A TASK force is pressing ahead with plans for a renewable energy village after receiving backing from dales residents.

The Weardale Task Force is putting together firm proposals for the development on the site of the former Lafarge cement works, at Eastgate, and expects to be ready to submit an outline planning application later this year.

It claims widespread support for the scheme, after consulting with Weardale residents.

Parish councils and other influential groups have also backed the plan, which would create an eco-village powered by five forms of renewable energy, including hot rocks.

The task force has replied to six points highlighted in 115 responses from Weardale people.

Eastgate residents were concerned about the impact of a big development on their community, and will be invited to be represented on an organisation taking the project forward.

A detailed transport assessment will be part of the planning application and will look at ways of improving traffic flow through other Weardale villages.

Visitors will be encouraged to arrive by rail, or use new park-and-ride facilities on the edge of the dale.

The task force is discussing skills needed in Weardale with the Learning Skills Council, which funds education for over-16s.

It said yesterday that the development would bring lasting economic and environmental benefits to Weardale, create jobs and offer recreation and education facilities.

The variety of attractions, including a quarry, winter sports and wood-powered railway, would encourage return visitors.

A spokesman said: "Our view is that the geothermal energy and the hot springs will mean that Eastgate will always remain somewhere special."

Chairman John Hamilton said: "We have had tremendous support from most residents in the dale from the very start of this project, without which we couldn't be in a position to take plans forward."