CRUCIAL months are ahead for a former cement works site which could be turned into a national renewable energy centre.

Drilling is due to start in July at the former Lafarge plant, in Eastgate, County Durham, where hot rocks discovered deep underground are a potential source of geo-thermal energy.

A contractor is due to be selected next month and the results of the testing should be known by September, when a master plan for the future use of the site can be finalised and a planning brief prepared.

The Weardale Task Force is appointing a consultant to drive the redevelopment forward.

It plans to set out its timetable in a July newsletter with consultation events to take place from November, a final masterplan developed by January and a planning application submitted in spring.

Geothermal power is the most unusual of five renewable energy sources found in Eastgate, making it unique in the country.

Consultants investigating future uses for the site have said that a model village, or energy "Eco-Disney", could be a key element in the revival of Weardale, where 147 jobs were lost when the former Blue Circle works closed in August 2002.

The Weardale Railway is due to run trains to a terminus at the site where there could be homes, holiday accommodation, business units and a visitor centre.

Other initiatives being developed in the area include a farm shop, tea room, restaurant and garden centre at Harperley PoW camp, broadband connections, promotional events in Stanhope, a rural bureau and the Wolsingham business park, where initial site work has been completed.

Task force chairman John Hamilton said: "We are delighted with progress on these hugely important initiatives for Weardale. The task force reaffirms its commitment to seeing the initiative through, thanks dalesfolk for their support, and looks forward to their further input in the future."

Read more about the Working for a Future campaign here.