A TASK force set up to revive a dale devastated by the loss of its major employer was last night accused of failing to create "real jobs".

Durham county councillor John Shuttleworth said the Upper Weardale Task Force, created in the wake of the closure of the former Blue Circle cement works, had failed to show any urgency and branded its efforts a disgrace.

The One NorthEast-led group faced criticism last month after a leaked report, commissioned to look into possible uses for the Eastgate site, suggested a "hanging gardens" concept.

The Blue Circle works, owned by French firm Lafarge, closed about a year ago with the loss of 147 jobs.

Coun Shuttleworth said: "Many individuals have suggested to me that the agencies involved in the task force do not want real jobs in the dale, only those based on tourism.

"These are not wealth creating jobs which we need to maintain the infrastructure in the area and improve on it."

Coun Shuttleworth said proposals aimed at redeveloping the site for a manufacturing purpose have so far been "stonewalled".

Members of the task force said they have not ruled anything out in efforts to find an alternative use. Suggestions, based on consultation with residents, are said to include shops and restaurants and a renewable energy centre.

It is hoping to finalise a proposal to redevelop the site in the early part of this year.

The task force meets today at Wear Valley District Council offices. A One NorthEast spokesman said: "All of our meetings have been constructive and have sought the best way forward for Weardale and we look forward to a similarly constructive meeting today."