ONE of the area’s most popular mountain tracks has been temporarily closed after rain water and vehicles using the tracks have caused it severe damage.

The Wayfarer, which runs over the hills from Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog, has started to erode and is causing water to filter down from the mountains into the River Ceiriog.

Farmer Michael Crawshaw, who works in the area, says the use of vehicles on the track has brought dirt into the water, something which farmers would be punished for doing.

He believes the road is in desperate need of repairs.

“The Wayfarer and another track running from Llanarmon to Nantyr, are now acting as massive drains,” he explained.

“We’re told by various bodies we have to put measures in place to hold water back up the mountains, but those tracks acting as drains are just drawing the water off the mountain.

“Whenever 4x4s go through, they’re bringing dirt into the water – as a farmer, if we did that, there would be consequences.”

Michael admits work needs doing to return the track to a safer condition, but thinks the cost of doing so would be prohibitive.

“I think, really, as the track stands now, to be put back to its previous condition and bringing it back up to level to stop it acting as a drain, it would cost a massive amount,” he said.

“I think the bulk of people using it, unfortunately, aren’t bringing anything to the area either.

“When the motorbikers go up there, they come down into the villages and stop for some food and things, but others using it don’t tend to, and they’re the ones causing the damage.

“As the track stands now though, no-one should be using it.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for the Green Lane Association (GLASS) group, said it has been fundraising among members, some of whom use the tracks, to raise money for the repairs of the route.

The group believes it is highly important to keep the countryside accessible by vehicle for future generations.

GLASS media officer, Lauren Eaton-NicGuidhre, said: “GLASS has been involved with Wrexham and Denbigh Councils in plans to improve the Wayfarer for many months.

“We imposed a voluntary restraint on all our members, long before an official traffic regulation order was imposed by Wrexham, in order to preserve the condition of the route until work could go ahead, assisted by considerable financial support from our organisation.

“We remain committed to help maintain this historic part of North Wales history for future generations to use, and to ensure those with age and health restrictions can continue to access the more remote parts of the Welsh countryside by vehicle.

“We sincerely hope that our offers of assistance will be utilised to their full extent in the near future.

“We are currently waiting on Wrexham Council to officially accept our offer, many thanks to Denbigh Council for their prompt action.”

A spokesman for Wrexham County Borough Council said: “A visit by our inspector a couple of weeks ago found significant deterioration following the winter storms and arrangements were made for a temporary closure for health and safety reasons while we undertake further assessments.”

A Natural Resources Wales spokesperson said: “We are working with the Highways Department at Wrexham County Borough Council to find a way to reduce the water run-off from the track and the erosion to the designated site caused by off-road vehicles.

“Last month, Natural Resources Wales held a meeting with local landowners in Llanarmon DC to discuss the matter and are now liaising with Wrexham County Borough Council.

“We will continue to support and provide advice to any proposed works.”