While MPs were beating how old and shabby the House of Commons was, a Robin got in and flew around. Worcester MP Robin Walker was on the front bench at the time, and Hilary Benn made a joke about it. (I know, right?)

Now, one Robin is a friendly and familiar thing, particularly popular at Christmas, whose charming appearance and sweet, wistful song belies a nature you wouldn't want to cross and a willingness to defend its territory, even unto death. The other is a small garden bird.

We don’t have enough planning officers. It’s a national shortage. Meanwhile University forensic science course are oversubscribed and police forces have nowhere near enough places for the graduates.

We need a TV series called PCI (Planning Committee Inquiry) where planning officers fight crime, or at least inappropriate development. Once the original, set in the Guildhall is a massive hit, it can be spun off endlessly to all sorts of glamorous locations. PCI Bromsgrove. PCI Malvern Hills. PCI Pershore. Anyone got the number for HBO.? (Oh, okay, Channel 5)

Things We Weren’t Allowed to Say (a never-ending series)

I agree with whoever wrote yesterday’s comment that we don’t need London civil servants making decisions about planning application in Worcester as a consequence of not having enough planning officers. They didn’t take me up on my suggested line that the only thing worse would be to have the decisions made by the MP for blinking Bromsgrove.

‘This new committee system’ the councillors at the Guildhall are getting to grips with is interesting. Politically split down the middle, it means the chairmen have the deciding vote, like head judge Len in the dance-off on Strictly. All we need are the sequins

When Tom Edwards decided to leave the gritty environs of a printworks in Hylton Road for the feather-bedded luxury of the Beeb in, umm, Hylton Road, he left his loyal readers bereft. I am here to help. But help me help you. Seen or heard a politician do or say something Source-worthy? Let me know on 01905 742203 aled.thomas@newsquest.co.uk