WHEN the residents of Bright Avenue and Cobden Avenue moved to their Warndon Villages homes, they were glad to have a bit of green space on their doorsteps.

Now they're not so happy. Because they've just discovered there are plans to build 40 house on Mabbs Orchard, a pleasant piece of neighbouring land off Trotshill Way.

While none of us would like to

see the bulldozers move in next

door to us, it's hard to see why they're so shocked.

While it could be argued that the building of a huge, sprawling housing estate on the edge of Worcester was hardly the best use of our precious green space in the first place, the deal was done long ago.

This is simply finishing off the job.

For many years, the people of Warndon Villages have taken advantage of the planning policies that created the houses they live in.

It's a bit rich for them to now turn around and deny the same advantage to others, especially as some of the proposed houses will be earmarked for those who desperately need them.

It sounds like a classic case of "not in my back yard".

But the proposals are only at the consultation stage, and planning officials should weigh up people's views before making any decision.

They should also be very wary about approving any similar developments in the future.

They say this will be the last piece of green space in Worcester to be built on.

Let's make sure it is.