivers have been doing U-turns over the grass for years. This is something which has affected all the streets along the A19, and this means the green spaces are often a real mess, particularly in bad weather.
“We got some money to create a small, picket-type fence, which will hopefully prevent lorries and vans driving over the grass.”
They are now looking at obtaining more funding for bollards or boulders to be placed at the end of some streets.
Coun Hemmer added: “There is still access from Hedworth Lane, and we are looking at trying to prevent this route for lorries as well.”
Twitter: @terrykelly16
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