New proposals for a multi-million pound broadband project could bring the benefits of high-speed internet access to businesses and residents in the Teesdale and Weardale areas of England, according to reports.

The Northern Echo says the scheme was put forward at recent meeting of the Teesdale Parish Forum, which brings together parish councils from the area.

Alastair Dinwiddie of Aladin Enterprises, who has been researching a broadband solution for Teesdale and Weardale, told delegates that a wireless network with a top speed of up to ten mbps could be up and running within 15 months, provided funding is forthcoming.

Durham Net, which will run wireless network, has applied to regional development agency One NorthEast for a grant to go towards meeting the project's set-up costs.

Speaking at the meeting, Anne Allen of inward investment vehicle Barnard Castle Vision said broadband provision is "critical" to the area's future for both businesses and residents.

"It's something people are going to grow up with, so it is essential that people in the area will be able to access it," she said.

Mr Dinwiddie said subscription rates for the network would be a "competitive" £20 to £30.

Teesdale and Weardale are located on the eastern side of the Pennines in County Durham, north-east England.