THERE are certain periods in the history of a city such as ours when events seem to be trying to tell us something... a kind of significant positioning of the planets, if you like. Such a situation could well exist at the moment.

Indeed, if we may be permitted to persist with the celestial metaphor, this newspaper might venture that you would have to be a visitor from some far-flung galaxy not to have noticed how well we're doing at the moment. There's no doubt about it - Worcester's on a roll.

The university is steadily expanding, with the promise of a new library complex. The housing development in Diglis is growing apace - perhaps confounding even its sternest critics - and there's every chance two more footbridges across the Severn will emerge, given time. But how's this for fantastic news - today we report that the plan for a £10 million redevelopment of Worcestershire County Cricket ground has at long last leapt its final planning hurdle.

Neverthless, growth needs to be properly managed. This is why the Worcester News would like to think that a new consultation body set up to survey citizens' opinions on the proposed expansion of housing across the county will do just that. All views must be taken into account, not just those that conform to a party line or vested interest.

Worcester is entering the 21st century in a headlong rush. Nothing wrong in that - but this must be to the benefit of all our citizens. Yes, from where we're sitting, the future certainly looks good... and if the city football club could soon firm up its plans for a relocation to Nunnery Way, then we'd be even happier still.