FEARS have been realised over a skills shortage in the Richmondshire district.

Richmondshire District Council set up a panel last summer to examine if there is any truth behind the perception that skilled tradesmen are becoming harder to find across the region.

Over the past few months, the team has interviewed senior staff at the Darlington College of Technology campus in Catterick Garrison as well as a number of employers in different sectors.

They have now concluded that there are some real difficulties with recruitment in certain trades - although the majority of employers are not seriously concerned.

The findings will be passed to the Learning and Skills Council, which is compiling a report on the issue.

A review of the situation across Richmondshire has also been promised in the autumn.

The Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes is among a number of employers to confirm they have struggled to find local young apprentices.

Although the majority of staff are from the Hawes area, the company has had to rely on a recruitment agency from Ripon to fill a number of recent vacancies; even then, some of the new recruits came from as far afield as Bradford, in West Yorkshire.

The Leyburn-based Vale and Dale Home Improvement Agency said it had difficulties getting projects started or completed on time because of a shortage of skilled construction workers.

Another local business, not named in the report, indicated that, during a visit to a local school to explain what the firm could offer a new employee, staff became aware that "tremendous pressure" was being put on teenagers to complete their A levels before going to university.

The report, which will be considered when Richmondshire District Council's resources committee meets in Richmond on Tuesday, suggests a change of emphasis.

Officers who compiled the report state: "It is important that those young people who leave academic study to follow a vocational route are not seen as failures."

The report also highlights the importance of the Hambleton and Richmondshire Wheels To Work initiatives.

The scheme supplies mopeds to youngsters from more far-flung communities who may find getting a job almost impossible because of the distance they would have to travel in areas where public transport is scarce.