PLANS for gas exploration wells in the North York Moors National Park have been criticised by the Ramblers' Association.

The hikers' group has attacked the proposed scheme, claiming the wells near Westerdale would be a blot on the landscape for which there was no strong need.

It has also said that initial, small-scale exploration could develop into a large-scale manufacturing site.

The ramblers are one of a number of objectors to a plan by Sterling Resources UK to test drill at a site near Whyett Bank, between Westerdale and Castleton.

The company wants to sink an exploratory bore hole to search for gas reserves and carry out access and highway improvements.

Gas exploration was carried out in the Eskdale area during the Sixties and other wells are operating now further south, at Ryedale.

The North York Moors National Park's planning committee was due to consider the issue at its meeting in Helmsley yesterday, Thursday.

But the Ramblers' Association expressed its fear that the scheme could lead to continuous gas extraction from the site.

A spokesman said: "The development would neither conserve nor enhance the natural beauty and wildlife of the area, rather the reverse, because as well as visual pollution, chemical pollution arising from the operation will occur.

"If the gas were to be piped away, the associated work would spoil the scenery for many years. The healing process for ground work would take a long time, because the pipeline would mostly run over poor, elevated ground.

"It will reduce the enjoyment of residents and visitors who come to the area for its special qualities. The development would have adverse effects on businesses serving visitors in the area."

Other objectors are also raising concerns about the impact of noise and traffic on the area and have quoted a twelfth century Abbot of Rievaulx, Aelred, who said: "Everywhere peace, everywhere serenity, and a marvellous freedom from the tumult of the world."

Sterling has been granted a Government licence to explore for gas in an area that extends from the centre of the national park to Cleveland. The company said it needed to sink the bore hole to add to information secured from others in recent years.

Danby Group Parish Council has neither supported nor objected to the application. It has sent all correspondence and comments to the national park authority in time for the meeting.

Chairman Coun Herbert Tindall said he would only support the application if Strerling Resources could give certain guarantees about environmental and road safety, plus noise control.

A public meeting was organised recently at Westerdale Village Hall by Coun John Randles, which was attended by 100 residents, and gas industry and national park representatives.