Tragedy struck at the Pony Field in 2003 when 15-year-old Ian Gourley was killed by hit-and-run driver Dean English, who was driving a stolen car.

Wooden fencing was erected around the site in a bid to prevent cars getting access following the smash - but vandals have been tearing it down to get onto the fields with their motorbikes.

Motorbikes are already banned from the area near the crossroads at Horden and Peterlee. But yobs are repeatedly using the field as a racetrack.

Civic leaders are now looking to secure enough cash to install secure fencing and barriers to protect dog walkers and children using the popular land, which has been described as "an accident waiting to happen".

A disabled access barrier is planned for installation at the end of the month. But councillors admit it may not stop smaller mini-moto bikes getting onto the field and want more secure fencing.

Peterlee Town Council and Durham County Council are currently looking into the design and cost of the boundary project after vandals ripped down the existing fencing, allowing access for the problem bikes.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, told the Mail he was fed up with the bikers.

He said they were "putting lives in danger" and that he had contacted the council about the problem but was told that there wasn't enough funding.

He said: "Every time I go there with my dog, bikes are flying about. One of my dogs was very close to being hit.

"There are two blind spots on the field and children play there. I hope the council doesn't wait until there is an accident."

Horden Coun Edna Connor said: "These bikes are coming down from Peterlee, and you can see the track marks and the devastation it causes.

"They don't realise the steepness of the bank with blind spots, and it's an accident waiting to happen. It's an utter nuisance."

Peterlee Town Council leader Coun Bill Jeffrey said: "Health and safety is always paramount in the town council's mind and all councillors' minds when anything of that nature comes up, but finance always comes into it as well, as it does with every item we deal with.

"We have dealt with nearly all the complaints we have had in the past, and are doing something about it."