PLANS to develop a derelict cement works as a centre for renewable energy are being taken very seriously by a task force charged with regenerating a job-starved dale.

One of the ideas under consideration is exploiting energy from "hot rocks" lying under the surface at Eastgate, in Weardale, County Durham, where the Blue Circle cement works was closed earlier this month, making nearly 150 workers redundant.

Wear Valley District Council's director of regeneration, Bob Hope, a member of the task force set up by the development agency One NorthEast said yesterday: "This is just one of the flagship ideas we have had put to us. It is very exciting."

Mr Hope said it was established in a geological survey carried out in 1991 that there were hot rocks under the ground at the cement works which could provide a vital supply of thermal energy.

"We regard this as a very positive idea as hot rocks have already been successfully exploited for energy use in Cornwall."

A team from Durham University has already been exploring deposits of hot rocks in old mine workings at nearby Rookhope.

Mr Hope said the task force was also looking at the development of a wind farm or the use of water for a hydro-electric plant at Eastgate.

Another idea was for the setting up of "a centre of excellence" to help hard-pressed hill farmers with new agricultural technology.

New housing and other business developments could be closely linked with these projects, said Mr Hope.

"Although these are tentative ideas, we are following them up and treating them very seriously."

Residents in Weardale will have the chance to discuss the ideas in public with task force leaders at an open meeting at St John's Chapel Town Hall, on Tuesday, at 6pm.

Dr John Bridge, chairman of One NorthEast and the task force leader, will be attending the meeting.