The people of Ongar and North Weald are being asked to join a high-tech revolution to boost tourism in the area.

The internet is being targeted by a partnership between Epping Forest District Council and local residents as a way of bringing more people to West Essex.

And the council is appealing to organisations to join an unofficial think tank to develop the idea.

The crusade was launched by Essex High Sheriff Ronnie Capel-Cure, of Blake Hall, Ongar.

He told a seminar, which had been called by the council: "I have a passionate belief in the area which has been neglected because of the obsession with the coastal towns of Essex.

"We have heritage, beautiful countryside and some of the warmest people in the country.

"Now, with the growth of communications, the tools are there to attract tourists.

"We must have a website with links to other sites so that someone who surfs onto Duxford Air Museum, for instance, is automatically linked to North Weald.

"But we've all got to feed the site and not rely on the council doing 99 per cent of the work."

Mr Capel-Cure, whose family has lived in the area for centuries, said the potential of Stansted passengers must be tapped.

And he added: "The thousands who attend North Weald market need to be informed of attractions in the area, maps should be available and signposting improved.

"We're surrounded by opportunity."

Epping Forest marketing officer Tom Carne appealed for information for the website which opens in April.

He said: "Leisure and tourism are the key elements on the site which will allow people to decided whether they want to come here."

Economic development officer Phil Vohmann said: "We're trying to open the debate: we want people to meet us and discuss the challenges.

"We have a tremendous opportunity to bring people into the district and to improve everybody's quality of life."

North Weald Airfield Museum chairman Arthur Moreton said the area offered many opportunities.

He said: "Let's get the identity of the area out to the rest of the country and the world."

Alan Thornton, of Highway Travel in Ongar High Street, called for a register of tourist accommodation to be compiled

Ongar parish councillor Bob MacDonald spoke of the importance to wildlife of Cripsey Brook.

He appealed for the lorry park at the southern end of town to be cleared.

People wanting to contribute ideas to the council's tourism drive should call Mr Vohmann on 01992 564289.

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