DROITWICH Spa is undergoing a retail health check.

Shopkeepers and residents are being asked to outline the town's retail strengths and weaknesses.

The check-up aims to identify what people buy and the capacity for retail growth.

Wychavon District Council has sent 700 questionnaires to traders in Droitwich, Pershore and Evesham.

The consultation, by London-based firm Chase and Partners, is part of Wychavon's Local Plan review.

Shopkeepers have been asked if they are independent or part of a chain, whether they are happy with their firm's position, and if trade has increased or decreased.

Questionnaires will go to a sample group of residents in May, seeking views on shopping habits.

Spa butcher Colin Smith told the Advertiser: "It's great the council is asking people what they want - as long as it does what people want."

Spa-tronics joint owner Terry Spencer welcomed feedback from the questionnaire.

He said: "It's a good idea but statistics don't always tell the full story."

Wychavon's planning projects officer, Fred Davies, said: "We are trying to build a picture of the towns so any future policy is based on comprehensive analysis.

"We'll be looking at ways of strengthening towns. The aim is to concentrate retail activity in town centres rather than encourage out-of-town shopping."

Mr Davies said the draft retail policies were likely to be completed this year.

The authority's new Local Plan is not due to be adopted until 2003.