REDUNDANT buildings could be renovated to provide offices and workshops in an attempt to combat a shortage of industrial units.

Wear Valley District Council is appealing for people with old buildings or building sites that are not in use to register the properties so that a regeneration project can be taken forward.

The council has been given two £15,000 grants, one from the Rural Development Programme and another from the Neighbourhood Renewal Scheme, to carry out a study and draw up a register of available properties that can be converted.

Clair Hewitt, principal economic development officer for Wear Valley council, said: "Throughout the district there is a shortage of suppliers of units and there are units that don't meet the needs of businesses.

"We need to take a more sustainable approach to solve this rather than just going out and building new units.

"We could be looking at old farm buildings, former schools or chapels that would be ideal to convert for business use.''

Storey Sons and Parker, from Newcastle, has been commissioned by the council to put together the report.

It will compile a list of feasible buildings which will be eventually condensed to those that have the most potential for conversion.

Tim Knight, from Storey, Sons and Parker, said: "The council has records of offices and industrial buildings but is aware that there are other buildings such as former churches, schools and farm buildings that could be converted to provide offices or workshops.

"Our challenge is to get a comprehensive list within a tight timescale."

The council received the funding for the report two weeks ago and must have a viable list compiled by the end of March.

It is hoped the project will help create new jobs and support existing businesses while improving the environment.

Anyone who can help should contact Tim Knight on 0191-232 6291.