But some villagers, who have protested about the closure all along, say it is too late because their community has been destroyed since its closing.

Joe Henshaw, a member of Mapperley Action Group, said the fierce divide of people for the closure and those against has even more recently caused a surge in crime levels.

He said foul graffiti was daubed on a family home and 14 cars were vandalised in one evening.

Villagers were left furious after Shipley Lane - their quickest route to nearby Marlpool and Heanor - was closed in October last year.

Derbyshire County Council closed part of it off after the village's parish council had received complaints of speeding boy racers using the road.

The council said they would review the situation in 12 months time, but they have received petitions for and against the closure from villagers and feel enough time has passed to review it now. A full consultation with residents will be carried out to determine the best course of action.

Mr Henshaw, of Main Street, Mapperley, recently wrote a letter to the council telling them that over the last couple of months houses have been graffitied and cars have been damaged.

He said: "There has been an unprecedented rise in crime and disorder in the village.

"There has been nothing like this in the village ever.

It's avoidable and unfortunate and should have been sorted out democratically. It's getting so out of hand and something needs to be done."

The review would include consultation with the parish council and letters would also be sent to residents asking for their views.

Responses would be assessed and a report then be prepared to the council with recommendations - which may include part or full-time road closure.

Mr Henshaw said: "It's now a very divided community and irrespective of which way the decision goes I think the damage that has been done to the community in Mapperley is going to go on and on and I don't really see a way of fixing that now.

He said: "It's no good coming back now and saying they're going to do a referendum. They should have done it in the first place. The council were dismissive at the beginning and now we're paying with the repercussions. I don't see an end to it - road open or shut."