DALES residents fearing a population drain are demanding job creating initiatives on a former cement works site.

A new report published by the Upper Weardale Task Force sets out peoples' vision for the area's future in the wake of the closure of Lafarge UK's Eastgate plant.

The loss of 147 jobs on the site has been followed by the shut down of Weardale Steel, in Wolsingham, which employed 84 workers.

Now the Task Force has picked out key themes from responses collected from Weardale residents during a consultation exercise, which started in August.

Most people said the Eastgate site could provide significant employment opportunities, especially if it was a high-profile or large scale project.

Tourism and renewable energy schemes were suggested, and there was also backing for a move to re-open the redundant Weardale Railway line.

Task Force chairman Dr John Bridge said: "The ideas are now being developed and the efforts of the Task Force are focused on working to establish the feasibility and viability of those projects, as well as the potential benefit they would bring to the area.

"It is hoped that a further report identifying potential projects for the site will be presented to the Task Force in mid-November and a proposal for the redevelopment of the site will be produced early in 2003."

More than 40 Lafarge employees found jobs at company plants in Derbyshire and Scotland following the closure and some have already taken their families out of the dale.

Administrators trying to find a buyer for Weardale Steel are in talks with an un-named company said to be interested and are also considering a management-led buy-out led by former managing director Bill Cooper.