THE character of several of the region's market towns is under threat, according to a report out today.

The survey, carried out by the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), reveals bland and uniform new buildings, serious traffic congestion, over-stretched services and an increase in the number of commuters are eroding the towns' character and attractiveness.

The "health check" was carried out in 100 market towns across the country, including several in the North-East and North Yorkshire.

It warned that local businesses, which once offered a distinctive range of goods, are now trying to compete with large chains and out-of-town stores - making them less attractive to shoppers.

The County Durham towns of Crook, Ferryhill and Stanhope, Middleton St George, near Darlington, and Northallerton, Pickering and Selby in North Yorkshire, were highlighted as areas whose character is being undermined.

However, it praised Barnard Castle, County Durham, Guisborough, east Cleveland, and Easingwold and Skipton, in North Yorkshire, as towns which have built on their setting and conserved heritage.

It said that the key ingredients to their success were community spirit, civic pride, local markets, events, festivals and good planning.

James Corrigan, executive officer for Ferryhill Town Council, said it was well aware of the problems.

"One of our biggest concerns is car parking and the increase in the use of motor vehicles which can put people off. We are trying to keep the town centre viable and working closely with the chamber of trade as there is a lot of competition from supermarkets."

Martin Blackwell, chief executive of Action for Market Towns, an organisation to promote the vitality and viability of small towns, said it was up to residents to "use or lose" local services.

Nic Best, the North-East regional policy officer for the CPRE, said: "I think in the North-East our market towns are slightly better than the rest of the country. We don't have the same development pressures and you tend to get a wide variety of local shops.

"However, I think we need to be aware of the value of a town's identity."

Barnard Castle was praised in the report for its markets, antique shops and flea markets. Town mayor John Yarker believes its success is down to the people and not relying too heavily on tourism.

"A lot of places can be over-touristy with chocolate box shops and end up looking like a film set," he said.

"What we've got in Barney is quality people and quality businesses."