Chelmsford Campaigner Cllr. Graham Pooley

Graham was elected as borough councillor for Marconi ward in 2007 and Broomfield/Great Waltham 1995-2003.

Ring Graham on 0794 057 6825

Email Graham: graham.pooley@cmld.org.uk

More about Marconi ward

Graham's recent news

• Sep 15, 2010:
  • Lib Dems back 'Kids Inspire'
    Trevor Nunn half way round his epic journey Local charity 'Kids Inspire' provides crucial support to many vulnerable children and young people in Chelmsford and has the full backing of your local Liberal Democrats. Recently, Swiss Avenue resident and former Lib Dem Councillor Trevor Nunn completed a sponsored round-Britain sail for them and raised over £1,500. The charity is based at St Peters College, which will close in Summer 2011. So local Lib Dem Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley are working with the Charity's founder and director, Sue Jochim, to establish what premises will be available to 'Kids Inspire' as they continue to grow. With the spending cuts and the County Council's Children's Services still not up to scratch, 'Kids Inspire' is more vital to the future of Chelmsford's children than ever. The Lib Dems are working with them to help try to secure core funding. Why not go to the Kids Inspire website and see how you can help? See www.kidsinspire.org.uk or consider donating to Trevor Nunn's Round Britain sailing expedition:- www.justgiving.com/trevornunn Kids Inspire has also just been adopted as Chelmsford Round Table's charity for the money raised from Fireworks Night in Admirals Park, on 6th November. Round Table Member and local Lib Dem Candidate Stephen Robinson set up the link. See: http://www.facebook.com/RTBIFireworksChelmsford . 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 31, 2010:
  • Call for action on Chelmsford parking chaos
    One local street where car parking is a problem A call for action on Chelmsford parking chaos has been issued by the local Liberal Democrats. The increasing frustrations of residents and others (at Chelmsford's parking situation) were highlighted by the group, in a recent debate they called for at Chelmsford Borough Council. The Lib Dems are demanding an early meeting of a cross-party panel to begin an urgent review of the policy which dates back several years and is now clearly in need of an overhaul Residents' parking schemes are already not ensuring adequate parking in some streets near the town centre, while new flats and their visitors are adding to the pressure. In some areas parking on grass verges is spoiling the street scene. Park and Ride is welcome but is not keeping pace with demand, and many commuters, shoppers and those working in Chelmsford continue to drive in to the town centre. Green travel plans are not producing the results they need to. More and more students at the University with limited and chargeable parking there means students and staff are spilling into residential streets. Reviews of problem hot-spots take an unacceptably long time, and tend only to move the problem on to a nearby area. The bureaucracy bounces problems and ideas back and forward between the Borough and the County Council. At the still growing Broomfield Hospital parking and its cost remain the source of many complaints. In some places wardens seem over-zealous, while other areas seem to get little attention. Charging to use car parks in town on Sundays seems absurd when single yellow lines are all around. The list goes on…. The Borough recently decided to reject the County Council's proposed blanket rewrite of parking policy, on the grounds that Chelmsford had its particular circumstances and pressures and needed its own solutions. We agree, but nothing has happened to start seeing what those solutions can be. Lib Dem Spokesmen. At Full Council, Liberal Democrats Robin Stevens (Lawns ward and Deputy Mayor) and Graham Pooley (Marconi ward) called for an early review of the town's now outdated policies the setting up of a cross party panel to get this underway and push for early results, and for more immediate responses to problems as they arise. Lib Dem Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory said, "We are were angered by complacency shown by the ruling Conservatives. They refused to accept that on street parking by non residents was a problem, probably because most of them represent the village areas. "So far, our call for a cross party group to resolve these matters has been rejected. We will continue to campaign for action." 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
• Jun 18, 2010:
  • "Sell historic Marconi buildings separately," say local Lib Dems
    Marconi Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley (right) with Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson In an effort to avoid further vandalism at the old Marconi factory in New Street, the local Lib Dems have made a plea for the historic part of the site to be sold first in order to protect it. Writing in the local papers, Cllrs Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley said: "As local Councillors for the part of Chelmsford that includes the New Street Marconi Site, we have been very concerned at its remaining disused, deteriorating, and a magnet for vandalism and antisocial behaviour. The Receivers who now own the site (instead of the planned developer) should be realistic and speedy in negotiating with potential buyers. We can all then take a fresh look at how best this key site can be brought back to life, and re-address the overdue plans to improve things around the Railway Station. "The Council has been keen to see the site kept as one, so