Okay, a mere blink of a rheumy eye in the great scheme of things. However, alien forces inflicting so much environmental and social damage on one of the solar system’s more blessed plots must not pass unnoticed.

To give this a drop of local perspective, let me recall the wise words of Great-Grandad Horry Horkey in 1945 as he made a half of mild last all evening in the snug of Ye Olde Gathered Inn; “If each before his doorstep sweeps, the village will be clean”.

Localism at its most effective. Collective responsibility to the fore. Rebuilding and safeguarding family and community strengths. Taking pride in where you live. Dewin’ diffrunt and resisting massive change, especially when it blatantly puts profits ahead of people.

A fair while after that homely little sermon, my native county is being forced to admit those old values are being swept away on a tidal wave of excessive development buoyed by a potent mixture of naivety and greed. Too many residents, old and new, simply believe the “build for prosperity” prophets with hard hats and cold hearts to match.

It’s no longer a case of sizing up city, town and village outskirts to prompt........

© Norwich Evening News