Dear Editor,

I have lived in the Bellway estate (off Meadowfield Road) since the houses were built, unfortunately as we are approaching Fathers Day residents will again be almost prisoners in our homes until almost lunch time due to the Annual Road Race.

As there are two entrances to our estate and Meadowfield Road being quite wide we have been advised residents should be able to enter or leave the estate, however despite assurances in previous years this has not happened. On one occasion I had to leave my car at the cemetery and walk, even though I explained to the Policeman I was disabled and confirmed this by my Blue Badge, I was told I had to walk, despite explaining to the Policeman I was in pain.

As the race is always on Father’s Day it means that if your Dad lives on the Bellway estate he either gets up early before the race starts, or he can’t leave the house till lunchtime when half the day has gone – neither option seems fair.

Could you please contact the Police and Durham County Council on our behalf to clarify once and for all whether roads are completely closed, preventing residents leaving or entering our homes? I have tried in previous years but unfortunately it appears neither Police, Race Wardens or Council know what to do.

Many thanks,

Bellway resident

Organiser’s Reply . . .

Dear Sir,

Aycliffe Running Club is sorry for any inconvenience caused by the two hour road closures between 9:30 and 11:30 on Sunday June 16th, Father’s Day. The closure is one of the many outcomes from the Safety Risk Assessment agreed by Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary to provide separation of competitors and traffic. Aycliffe Running Club must comply with this.

The event has been held for many years on the same date and is one of Newton Aycliffe’s major sporting events with over 600 participants. The race is something that many people of the town participate in and support as an annual event in the town calendar.

The road closures are as follows; Burnhill Way in both directions closed with no access; Meadowfield Way is totally closed in both directions for the first lap 9:30 to 10:15; Burn Lane from Cobblers Hall to the junction with Greenfield Way is one way West-East towards the town centre; Greenfield Way from the roundabout with Burnhill Way is one way South-North towards Rope Moor. As for access from Meadowfield Way, concession is given to cross Greenfield Way at the discretion of the race marshals when it is safe and there is sufficient gap between competitors.

If the writer would like to advise his name and/or car registration we will ensure he gets access when it is safe to do so.  We hope this answers your question and hope that you will be out to watch the event.

Aycliffe Running Club