FURIOUS farmers are threatening the future of a pioneering Farm Watch scheme, feeling targeted by the very people they aim to assist.

Feelings are running high among residents in the isolated communities of Upper Teesdale. Several have told the D&S Times they fear speaking openly about the breakdown of relationships between themselves and the police regarding the number of motorists being stopped during the hours of darkness.

But keen to make the matter public they have raised their concerns with their county councillor, Alan Scott, as well as their local parish councils.

Coun Scott said, "For some unknown reason, and without there being any trouble, motorists are being chased and stopped. One young girl chased was scared to death. It's very worrying."

"I have spoken to Coun Jo Fergus about this, as she sits on the police authority," added Coun Scott. "I can't condone drink-driving, but this is not policing, this is harassment. It has shot the Farm Watch scheme. Residents are so concerned that they won't go out after dark now, and the two hostelries where they enjoyed a game of dominoes are standing empty."

Coun Fergus confirmed she was aware of Coun Scott's concerns. "I have passed them on to the authority and now await a response," she said.

Maurice Toward, the co-ordinator of Farm Watch in the upper dale, agreed with Coun Scott's comments about the scheme, which has been held up countrywide as a model of crime prevention.

"My fellow farmers and I have put in hours and hours of voluntary work," he said. "But since this new tactic from the police locally I have been unable to get any farmers to turn out and work with me."

His wife Kath is clerk to Forest and Frith Parish Council, and as such has been instructed to write to the relevant authority outlining members' comments. The matter was also expected to be raised at last night's meeting of Newbiggin Parish Council.

In response, Sgt Bill Dutton, who is based in Barnard Castle, released the following statement: "As a result of separate and unconnected calls from members of the public who live in that area, three drivers were, over the space of a number of weeks, stopped by police on suspicion of driving with excess alcohol.

"All three were arrested at the roadside - two for failing a roadside breath test and a third for refusing to give a sample of breath.

"One driver has subsequently been prosecuted and the remaining two were released without charge after second tests at the police station confirmed they were just below the legal limit.

"We have not targeted any particular group of people. The people in Upper Teesdale, and anywhere else for that matter, must be aware that they risk prosecution if they drink and then drive erratically, as the three drivers did in these instances. We will not turn a blind eye to those who flout the law and put lives at risk."

But despite his reassurances residents remain convinced they are being targeted. As one said, "We are a close-knit community here. Everyone knows someone who has been stopped. You upset one, you upset us all.