Chelmsford Central Lib Dem team

Lib Dem Cllr. Keith Francis is waved off at the start of the Transport Challenge

Street map of Old Moulsham (PDF-945k)

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Latest news from Chelmsford Central Lib Dems

• Sep 9, 2009:
  • Moulsham Lodge Centre set to stay as public hall!
    Stephen Robinson, Ros Webb, Cllrs. David Jones and Philip Firth and members of the Moulsham Lodge Action Group outside the abandoned community centre The Government's planning inspector has backed Chelmsford Liberal Democrats and Moulsham Lodge campaigners, who all want to stop Essex County Council selling off the community centre as a private clinic. The inspector has today published his appeal decision, which says the building should be retained as a public hall. In his three page judgement, the inspector recognised the strength of public support for keeping the centre. Many people wrote in to the Inspector following a leaflet from the Moulsham Lodge Centre Action Group together with a letter from local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson. The Inspector also acknowledged the hard work by the Action Group in drawing up a comprehensive business plan to give the building a secure future as a community facility. Commenting on the decision, Stephen Robinson said, "It has been great to work with such an enthusiastic group of local people. There is still some way to go before we can be confident that Essex County Council will give Moulsham Lodge Community Centre back to the community. However, this is a very important step towards that aim." Related Links Download a copy of the Inspector's Appeal decision Website of the Moulsham Lodge Community Centre Action Group Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 6, 2009:
  • County Council's maintenance policy a 'danger to the disabled'
    Ros Webb & Stephen Robinson inspect the site where Cllr. Webb tripped The latest victim of the cutbacks in footpath maintenance is local Councillor Ros Webb. She tripped and injured herself on uneven block paving in Market Square, Chelmsford town centre. Cllr. Webb, who walks with a stick, had to spend 10 hours in casualty after suffering facial injuries including a broken nose, and needed a new pair of glasses after the incident. Said Cllr. Webb (Liberal Democrat, The Lawns ward) "For people like me with mobility problems, the lack of maintenance of our pavements is a real danger. It is disgraceful that they have been allowed to get to this state". Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson commented "Since January 2008, potholes and pavement trips have been allowed to get bigger and left longer before being fixed. "It is funny that as we come up to election time, the Conservative administration are trying to persuade us that they want to sort this problem out". Local Liberal Democrats would like to hear from anyone else who has been injured by the state of the pavements or roads in the area to demonstrate to the County Council how misguided their current maintenance policy is. Please contact us by emailing info@cmld.org.uk, or by ringing 01245 358903. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 13, 2008:
  • Success for campaign to save Moulsham Lodge Community Centre
    Lib Dems Philip Firth, George Allen and David Jones discuss plans for the community centre The Moulsham Lodge Community Centre site can only be used as a Community Hall, after a Chelmsford Borough Council planning decision. This follows a three year long campaign led by local Liberal Democrat Borough Councillor Philip Firth. Conservative-controlled Essex County Council, who own the building in Waltham Glen, wanted to sell off the site as a Private Health Clinic. Moulsham Lodge Community Centre was part funded and constructed by local residents and run successfully for over 30 years. It served not only Moulsham Lodge, but the Tile Kiln estate to the south. There was a brief period of mismanagement around 1995, which led to Essex County Council not receiving their rent for the site. So the Council took control of the buildings. The Liberal Democrats say they should have offered the community a chance to buy the lease back. For three years the building has gone unused whilst Essex County Council try to find a buyer for the site. Now Chelmsford Borough Council Planning Committee have decreed that the County Council must find a way to restore the building to use as a community hall. Cllr. Firth commented "This is a significant setback for Essex County Council's attempts to sell off the site. The people of Moulsham Lodge worked hard to set up and maintain this site, and for many years it bound this community together. When it was closed, several community groups had nowhere local to base themselves. "Over 140 local residents have contacted me to indicate their opposition to the County Council's attempts to sell it off. I am delighted that the Borough Council's Planning Committee have refused the application, which would have allowed the site to have been converted into a private health clinic." Moulsham Lodge Cllrs. Philip Firth & David Jones, along with County Council Candidate Margaret Hutchon, will continue the fight for a solution which will allow the site to reopen as a Community Centre. Related Links How the story is reported in the Chelmsford Weekly News Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 20, 2008:
