THE North York Moors national park is an under-used resource, and could play a bigger part in aiding its economy and quality of life for the residents, the government is to be told by its Helmsley-based authority.

A government review on policy and financial management of the country's national parks should recognise the potential of the park to support sustainable development and rural revitalisation.

The report has been produced in the wake of the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak which has devastated many small businesses in the park.

Mr Andy Wilson, the park's chief executive, says in a report to the authority members that the present policy is not ideal because it fails to give sufficient weight to the "indissoluble links" between social, economic and environmental factors.

"National park authorities should, more positively than now, be required to promote social and economic well-being," he said. "The current formula is weak and confusing".

In the past five years, the park authority has been innovative and effective in delivering "first class conservation and recreational gains through successful economic projects," said Mr Wilson.

The government is being urged in its review to "find solutions that exploit the inter-connected nature of the environment, communities and the economy," he said.

Such authorities as the North York Moors national park should have a much more powerful mandate to promote distinctive local foodstuffs, community projects, sustainable farming and tourism ventures, added Mr Wilson. "The fact that at the same time local communities and visitors would be better served in terms of their social and economic well-being is a bonus that is hard to ignore".

The make-up of the authority, which has 26 members drawn from local authorities, parish councils, and nominations by the Secretary of State, is considered the best option, the government is to be told.

"Alternatives such as direct elections or a modification in the distribution of local and national nominations, would raise greater problems. The present mix of national and local members has much to commend it, bringing together an unusually rich combination of experiences and skills, which, if harnessed effectively, can stimulate dynamic and imaginative solutions to problems previous thought to be intractable," said Mr Wilson.

Getting midwives back on wards

FORMER North Yorkshire midwives are being encouraged to return to study to help solve the current recruitment crisis.

A free course run by the University of York for midwives whose registration has lapsed in the last five years has been designed to meet the needs of individuals wanting to return to the profession.

The course can be taken part-time or full-time with study days based at the university and practical experience gained locally.

Participants will also receive a grant of £1,500 for study and travel costs, together with help for child care costs.

For more details, contact 01904 435120.