A RURAL business community is being urged to support a task force being set up to help local industries survive the foot-and-mouth crisis.
Teesdale District Council, Barnard Castle's branch of the National Farmers' Union (NFU) will be joined by other organisations to meet on a regular basis to try to promote sites in the area that can still take visitors.
The task force aims to help promote the hotel and tourism industry in Teesdale, as well as to support local businesses struggling to cope with the effects of the foot-and-mouth epidemic.
The idea to form the group was put forward during a meeting between Teesdale District Council and NFU branch secretary Phil Barber.
The task force is encouraging local firms to become involved by giving out positive messages about the dale, such as helping to promote attractions which are still able to accept visitors.
Mr Barber said: "The idea is to discuss practical issues on how to promote the area.
"Barnard Castle has a lot to offer. There's no reason why people cannot go round the castle or visit the Bowes Museum, they just cannot go on farmland."
The group will also look at the possibility of opening up areas not thought to be at risk.
To find out more about the task force, call (01833) 696272 or (01833) 696222.
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