  • Urgent Call for Widford Park and Ride
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats have called on the County Council for increased priority for the provision of a Park and Ride Service from Widford, Park & Ride can help avoid delays like this Questioning the Tory Cabinet member for Planning on the Borough Council, LibDem councillor for Marconi Ward Graham Pooley highlighted "the ongoing traffic issues at the junction of New Writtle Street with New London Road, in Moulsham more generally, and in Waterhouse Lane" and called for "… the County Council urgently to develop the business case for that with a view to bringing the target date forward" The need has resurfaced in the public's attention following the likely go-ahead of the major re-development of the County Cricket Ground, but the traffic and parking conditions in New London Road, Waterhouse Lane and surrounding residential roads are already dire. Keith Francis, LibDem County Councillor and the Party's Highways & Transportation Spokesman said: "Chelmsford as a whole will indeed welcome and benefit from a thriving Cricket Club. But by sanctioning yet more town centre flats, the Borough Council is already inviting worse traffic congestion - and this area in particular is simply unable to take it. Liberal Democrats say Park and Ride at Widford is a must." Crucial will be for the County to recognize the urgency and press for Government support, and for the Borough Planners to identify the preferred site for the Widford service. Residents can add their names to this campaign by going to www.cmld.org.uk/petitions/11.html Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 23, 2008:
  • Chelmsford continues to wait for public consultation on the Riverside
    Lib Dem campaigners and the Riverside Action Group protesting at the lack of consultation over the Conservative plans At July's meeting of Chelmsford Borough Council, Lib Dem group leader Mike Mackrory presented Roy Whitehead with a petition containing 1,250 signatures. These included over 20 current and former Olympic, World, European, Commonwealth and British national swimmers, divers, coaches and trainers. In particular, Great Baddow swimmer Rebecca Gallantree who (together with Tom Daley, the European Gold diving medallist and Olympic medal prospect) is representing Great Britain at the Olympic Games in Beijing. Following pressure from the Liberal Democrats, the Conservative run administration has at last agreed to produce costed figures for an outdoor pool and for a diving pool. However, it has now been almost three months since they agreed to a Liberal Democrat motion calling for more public consultation. They have yet to produce any details on what this will entail or when it will take place. Cllr. Mackrory commented "Chelmsford residents have a right to know what is happening regarding the future of Riverside. We hear a lot of talk about involving the public in the decision-making process, but we are not seeing any action." The Liberal Democrats want to see the best possible replacement leisure centre, with a wide range of facilities. These should include a multi-purpose main hall and ice rink alongside new pool facilities. The Conservatives, who claim to be 'the party of democracy in Essex' consistently refuse to consult the public on a range of fully-costed options. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 21, 2008:
  • Riverside plans go behind closed doors
    In a shock move the Conservative controlled Borough Council have disbanded the cross party Riverside redevelopment working group. Cllr. Mike Mackrory, Leader of the Opposition, said, "I have been informed by the Leader of the Council that because we have 'made the issue political' he has made this decision. If he thinks representing the views of the people using the Riverside pools is political then so be it. He has denied the official Liberal Democrat Opposition a voice in determining the future of this hugely expensive project. "A Cabinet working group, meeting in private, will now progress the scheme with no opposition members present. This is an abuse of power which only increases our fears that the Conservatives want to steamroller through what they want and not what the public want." To support the campaign against the lack of consultation and lack of options considered for the proposed redevelopment of the Riverside site, please go to http://campaigns.libdems.org.uk/riverside and sign the petition. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• May 12, 2008:
  • Chelmer Waterside can be a great new development AND keep High Bridge Road
    The Liberal Democrats have restated their backing for a mixed-use development on Chelmer Waterside that takes account of residents concerns and environmental issues. They support demolishing the old gasworks and developing the area as a retail, leisure and residential destination, but they have attacked what the council is now proposing because it will cram too much development and traffic into one space. Lib Dem Cllr Graham Pooley played a key role on the council in 1999-2003 in developing this vision and making it into council policy. He has written to the Essex Chronicle explaining the Lib Dem position on why it is right to keep High Bridge Road and attacking the Conservative council for dumping council policy that had had cross-party support in 2002. Said Cllr Pooley, "The Liberal Democrat position was fully