A redundant cement works may have a new future as an Eco-Disneyland with the construction of an environmentally friendly power station.

Helen Miller asks the residents of Weardale whether green power holds the key to a prosperous future.

Centuries of bitter experience has taught them to keep their feet on the ground in Weardale.

Generations who have eked out a precarious living on the edge of windswept moors, first in lead mining and hill farming and more recently in the cement industry, have learned to value common sense over flights of fancy.

It is that deeply ingrained suspicion which the strategists planning the economic revival of Weardale will have to overcome.

Since the closure a year ago of the French-owned Blue Circle cement works at Eastgate with the loss of 147 jobs, the dale has grown politely weary of strategies.

Over the past few months, bee-keeping, a Mr Bean-style attraction and a casino modelled on the Las Vegas theme have all been offered as a solution to the dale's economic ills - all have which have served to fuel the dale's scepticism.

The latest proposal pins its hopes on an eco-friendly power plant which it is hoped will prove a winner twice over by providing sustainable energy and attracting tourists.

A feasibility study for the 410-acre site at Eastgate shows that the area has the potential to become a big 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.

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 complement the energy- efficient development.

The study is being presented by Newcastle consultants PB Power which will present its findings to the Weardale Task Force and regeneration agency One NorthEast in April.

Already, it has been characterised as an Eco-Disneyland, but whether it will be accepted in Weardale remains to be seen.

The first reaction though appeared to be encouraging.

Athol Graham, 56, who owns the Cross Keys pub, near the redundant site said: "Anything has to be an improvement. The only thing that I would have very strong objections about would be a landfill site."

Mr Graham said residents had read so many stories about what the future holds for the site since Lafarge UK announced its closure in January last year that many would not believe them until something was done.

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, from 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."

The findings of the study will be unveiled at Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, on April 4.

Read more about the Working For A Future campaign here.