A PLAN to build the world's longest pedestrian suspension bridge near Barnard Castle was endorsed in principle by Teesdale District Council this week.

A presentation on the £4.5m scheme, which backers claim could attract 165,000 visitors a year to the area, was presented to councillors by Teesdale Marketing Limited.

It involves a 600ft long bridge, an "eco-friendly" woodland adventure experience, circular walk and visitor/catering centre.

Initial studies have suggested that the project is viable and will create 87 jobs - directly and indirectly.

All but one councillor - Coun John Watson - voted in favour of the idea, although concerns were expressed about possible future council liability if the scheme ran into financial trouble.

Coun John Hinchcliffe thought it was a good idea,.but asked what would happen if the money dried up.

"Will the council and people of Teesdale be looked at to bail things out?" he said.

Questions over car park size, access, physical risks and the environmental impact of the woodland adventure experience were also raised.

In response, representatives of the scheme said that entry prices to the bridge would be flexible and could be raised if there was a financial deficit.

No prices have yet been fixed but a charge of around £3 may be made to cross the bridge. A concessionary charge was expected and the adventure woodland - aimed at younger people - would cost around £14.50.

Councillors were told a risk assessment and environmental study would take place at a later date. The access road was thought satisfactory but an extra overflow car park was also suggested.

Coun Richard Bell said: "I hope the council will endorse it. I think it is exciting and inventive. Yes, there are lots to look at but our decision today doesn't have anything to do with future planning conditions."

Coun Robin Simpson gave his support in principle but added that the project would have to be examined in detail before permission could be granted.

But the scheme may face opposition.

Andrew Wilkinson, who was born and bred in the town, said he had nothing against the bridge but believed the road, car park, centre and adventure area would be "environmentally devastating."

He ridiculed the estimated visitor numbers. "I think that is absolute nonsense," he said.

"It works out at an average of 400 a day but there are a lot of days in Teesdale which are wet, cold and windy."

He is contacting the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Friends of the Earth, and Royal Forestry Society asking for their support. He claimed the area was ancient woodland.

After the meeting Coun Alan Wilkinson, a member of Barnard Castle Town Council and Andrew Wilkinson's father, said he also did not oppose the bridge project but he believed the adventure play area would spoil one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of the Tees valley.