described in a series of "masterplans", put out for consultation and adopted by the Council in 2002. As I recall, that was without Tory opposition. Sadly, the Conservatives have now shown their true colours. Their plans threaten more and more development, and traffic gridlock, at the expense of Chelmsford's natural environment and leisure opportunities. The Liberal Democrats continue to oppose the demolition of High Bridge Road. We argue for a routing of traffic and an amount of development that would respect and enhance the unique character of our rivers, the canal, and the water meadows. But the Conservatives currently running the local Councils seem to be putting greater emphasis on meeting the wishes of the would-be developer and landowner. We need a built environment that respects those things. Liberal Democrats will continue to seek a balanced way forward. We continue to favour the best use of the town's remaining under-used opportunity sites such as the Gas Works site and the Canal Peninsular. We might have been further forward with that had everything not been thrown back into the melting pot by the Conservatives in 2003. Now we face the prospect of increasing cramming and disregard of the public's views." Graham Pooley Councillor for Marconi Ward Chelmsford Borough Council Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Link Chelmsford's waterways
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats have called on the Town Centre Plan Inspector to consider the importance of linking Chelmsford's waterways, specifically the building of a cut between the Blackwater Navigation Canal and the River Chelmer.. Cllr. John Hunnable has long been a campaigner for "the cut". He commented: "It has been Council policy since the 1990s to introduce a cut between the River Chelmer and the Springfield basin. Yet when the Conservatives took over the Council in 2003, they decided the cut was no longer an essential part of the Town Centre plan. Linking Chelmsford's waterways would help make the area more environmentally attractive, as well as making Chelmsford a better destination for boat users." Please demonstrate your support for this campaign by signing the petition here: www.cmld.org.uk/petitions/10/sign-new.html Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Apr 29, 2008:
  • High Bridge Road should stay, say Lib Dems
    Map shows High Bridge Road (centre). The new road would be an extension of Wharf Road, going south east (to A138 Chelmer Road) Chelmsford Council committed itself last week to knocking down High Bridge Road, from near the Odeon roundabout to Springfield Road. The local Liberal Democrats have condemned this as bad for the environment, a waste of money and sure to make traffic at the Army & Navy much worse. The commitment came during the inquiry into the Council's Town Centre Area Action Plan, attended by Cllrs Chris Rycroft, Graham Pooley & Keith Francis and Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson. Previously it had been an option; now the council wants to make a firm commitment. At the inquiry, Town Centre Councillor Lib Dem Graham Pooley attacked the decision, saying "Chelmsford Council is toeing the developers' line again. The decision is driven by the millions at stake in the regeneration of the gas works site and Chelmer Waterside for more shopping, and more and more flats. It pays too little attention to the traffic problems that already exist." The decision on High Bridge Road will mean a new road out of town, across the 'peninsula site' (i.e. the land between the Rivers Chelmer and Can near the old gas works and Waterfront restaurant) and on stilts across the water meadow. It will join Chelmer Road just north of the Army & Navy roundabout. All traffic from Baddow Road and Baddow by-pass that wants to access the Springfield Road (Tesco) area will turn right at the Army & Navy, putting even more traffic onto the A&N roundabout. Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson also attended the inquiry and added, "The Lib Dems have and will oppose the demolition of High Bridge Road. It is wasteful of something built just 14 years ago. The money could be better spent on other community benefits. "This, plus the decisions also taken this week on the Community Plan for Chelmsford to 2021, underline that the Conservatives really do not place a high priority on protecting the environment, in the face of development pressures. "We favour the use of this key part of the town of course, but on a scale which allows for the very best use of our rivers for residents and visitors alike. The thought of cramming 1000 or more flats here is intolerable, and we will continue to argue that Chelmsford's attractive shopping areas don't need the extravagant waste of tearing down a perfectly sound road." You can read more about the public inquiry and the Community Plan on Stephen's blog http://chelmsford-stephenrobinson.blogspot.com/ and read more about the long-term development plans for Chelmsford on this web-page: http://cmld.org.uk/planning Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Feb 22, 2008:
  • No EXTRA money for Old Moulsham - Tory election promises exposed
