A PRESSURE group's call for stronger protection of countryside along the River Tees could enhance Yarm and other Cleveland towns.

That was the feeling at Yarm Town Council this week during discussion of a report on the Tees by the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Despite general agreement, some councillors warned that a proposed River Tees Heritage Park - a riverbank conservation zone - was unnecessary and bureaucratic.

Coun Bob Stephenson outlined the CPRE's key points. It wanted a formal greenbelt around Yarm, Eaglescliffe and Stockton. At present, the land was classed as green wedge, but the CPRE claimed this offered little real protection. It wanted fewer greenfield commercial and housing developments and more regeneration of old industrial land.

Additionally, it wanted the establishment of a River Tees Heritage Park along the riverbanks. It argued this would:

* strengthen co-operation between British Waterways, local authorities and other groups;

* encourage industrial and agricultural diversification;

* stop further out-of-town shopping malls and enhance traditional high streets;

* improve footpaths, cycleways and roads;

* protect unique local architecture in towns like Yarm;

* save trees, woods and countryside;

* protect migratory birds and fish;

* encourage greater appreciation of the Tees' modern and ancient history.

Coun Stephenson added: "I think we should note these proposals and refer to them. We're going to receive lots of planning applications in coming years. Development on flood plains increases the chance of flooding, because drainage land is lost."

Coun Jake Dale spoke about a planned public meeting on a proposed development at Concorde Way, near Bowesfield. The site is between Stockton, Eaglescliffe and Ingleby Barwick.

"That will be a massive development. If you sail up the Tees on the pleasure boat, you'll realise its impact. Yarm has an interest in all these matters. It is surrounded by the Tees. We cannot ignore the significance of developments."

But Coun Marjorie Simpson was unconvinced about a heritage park. "These issues are contained in the Stockton Council Plan. We would be consulted on anything to do with Yarm. The CPRE cannot do anything for us. All they can do is write a report," she said.

"There aren't going to be any farms left at Ingleby Barwick. The CPRE talks about farming in this report, but one of the people at Ingleby Barwick is actually an architect who has horses. The CPRE wants him to open his farm to the public. That's the last thing he wants!"

Coun Philip Addison thought the report could help to improve woodland management and security at The Rookery. There have been numerous complaints about bad behaviour at the site, which is owned by the town council.

Regarding the level of the river, a resident had again claimed the Tees was often 6ft below its desired height. But, following a meeting with British Waterways at the Tees Barrage, councillors were satisfied levels were legal.

However, if contrary evidence existed, they recommended it should be handed to British Waterways.