THE creation of a national park in the North Pennines could go some way to boosting the fragile economy of Teesdale and Weardale.

The idea of a national park has been mooted as part of a plan being developed by Northumbria Tourist Board for the future of tourism in the region.

The board's chief executive, Peter Sloyan, said the thing about the North Pennines and Durham Dales was that they had never been discovered.

"If it were a national park, it would have much more visibility and this would be the least expensive way of creating awareness," he said.

With national parks recognised world-wide, he felt it would be a powerful tool for tourism in the area.

It would take an Act of Parliament to create a new national park, which would involve lengthy consultation with communities, with some opposition from landowners and farmers - still coming to terms with the right to roam - expected.

Mr Sloyan said the tourist board was neutral over the suggestion, but was in favour of a wider debate and the benefits it could bring.

The park proposal came as a result of the board's internet-based consultation process towards its future strategy, which has been carried out before regional development agency One North-East takes over responsibility for the board in April.

Coun Phil Hughes, a director of One North-East and chairman of Teesdale District Council, said although the idea of a national park was one of several being kicked around, he had one or two reservations.

Under the National Parks Act, the conservation of the landscape was the primary concern, with only a passing mention of the people who lived there.

He was concerned with some of the more stringent planning rules that applied within national parks and that national interests might override local issues.

"But if there were to be a conservation board for the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it could strengthen protection of the area," he said. "Tourism will be a major drive of the economy but will have to embrace cultural, social and economic activities as well."

To register comments on the proposed national park, visit www.livetourism.net.