    Local Lib Dems examine one of the growing number of local potholes It has been revealed this week that Old Moulsham will not be receiving any EXTRA money for local improvements - only the money long planned for the central Chelmsford area. During the Moulsham & Central by-election, Lord Hanningfield (Conservative County Council Leader) promised that Old Moulsham would be benefiting from an extra £15 million investment in footpath and road repairs in Chelmsford. However, local Lib Dem Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory has questioned Lord Hanningfield about this money and has discovered that it was merely money that was already in the budget, not new money, as implied by the Conservatives during the election campaign. Cllr. Mackrory said, "The fact that the Tories have to stoop to this level shows their desperation to win at all costs. It is shameful to make up these claims when the state of the roads and footpaths in Chelmsford is appalling and all the Conservatives are really offering is more cost-cutting measures as they can't get a grip on their budget". The Liberal Democrats are continuing to argue that plans to leave potholes and footway trips longer before repairing them is hazardous to the public. Their proposals for extra spending on repairs and maintenance of footpaths and residential roads in the Essex County Council Budget were voted down by the controlling Conservative group. Related Links Competition to find Chelmsford's worst pothole Tories Propose Slashing Potholes Maintenance Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jan 11, 2008:
  • £10 Million Overspend: Tories Propose Slashing Potholes Maintenance
    Stephen Robinson, Robin Stevens & Mike Mackrory check out one of the many cracked pavements locally Potholes in Chelmsford roads are going to get larger and not be fixed for longer. This bad news comes this week as the ruling Conservatives on the Council try to balance the budget for road maintenance. These changes to Essex County Council's highways maintenance strategy come just weeks after the Conservatives announced a £10m overspend on the highways budget. Cllr Keith Francis (Chelmsford Central and Lib Dem spokesman for transportation) said: "The report outlining changes to the way potholes and other damage to roads and footpath are to be dealt with, is riddled with inconsistencies and it is hard to see how it will be of benefit to residents here. "The basic premise seems to be to wait until damage to road surfaces get worse before even looking to see whether it should be fixed or not. The Conservatives are recommending that when dealing with misaligned kerbs, for example, there is no commitment at all to provide a date for work to be carried out." "Apart from the obvious inconvenience to the public, we have concerns about the additional hazard that damaged road and footpath surfaces will have for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians alike. This will inevitably lead to more and higher level compensation claims being made against the council." The proposals are due to be discussed at a cross-party highways and transportation meeting next Thursday (17 January) at county hall. Cllr Francis continued: "The council has a duty to invest in all roads and footpaths in its care under a national code aimed at protecting state owned infrastructure. It seems to us that the council's proposals are a flagrant act of lack of care and responsibility in this regard." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 15, 2007:
  • Lib Dems celebrate another election win
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats are celebrating another stunning victory after James Gardner won the Moulsham & Central by-election. The result was James Gardner, Mike Mackrory, Stephen Robinson and other Lib Dems celebrate the election win James Gardner Lib Dem 1051 55% (up 14.6%) Con 640 33.5% (down 14.6%) Lab 153 8% (down 3.5%) UKIP 67 3.5% (up 3.5%). The win follows hot on the heels of the Lib Dem gain in Broomfield & The Walthams on 11th September 2007 and the five Lib Dem gains in May's round of elections. Lib Dem Group Leader Mike Mackrory said "I would like to congratulate James and the team on a fantastic campaign. I know that James will work hard for the people of Moulsham & Central." On the Chelmsford Borough Council there are now 31 Conservatives; 26 Liberal Democrats and no Labour. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 13, 2007:
  • Vote Gardner (Lib Dem) on Friday to be the voice for Old Moulsham
    Old Moulsham resident James Gardner will be strong voice for the area if elected in the by-election tomorrow. "I am looking forward very much to polling day tomorrow. If elected, I will do my very best for the area where I live," said James. "Make this election a referendum on the Conservative inaction on traffic and housing issues." The by-election result will be covered on this site as soon as possible after it is declared - shortly after midnight Friday/Saturday. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Dec 5, 2007:
  • Fix traffic problems in Old Moulsham and Town Centre - James Gardner
