Villagers call for closure of infamous river ford after being deluged by TikTokers filming viral clips

Residents living in Rufford say they are inundated with crowds of social media users whenever the road floods. Thousands of videos have been posted online showing drivers attempting to cross Rufford Ford, which can reach depths of up to 6ft after heavy rain.

The 40m-long (131ft) ford was temporarily shut to traffic in 2022 due to safety concerns but there are now plans to close it permanently. Despite the closure meaning a two-mile detour for residents, people living nearby say they are “desperate” to see it closed to avoid a “tragedy”.

But locals face a battle with social media users who want the ancient ford to remain open to traffic so they can continue uploading stunt videos.

One resident, who only gave her name as Mrs Fox for fear of reprisals from angry YouTubers, said: “We desperately want the road closed. It is only a matter of time before some is killed.

“There have been so many near misses over the years with idiots risking their lives for clicks. The only way to stop a certain tragedy is to close the road permanently.”

Temporary concrete bollards have been placed either side of the ford but, according to locals, that has not stopped some determined motorists.

Mrs Fox added: “Before Christmas a tractor came along and shunted the bollards away and cross the ford as someone filmed them. Whenever it has been raining you know the whole area will be full of people with mobile phones and people speeding through the ford.”

Another resident said they almost witnessed a driver become trapped in their car while speeding through the deep water. He said: “The ford is just too popular with the wrong kind of people.

“They think that the more outrageous the video the more hits they get and more hits means more money. A year or so ago I saw one moron hurtling through the ford in a car with predictable results.

“He got stuck half-way across and couldn’t get out. He was panicking but his mate who was filming just carried on pointing his phone at him. They all think it’s a great laugh and good way to make money but they have no idea just how dangerous the ford is.”

One motorcyclist was seriously injured recently when they were filmed being flung over the handlebars while speeding through the water. Despite the risks, some residents say YouTubers have boasted about making £100,000 a year from posting ford videos online.

Other residents of the village, which has a population of just 536, say they struggle to reach their homes because of the crowds. One local said: “It was not unusual to see both sides of the narrow roads chock-a-block with cars and motorbikes.

“I have asked people where they have come from to see the ford and some say they have come from miles and miles away. Others do it as a day trip from Matlock which is particularly popular with motorcyclists.

“The situation has just got too much. Our main concern is the safety of the drivers. They don’t understand the risks they are taking. The main obstacle to having the road closed permanently will be from TikTokers and YouTubers who see it as a cash cow.

"Some people make thousands from their videos of drivers going through the ford. If that lucrative sideline is at risk of being stopped then they're going to fight it.

"People living here are genuinely worried about putting their head above the parapet because if they know your name or where you live then you'll have a target on you."

Nottinghamshire County Council are currently running a consultation until March 5 ahead of a decision on the future of the road.

If it goes ahead, the route will be closed to traffic but access will be allowed for pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders.

Conservative Councillor Neil Clarke , Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said: "Prioritising public safety at Rufford Ford is our main concern. Our teams have thoroughly explored all the options and we truly believe that a full and permanent closure to motor vehicles is the best solution.

"Since the initial closure, we have been talking to local landowners and residents, as well as businesses and have incorporated these opinions. However, we will not be making a final decision without full consideration of the public view, and this is why the consultation is so important.

"I would also stress; this is not a complete closure. This option would offer the opportunity to transform Rufford Lane into a walking, cycling or horse-riding only route which is connected to other local footways and bridleways. This was actually the original purpose of the road as a local crossing point of Rainworth Water before the advent of motor vehicles."

A final decision on the future of the ford is due in the next few months.