RURAL areas like Tenbury and the Teme Valley must not be forgotten in devolution of powers in England that are expected to come with increased powers to the Scottish parliament.

Following the independence referendum and a promise of more devolved power to the Edinburgh parliament there has already been talk of new powers to ‘city regions’ in England.

But this has led to concerns that rural areas like Tenbury and the Teme Valley could be forgotten.

Adrian Hardman, leader of Worcestershire County Council welcomed Council Leaders and Chief Executives from across West Midland County Councils where they were joined by David Hodge, County Council Network Chairman and endorsed the CCN 'Plan for Government' in light of the recent Scottish Referendum vote.

The network strongly welcome the forming of a Cabinet subcommittee to examine English constitutional change and continuing commitment that power can and must be devolved more locally. However it is urging the Government not to focus only England's cities and ensure that the country's counties have an equal role, which cover 86% of the geography and over 50% of the population of England.

"Empowering City Regions is essential to any new English Devolution settlement, but the great counties of England have an equal role in ensuring the economic success of the UK,” said Adrian Hardman.

“We are ready and equipped to support Central Government in driving further transformational change through more devolution.”