    More crossings and slower traffic says James Gardner James Gardner is campaigning for action on all the traffic problems affecting Old Moulsham and Chelmsford Town Centre. James (who is Lib Dem candidate in next Friday's by-election for the area) wants to see 20mph speed limits introduced in the core area of Moulsham Street and surrounding residential streets. Said James, "Many of you have complained to me about speeding traffic and danger to pedestrians, especially children and the older folk. We must get this Moulsham Street enhancement Scheme off the drawing board and implemented fast. For too long we have been fobbed off with delays. "Improvements to the Springfield Road junction with Navigation Road are long overdue and the suggestion from the council of demolishing High Bridge Road will cause huge disruption to the people of this area. "The high levels of pollution on the Army & Navy roundabout and surrounding busy roads must be reduced and fast. I am fed up with the excuses about the poor street cleansing and the rubbish and weeds; we deserve better. "I want to see the various communities which make up Old Moulsham and the town centre area strengthened so that the quality of all our lives is improved for this and future generations." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 24, 2007:
  • Norman Lamb MP backs James Gardner
    James and Norman just back from canvassing Old Moulsham Norman Lamb (Lib Dem MP for North Norfolk) was in Chelmsford yesterday to back James Gardner, candidate in the Moulsham & Central by-election. Later Mr Lamb spoke to a gathering of local Liberal Democrats in Great Baddow. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Nov 23, 2007:
  • James Gardner will fight for Moulsham & Central
    James Gardner and Cllr Keith Francis want to improve traffic management in Chelmsford town centre James Gardner has pledged to stand up for Old Moulsham and the town centre if elected as the local councillor in the 14th December by-election. James is the ONLY candidate standing who lives in the area (and he works there too). James stood for the ward in May's elections, coming a close second to the Conservatives. This by-election will be closely fought between the Liberal Democrats and the Conservatives. The Lib Dems were just 183 votes behind the Conservatives in May. Commented Chelmsford's Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson, "The Lib Dems comfortably overturned a Conservative majority of 873 in Broomfield on 11th September so we are looking forward to this contest too." Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Oct 29, 2007:
  • Oaklands Park Traffic - Lib Dems raise local concerns
    An additional car park, positioned on existing tennis courts, has been approved by Chelmsford Borough's planning committee. This despite objections from local residents, who were concerned about extra traffic movements within the park. Lib-Dem County Cllr. Keith Francis attempted to persuade the Council to amend the scheme citing strong reservations from English Heritage and the ways in which, in his view, serious harm would result from this decision. An additional tennis court has been promised. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Aug 6, 2007:
  • Moulsham Youth Centre re-opened
    Cllr Freda Mountain Great news for parents. The Moulsham Youth Centre re-opened on Wednesday 25th July and is open every Wednesday during the School holidays with two sessions. Session 1 for youngsters with ages of 8 to 11 from 4.30pm to 6.30pm and Session 2 will be for the older group of 12's to 16's from 7.00pm to 9.30pm. If successful it will be opened every Wednesday with all ranges of youth activities taking place under the guidance of PCSO Sandra Strange and helpers. Your local Lib Dem councillors Freda Mountain and John Williams wish them every success, and hope that they get full support from parents. In the meantime Tile Kiln Church offers its own FAST Club (Friday's At Seven Thirty) on Fridays between 7pm and 9pm term time only, mainly aimed at school years 7 to 10 inclusive. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
• Jul 31, 2007:
  • Back to square one on Moulsham Lodge Centre
    Essex County Council are still dithering over the future for Moulsham Lodge Community Centre, despite pressure from the local Lib Dem councillors. In March ECC was going to auction the site, but cancelled this when the meeting with local representatives was arranged for 27th March. Having heard local people's comments, the then Cabinet member, Cllr. Finch, said we would have his response in six weeks. In just six weeks there was a cabinet reshuffle, and Cllr. Martin took over, and we had to wait another seven for his decision. The decision was to put the site up for auction, so we are right back where we started. He has been told that we do NOT want more houses, a doctor's surgery, a centre for troubled youths etc. we DO want our community centre. We await his response. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY
  • Safety improvements for Parkway crossing as Lib Dem pressure pays off
    Lib Dem action to improve safety at Parkway crossing Calls from Keith Francis (Central Chelmsford Lib Dem County Councillor) have achieved a number of measures to improve safety at this busy and valuable crossing. Cllr Francis met with officers and the new cabinet member for transport (Cllr Norman Hume) to persuade them that special measures were necessary. The speed limit will be reduced to 30 mph and a 'Green Man' sign added to face pedestrians. However, it is still uncertain as to whether Cllr Francis' request for greater priority for pedestrians will be agreed. Published & promoted by Ian Gale on behalf of Chelmsford Liberal Democrats, all at 20 Dane Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2SS...... 01245 358903 Printed (hosted) by Prater Raines Ltd, 98 Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BY