Residents of a former mining village say it has been blighted fly-tipping.
Locals in Page Bank, between Brancepeth and Spennymoor, first complained about rubbish being dumped on wooded land back in April 2024.
But they say issues continued to intensify with a digger regularly seen at the site in the village from July of the same year.
Resident Jade Pringle told the Echo the situation has been 'horrendous' for residents.
"It's not being cleaned up," she said.
"It's a huge rubbish dump. This is ludicrous that it has gone on so long.
"I am particularly worried at panelling which could have asbestos in it being dumped just metres from the River Wear."
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Jade and her partner Rob have been in discussions with Durham County Council officials for around 18 months about the issue, which prompted a visit from the Environment Agency.
"We think that the state of the site, and the council allowing it to remain this way is appalling," the pair said.
She questioned what she believes to be a lack of urgency in getting the area cleaned.
(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)
Durham County Council says it has issued a fixed penalty notice to an individual believed to be dumping waste at the site.
Neighbourhood protection manager Ian Hoult said: "We're aware of fly tipping taking place in this area but due to an ongoing investigation, it would not be appropriate to comment.
(Image: Jade Pringle)
"Generally speaking, we share the concerns of residents over fly tipping and are working hard to tackle it. Our recent prosecutions should demonstrate our dedication to this goal.
"We have a range of tools at our disposal to dissuade this blight on our landscape, which includes deploying cameras in previously targeted locations, closing lay-bys if necessary, seizing vehicles and issuing Fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs)."
The council said instances of fly-tipping across the county were at 'historic lows', and a spokesperson said more than 20 prosecutions have been carried out between 2024 and 2025.
Page Bank once it consisted of half-a-dozen rows of terraced houses on a minor road between Spennymoor and Brancepeth.