A LOCAL authority is urging the Government to support the development of alternative forms of energy, rather than wind power.

Two sites in Teesdale are earmarked for windfarms - at Hamsterley Forest and between the A66 and the Stang Forest. However, members of the district council are concerned that these could lead to more developments.

A consultation document published by the North-East assembly reveals that to meet Government criteria for renewable energy, the North-East may require 600 turbines by the year 2020.

However, these figures depend on Kielder Forest being able to accommodate up to 250 turbines.

In the past, windfarm development at Kielder has been rejected because of its proximity to the National Park and constraints imposed by the Ministry of Defence.

Councillor David Armstrong, chairman of Teesdale District Council's administration and governance committee, warned that should Kielder windfarms be rejected again, Teesdale could bear the brunt of any future developments.

He said: "We have to be realistic that the vast majority of these could end up on our patch. We should urge the Government to financially support the development of viable alternatives such as solar and photovoltaics."

Other sources of power were available within Teesdale, such as hyrdro-electric and waste incineration, said Coun Armstrong. He said: "I always find it ironic that all the ancillary power at Cow Green reservoir is provided by a diesel generator."

The committee voted in favour of supporting the renewable energy strategy, but urged the Government to support other forms of renewable energy.