GROWTH in employment through the regeneration of redundant farm buildings might be good news for those seeking work in the Vale but it could be storing up longer term problems, according to a Wychavon economic blueprint.

The draft Wychavon Economic Development Strategy for 2001-2002, which is going out to public consultation, has highlighted a potential pitfall in the trend for farm diversification.

It says: "The increased demand for farm diversification is encouraging greater interest in the re-use of farm buildings, especially for employment use.

"There is a concern that this can lead to additional traffic generation through the movement of goods and local commuting."

The document proposes action to estimate the effects of the diversification: "In order to assess the actual impact it is proposed that a survey of businesses based on existing barn conversion schemes is undertaken."

Residents and business people in the Vale are being given the chance to have their say on the strategy. The process will also invite views from major local companies, Evesham Chamber of Commerce, Pershore Chamber of Trade, Bengeworth Traders Association, Evesham College and Pershore Group of Colleges.

Among the aims of the strategy are to develop land and business premises, support town centres and the rural economy and attract inward investment.

As part of a strategy objective to support businesses, an updated version of the Wychavon Business Directory will be published. It will also be available in CD-ROM and internet formats.

The purpose of the directory is to encourage inter-trading between Wychavon firms.

Skills development of workers is another priority. Strong links established between the council and the local agricultural and food processing sectors will be used to explore the improvement of training opportunities in those sectors. The new CORE centre at Pershore College and Evesham College will be consulted about boosting training.

The council has also pledged to support a range of Local Food for Local People initiatives, including regular farmers' markets, promotion of local food events and what it refers to as "genuine" farm shops.