CIVIC enthusiasts have set up a group to preserve attractive parts of Teesdale.

Members of the local branch of the Council for the Protection of Rural England will challenge any plans they fear could harm the countryside or reduce people's quality of life.

But Jan Arger, of Eggleston, a former geologist who helped to form the branch, stressed yesterday that the aim will not be simply to stop changes and let the dale become a museum.

"We don't mean to be negative," she added.

"We will be positive, trying to make sure new developments are well designed and in the right places. I am pleased to live in a beautiful area. I want it to stay beautiful, but also to be vibrant."

More than 20 enthusiasts attended a meeting to launch the group.

The formal meeting will be held in Witham Hall, Barnard Castle, on Monday, June 2, at 7pm.

One issue to be tackled will be a plan for a refuse recycling and waste transfer depot at Stainton Grove, which has caused a storm of protest.

Ms Arger said: "Excellent work is being done by the farming community to manage the landscape and make it highly attractive, but it won't be helped by waste lorries going along narrow roads and bits of litter flying around."

But she said the branch will seek to have a good relationship with Teesdale council and other official bodies.

"In many cases we will make suggestions to improve projects rather than simply oppose them. Often a modest change can make a great difference," Ms Arger said.