AN MP says plans to build a rope bridge across the river in Teesdale may not be the right tourism strategy for the area.

Helen Goodman, MP for Bishop Auckland and Teesdale, expressed reservations over the proposed 265 metre long suspension bridge over the river to the west of Barnard Castle, which would be the longest such facility in the country if it was approved.

Ms Goodman said she was less than convinced that the £1.3m project was the best way forward for Barnard Castle and called for the proposals to be re-examined.

She said: "I am less than happy with the proposal to build a suspension bridge in ancient woodland across the River Tees because it is an area of outstanding natural beauty that must be maintained for future generations.

"I am not convinced that this is the right tourist strategy to develop the area, as there is a need encourage visitors to spend a substantial amount of time in the area rather than being overly keen on visitor numbers.

"It is also important that we create more tourist-related jobs and that visitors contribute to the local economy in a way which will benefit the area as a whole.

"Many people in the Barnard Castle area have expressed their opposition to the scheme and I feel that their views should be given due weight and consideration.

Any development of the area must be sympathetic to Barnard Castle's historic character and natural beauty and a benefit to the local economy."

Funding for the project would come from the private sector, but Durham County Council would manage the facility and is taking the proposal through the design and feasibility stage.

Sarah Robson, the authority's head of economic development said: "The bridge project is only one example of a range of things that we are seeking to support in the area in order to promote tourism.

"It is vital that the county council continues to invest in capital infrastructure projects such as this one in Barnard Castle, where we would hope to attract private sector financial support.

"Schemes such as these create jobs and inward investment which are essential during times of economic slowdown."