GOOD folk of Worcestershire, we have a serious problem on our hands, and it’s our pesky neighbours.

For the record, I must say Birmingham has a lot going for it - the shopping, the ever-improving architecture, a good dose of culture, the nightlife, one could go on.

But far from being content with its general direction of travel, those meddling Brummies have now decided you, dear reader, are a threat to that prosperity.

South Worcestershire needs a plan for the future - a blueprint for how we can manage future population growth.

That’s why the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP) was created, earmarking land for 23,000 homes and 25,000 jobs by 2030.

But Brum doesn’t like it, and nor does the Black Country, with planning officers from both area’s councils turning up at an inspector’s meeting last week to suggest it is too ambitious.

David Carter, Brum’s head of planning and Ian Culley, sent to the inspection by the assorted Black Country councils, said the SWDP could threaten their towns and cities.

These councils want less jobs to be created in south Worcestershire so you, your children and maybe even your children’s children are less concerned with staying in this county than getting out of it fast - and preferably over to them instead.

What these authorities are implying is that Worcestershire musn’t be allowed to become ‘too prosperous’ - essentially, that they are better than you.

So be mad about it. Be annoyed. And be utterly furious, because I sure am.

What a cheek, what a joke, and what a small minded, interfering attitude to take.

This isn’t a bunch of West Midlands councils pointing out faults in a neighbour’s growth plan.

It’s a collective rogues gallery of assiduous bullies, who want to steal your future for little reason other than greed.

Let’s hope inspector Roger Clews, who is currently muddling through the feedback, sees this ridiculous situation for what it is and rejects it outright.

The SWDP was put together, at painstaking expense and effort, by county politicians - people who live locally and breathe Worcestershire’s air.

Their hopes and dreams aren’t that much different from yours - for a prosperous Worcestershire, one where there are enough houses to go around and the employment to match.

We musn’t allow it to be derailed by green eyed monsters masquerading as soothsayers.