Rufford Ford: Consultation begins on closure of infamous ford

A month-long consultation has begun on a proposal to close Nottinghamshire's infamous Rufford Ford to motor vehicles.

The ford became known around the world when YouTubers and TikTokers starting filming cars splashing through, and sometimes getting stuck.

But police asked Nottinghamshire County Council to close the ford after a motorcyclist was thrown off his bike.

Keeping the ford permanently shut is now the council's preferred option.

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."

The ford was a local attraction, and families used to stand on the viewing platform to watch cars going through

However, some people have questioned how much of a risk the ford poses to public safety.

Only one person - the motorcyclist who was filmed being thrown off his bike in October 2022 - is known to have been injured there.

He told the BBC he was having "a bad relapse" in his mental health at the time.

He said: "Let's be fair, I'm that one idiot who went through the ford at 50mph on a motorbike."

However, he said he did sympathise with the people whose car engines had been ruined.

"You get cars that have to be towed out, and even police cars have ended up stranded in there," he said.

"I don't think it needs a full closure, but something needs to be done."

Malcolm Wilkinson estimated that traffic had increased in Station Road by 25-30% since the closure of Rufford Ford

The council said an initial consultation letter was sent to "affected properties and key organisations" on 20 December, and the next stage of the consultation was for the general public.

People can view the supporting documents online and then email their views.

Mr Clarke said: "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."

'We feel terrible'

People who live in Station Road in nearby Ollerton are concerned about the ford staying shut, because they say more drivers have been using their road as a cut-through since it closed.

They said cars had either clipped people while going past, or almost run them over.

"Is it that we've got to have somebody killed on the street before something is done?" said Malcolm Wilkinson, who has lived in Station Road for 17 years.

Speaking about the proposed permanent closure of Rufford Ford, he said: "We feel terrible about it because it's just making our life on here a misery."

The man in this image said he had nearly been run over twice in Station Road

The council said Nottinghamshire Police was supportive of the proposals to permanently close the ford to motor vehicles.

Mr Clarke said: "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."