that best use of it can be achieved. That's fine, we don't want piecemeal or over-development. However, the separate early sale of the buildings fronting New Street, including the landmark listed 1812 building, should be looked at as a matter of urgency. We want that proposed to the receivers, so that these historic buildings can be restored and brought back to use at the earliest opportunity. Meanwhile our thanks to local residents who are being vigilant in reporting breaches to the site's security ; they are having to be - this weekend we hear again of a continuing hole in the fencing, and open doors. We have been highlighting these ongoing problems to the Council since early in the year - it is a sorry story that formal action to force the receivers to act is now needed. Cllrs Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley Liberal Democrats, Marconi Ward 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 27, 2010:
  • Lib Dems "gagged" about housing plans at Borough Council
    Cllr. Tom Smith-Hughes & Stephen Robinson review a field north of Chelmsford where the Conservatives want to build houses Last Wednesday Liberal Democrats were told that any discussion about the Conservative plans for Housing on green fields was not permitted, as it was too political to debate during the General Election campaign! A Council committee on the subject was cancelled by the Conservatives earlier this month. It would have heard how 90% of those commenting had yet again said a resounding "no" in response to housing breaching the town boundaries - at Newlands Spring and Greater Beaulieu Park. Opposition leader Lib Dem Cllr Mike Mackrory had tabled a motion "regretting" that, but hardly had any discussion begun before the Tories voted en bloc to kick any discussion into the long grass. "Too sensitive to discuss at election time" they said, and "not allowed under the rules". Cllr Mackrory was appalled, calling this a "cynical abuse of power for party political purposes and a sad day for the Council". The issue has indeed split the Council ever since Conservatives voted out any consideration of development North of Boreham, promoting instead green field development to the north east and north west of the existing urban area, and cramming ever more flats in the Town Centre. "Yet again I feel gagged," said Cllr Graham Pooley, who (seconding the motion) was not even allowed to speak. "They're right of course: any discussion about the Conservative plans just shows up how flawed they are, but how dare they cancel meetings and stifle any controversy. Conservatives are proving bad for Chelmsford." Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson heard of these antics while out campaigning. He said "I fear it's not surprising. The Conservatives don't like their policies scrutinised. Congestion and over-development are a huge issue for voters here, and voters are telling me over and over again they prefer the Liberal Democrats alternatives and ideas." 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 30, 2009:
  • "Urban Vandalism" as development at Rainsford Road/Parkway junction nears completion
    Stephen Robinson explaining to Primrose Hill residents why the Lib Dems are opposing "town cramming" sites across Chelmsford "Vindicated" is a word that describes how the residents of Critchett Terrace must be feeling at present, but that will doubtlessly feel hollow when they look out their bedroom windows. The re-development of the old Jeep Chrysler garage into 42 flats is now there for all to see. A new 5 storey high monster totally overpowers the attractive historic dwellings that now sit in its shadow. Residents of Primrose Hill and Critchett Terrace campaigned tirelessly and in great detail at and between several Council planning meetings, with the strong support of their local Lib Dem Councillors and many others. It seemed clear that the sheer scale of the proposed development would breech planning policy. It would be totally out of keeping with the street scene, depriving the 2-storey Victorian terraced houses in the immediate area of light, and adding to traffic and parking problems. But the Council's Planning Committee didn't see it that way, and approval was rubber-stamped in the face of much criticism.. Resident Iain Cameron fluctuates between anger and resignation. "The only words to describe this new Chelmsford landmark are 'urban vandalism" he said. " Now that the development can be appreciated in full size and without obstruction, the Planning Committee members who approved this must surely be looking at the flats with a Dr Frankenstein "what have I created?" look of horror. Not only do the flats utterly dwarf our homes and the surrounding landscape, they utterly dwarf the building on the corner of Duke St that they were supposed to mirror." Borough Councillor for the area Graham Pooley is still appalled at the decision to build here on this scale. "Redevelopment of unused sites in the town is right in principle" he says, "but too often decisions are being made to cram in more and more flats at the expense of family housing, and Government targets at the expense of existing residents. It hurts to say "we told them so", but this development has fulfilled our worst fears." The Planning Committee and officers are now to be urged to visit the end result to see how their decision has turned out. Resident Michael Walsh said, "We just weren't listened to. By acknowledging this mistake at least we can hope they won't nod through subsequent developments of a similar nature." Critchett Terrace residents now open their curtains in the morning to an unforgettable red vista. Sadly the red is red brick, and not the rising sun." FLASHBACK: Lib Dems have been opposing this since first proposed in 2007. See: http://www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/news/000178.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
