AN initiative to reduce the inconvenience of heavy lorries without damaging the economy in the Vale of Evesham is being led by Wychavon planners.

This follows a series of cases in which villagers have expressed concern about the nuisance and dangers from heavy lorries.

In the latest complaint, Jean Searle, of Upper End, Birlingham, has hit out at the noise and vibrations from lorries passing her barn conversion home in the village.

"We get lorries early in the morning and late at night. These are huge 44 ton vehicles which come within a few feet of my home, causing noise and vibration," said Mrs Searle, who is in her 70s.

She said the lorries were regularly going in and out of Redstar Growers at nearby Woodfield Farm.

Last week, the Journal, reported on calls for a bypass around Badsey to protect the village from heavy traffic.

But Gill Collin, head of planning for Wychavon District Council, said Redstar Growers, in Birlingham, were operating within their planning consent. She said there was a need to balance local concerns with economic realities.

"The whole economy of the Vale of Evesham is based upon fruit and vegetable growing. It provides many jobs and shapes the appearance of the Vale," said Gill.

"We want to work with local people, farmers and growers and transport operators to try to find a solution that limits nuisance and inconvenience without damaging business."

She said initiatives included looking at the timing of deliveries, the routing of lorries, signage and even producing bilingual maps for drivers from Europe.

Fruit and vegetables are not only exported from the Vale but are also imported in large quantities, especially in the winter, for packaging and processing.