A FLOCK of sheep for North York Moors villages should be established in an attempt to sustain traditional sheep farming, heather moorland and tourism.

But some concerns have been raised about a new flock's financial viability, which would be supported with subsidies, and how accessible such a scheme would be.

Councillors from the Eskdale area formally requested a flock be established at the latest meeting of Danby Group Parish Council.

The North York Moors National Park Authority believes the moors are threatened by a decline in flocks. Overgrazing is not a problem and sheep keep village greens tidy, it says. Mowing is expensive and impractical.

Five flocks were lost during the foot-and-mouth crisis and there has been a reduction in sheep farming for other reasons.

The park fears any further reduction will make land management even harder and more expensive, lead to a further decline in the viability of moorland farms and, ultimately, tourism.

Parish council chairman Coun Herbert Tindall said: "We are going round organisations and interested parties to hear their views.

"A village flock would be classed as moorland and entitled to English Nature subsidies. There will be certain does and don'ts. People will have to have in-by land and a certain amount of acreage."

Coun Rita Rudsdale, of Castleton, wanted a village flock but said: "Is it an attractive proposition? These requirements would seriously restrict who takes part."

Coun Tindall thought people would take part, once the financial benefits were clear. A village flock master would be entitled to a shepherd, whose wages would be met through an English Nature grant.

Westerdale Coun John Randles said: "English Nature and the park authority have come to realise sheep are disappearing. But they need sheep to keep the moors looking the way they do."

Councillors also heard the authority was planning additional permanent cattle grids on local roads. Three extra grids, in addition to previous proposals, are planned for Whyett Bridge, near Westerdale; Oakley Walls, at Lealholm Moor; and Lealholm Bank Top.

Temporary grids were installed during the foot-and-mouth crisis, in an attempt to control sheep movements. Now, consultation is taking place to gauge support for permanent fixtures.

Coun Tindall said things had been looking hopeful. A three-year construction programme was planned.

One or two objections had come from Lealholm residents, it was said.

Coun Les Underwood of Danby added: "Sheep can still get on to the railway line. We should write to the rail companies and ask what they're going to do about it. They need fences or walls."

Coun Tindall said contractors had submitted numerous tenders for such work over the years, but nothing had developed