A NETWORK of woodland cycle paths has been sabotaged by a vandal in its opening month.

Within weeks of Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman launching the £185,000 track in Hamsterley Forest parts of the route were targeted.

A series of incidents of criminal damage have been reported to police, including border rocks being dislodged and pushed down ravines and signs being ripped up.

Volunteers and agencies who have worked tirelessly for two years to create the track have been left outraged by the vandalism.

Oliver Graham, project manager from Groundwork West Durham, helped to secure funding for the development and worked with Hamsterley trailblazers mountain bike club to design the network.

He said: "Most people are very supportive of the scheme and we really didn't envisage this problem, it is disheartening, but we won't be beaten.

"It is going to be difficult to rectify the damage, some boulders have been pushed 30ft down hills or into drains."

The 3.5km Grovelink trail that was targeted is part of a plan to create one of the country's leading centres for mountain bike enthusiasts.

Robin Lofthouse, of the Forestry Commission England, said: "It is disappointing that around £200,000 has been spent improving trails for someone to destroy everyone's work.

"Signs, including safety signs warning users of areas where work is ongoing, have been pulled down, which also increases the risk of accidents."

Police believe one person is responsible for the damage. They think the culprit drove into the forest at quiet times of the day and used tools to target the bike trails.

Inspector Ian Butler, of Bishop Auckland police, said: "The trail has been repeatedly targeted and has taken a substantial effort to cause this amount of damage.

"We are determined to take positive action against whoever is responsible. They are undermining the work, time and effort of those people who have raised the money then created these trails for the benefit of local people, business and the economy."

Anyone who sees someone acting suspiciously is asked to note their description and licence number and call PC Rebecca Dent on 0845 606 0365.