The public are asked to take care and report any damaged public rights of way following the recent floods.
Durham County Council say the storms led to surfaces being scoured out, banksides and culverts collapsing and footbridges damaged or washed away. The 3500 km network is currently being checked.
Cllr Neil Foster, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for regeneration and economic development and member of the Durham Local Access Forum said: “The extreme weather experienced across the region over the last couple of weeks has had a dramatic effect of many aspects of life in the county. Many popular public paths have suffered significant damage, with surfaces destroyed by flood water.
“Officers are working hard to inspect the problems that we are aware of and to arrange repairs, but it will take some time. In the meantime the public need to take care, to follow any advisory notices, and to let us know of any damaged paths that are causing concern.
“The public rights of way network is important for both residents and visitors, for recreation, exercise and getting to work, shops and school.”
Durham County Council has improved many paths in recent years using funding from the Local Transport Plan.
Some warning notices are in place and other paths are temporarily closed. Any serious flood damage should be reported to [email protected]
The details of all the public rights of way in County Durham can be seen at www.durham.gov.uk/definitivemap