WORCESTER councillors are becoming increasingly twitchy over the state of parking across the city. One reason is probably because of the development of former car parks in the old Birdport area. Where once was a wasteland of tarmac, a community of redbrick homes and offices will soon patch the gaps in the skyline.

I'm all for it. Worcester has for too long had the appearance of a blitz city - ironic for a place that received the attentions of a single German raider for the entire duration of the Second World War.

Nevertheless, the fact remains that King Street looks like the only option left. Whether or not this scheme gets further than a planner's fantasy remains to be seen. But I do wish a little more thought had been given regarding the student tsunami about to engulf St John's and Castle Street.

Maybe someone should tell our city fathers that students no longer wear striped scarves, listen to trad jazz and ride pushbikes. As most of us know, they nearly all drive cars - and very soon, another 4,000-plus will be heading this way and looking for a side street somewhere near you.

If someone can tell me how farce-and-ride will be able to dent this lot, then pleaselet us know.