Residents have called on highways chiefs to take action and improve safety on a 'treacherous stretch of road' after their community was plunged into darkness by a road crash.

Residents of High Stables, on the outskirts of Dipton, County Durham, lost power after a BMW smashed down a wooden telegraph pole the A692 on Saturday.

No one was injured in the collision which left a 50-yard trail of debris, but residents say it is the latest in a series of similar incidents on the windy section of road, west of Dipton.

The Northern Echo: A BMW crashed on the A692 Picture: Gavin EngelbrechtA BMW crashed on the A692 Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

Kevin Stewart-Wyke, 60, of Hedley Terrace, High Stables, who was the first person to arrive on the scene of the collision, described how a white BMW had smashed a wooden pole down before careering about 50 yards and crashing through a wall and into trees.

The crash left 25 homes without power.

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He said: "It's a dangerous stretch of road. The speed limit should be reduced from 60mph to 40mph. There have been several fatal collisions here over the years.

"We have asked for a light to warn people to slow down – it certainly shouldn’t be a 60mph speed limit along here.

The Northern Echo: Resident Kevin Stewart-Wyke, who was the first person on the scene of the crash Resident Kevin Stewart-Wyke, who was the first person on the scene of the crash

“There are two bus stops on either side of the road and there 30 mph zone at the bottom of the bank as you go into Dipton.

“Every resident here has had someone try and overtake them when they turn into the High Stables – even when you have your indicator on.

“Two or three neighbours have had their car written off by people going into the back of them.

“People do literally fly down there.”

The Northern Echo: A wooden telegraph pole was smashed over A wooden telegraph pole was smashed over

He added: “The wall at the top has been destroyed 20 times. It’s no longer a surprise to see cars embedded in the walls. It’s not the first time we have had electricity off either, because of a crash.

Neighbour Ian Dodd said: “The camber on the road is bad. If you don’t know that road and you come round that bend in the wet you’re a goner.

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“I have been here 30 years. There was one crash that took the farmhouse wall out and another that took the bus shelter out.

The Northern Echo: Ian DoddsIan Dodds

“From the top corner to the village the speed limit needs reducing or some sort of calming measures.”

Durham Police confirmed a 51-year woman charged with drink driving and has been bailed to appear at Newton Aycliffe magistrate's court. 

Mark Jackson, Durham County Council’s head of transport and contract services, said: “We are aware of the incident and are waiting for the outcome of the police’s investigation into the cause of the collision.

“We take speeding concerns very seriously and, once this investigation is complete, will assess the speed and safety of the road in line with criteria set out by the Department for Transport.

“We would also appeal to motorists across the county to drive to the conditions and environment, and within the speed limits, which are there for everyone’s safety.”

The Northern Echo: The scene of a fatal crash on the A692 near Dipton in 2006 Picture: Gavin EngelbrechtThe scene of a fatal crash on the A692 near Dipton in 2006 Picture: Gavin Engelbrecht

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