STRATEGISTS planning the economic revival of Weardale are hoping that an eco-friendly power plant will prove a winner twice over by providing sustainable energy and bring tourists flocking to a former cement works site.

A feasibility study for the 410-acre site at Eastgate shows that the area has the potential to become a major crowd-puller along the lines of similar developments such as the popular Ecotech Discovery Centre in Swaffham, Norfolk, and the Centre for Alternative Technology at Machynlleth in Wales.

The new 'green' facility would also create jobs for the area, which is desperately fighting to get back on its feet.

It is hoped that the idea of using natural resources such as the River Wear for hydro-electric power and exploiting energy from 'hot rocks' in old lead mining workings will fascinate potential tourists.

A windfarm would be another possibility to compliment the energy efficient development.

But the news has been greeted with scepticism by people living in the Dales, who have so far laughed at ideas such as bee-keeping, a Mr Bean-style playground attraction and a casino modelled on the Las Vegas theme.

Athol Graham, who owns the Cross Keys Pub, opposite the redundant site, said that residents had read so many stories about what the future holds for the site since Lafarge UK announced it's closure in August last year, that many would not believe them until something was done.

"It is not my personal opinion but OneNorth-East has lost a lot of credibility around here.''

Mr Graham said that anything that would clean up and redevelop the area would be welcome.

He said: "Clearly something has to be done at the site. Anything has to be an improvement on what is there."

His sentiments were echoed by former Blue Circle workers Michael Dent and David Scown, who have recently set up their own dry stone walling business.

Mr Dent, 44, said: "Yes I think it is a good idea. Something does need to be done with the site.''

Mr Scown, 43, said: "Anything that creates jobs in the area would be welcome.''

Richard Marley, of W Marley Agricultural Contractors, North Bitchburn, is assisting the new partnership in the re-building of a wall near the site.

He said: "They are talking about starting up the old railway line again and anything that could bring the two together would be a good idea.''

This latest idea for the site's future is one of many that has been discussed by Government regeneration agency OneNorth-East and the Weardale Task Force.

It is part of a study being carried out by Tyneside consultants PB Power and its findings will be unveiled at Auckland Castle, in Bishop Auckland, on April 4.