• Jun 29, 2009:
  • No to another take-away in Kings Road
    Graham Pooley, Jude Deakin, Robin Stevens and Stephen Robinson near Kings Road shops The campaign against yet another take-away in Kings Road is stepping up. The local Liberal Democrat councillors for the area (Marconi ward) Graham Pooley and Jude Deakin have told the local papers how opposed they are to this. Cllr Pooley told the Essex Chronicle, following their article the previous week: "It is not the Council's Planning Committee that is recommending approval of this, but its officers. Had the Chronicle been at the meeting it would have heard the voices of many Councillors arguing for refusal. "The Committee (let alone Full Council) did not agree to "delay granting the approval", but cautiously deferred its decision, asking for clearer evidence as to whether, instead, a continued retail use for the unit could realistically be expected. "Why would this be better? Local Councillors and residents argue that this unit should remain available as a shop, useful to the community at large. "There are two takeaway establishments here already which are popular and well run, but a third is not needed and would detract from our efforts to revitalise this parade. A working group is actively exploring how the currently vacant units can be brought back into use, and is confident that there are several retail uses that would be viable, and meet genuine local needs and preferences for this part of Chelmsford. "The Council's planning policies expressly enable the loss of neighbourhood shopping facilities to be resisted; the arguments in this case are perfectly adequate for the Committee to go against the officers' recommendation when the proposal returns to the Committee in July, and so allow time for a suitable alternative to a takeaway to be finalised. If any readers have specific suggestions or proposals to add to ours, or would like more detail of our work in progress, we would welcome hearing from them." Cllr. Graham Pooley is contactable on g.pooley@cmld.org.uk or 07940 576825 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:
  • Local residents deserve to be rid of eyesore empty property
    Cllrs. Graham Pooley (left) and Ashley Final (right) outside 34/6 Eves Crescent Lib Dem Councillor for Patching Hall, Ashley Final is calling for an empty Chelmer Housing Partnership property in Eves Crescent (no. 34/36) to be brought back into use to provide much needed rented social housing. The very large house - once a pair of semis - has stood empty and boarded up for well over a year and is now much used as a local dumping ground for litter and (some say) an invitation to illicit drinking and drugging. Cllr Final said "What a waste, why the delay?! I've been assuming that this was to be renovated and brought back into use, but no-one is taking responsibility it seems. I continue to ask Chelmer Housing Partnership what their plans are - this property should be brought back into use; if it's already beyond repair, demolition and rebuilding is overdue". Cllr. Graham Pooley, Lib Dem spokesman for Housing at the Borough Council, is seeking an explanation and pressing for action. He said: "if CHP continue to leave this property to deteriorate, the Council has powers to make sure houses don't stand empty like this. Given the shortage of affordable housing, the length of the waiting list for social housing, and families in overcrowded accommodation, this one must not be left any longer with nothing done. And the local residents deserve to be rid of this eyesore." 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
• Sep 1, 2008:
  • Campaign against over-development continues
    Cllr. Graham Pooley with concerned residents at the site of the proposed development A planning application that would lead to over-development in the west of Chelmsford is set to be turned down. This follows a campaign by the local Lib Dem Councillors, working with local residents, concerning a site on the corner of Rainsford Avenue and Rainsford Road Marconi Ward Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley (fifth from right) have been active for almost eighteen months to prevent over-development on the site. Working with residents, co-ordinated by neighbour Barrie Allsop (second from left), Cllr. Pooley has for the moment successfully resisted the latest application. That is for 6 flats and 3 town houses on a site where two houses are at present. Argues Cllr. Pooley, "The officers' recommendation to refuse the application based on parking considerations and impact on immediate neighbours is very welcome. However the reasons for refusal should be stronger or else over-development proposals could return. "Yet again this is a developer wanting to cram too much into a sensitive, too small site", he said. "If these houses really need to be demolished, we will continue to argue for a maximum of say 5 two bed dwellings, with gardens. That would meet part of the town's housing needs, and be in keeping with the Rainsford Avenue street scene. There are so many unsold flats already, and communal open space doesn't meet all the needs of growing young children." 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
• Jun 23, 2008:
  • Courtman House saved
    Maltese Road resident Bob Huntington in front of Courtman House, discussing its future with Marconi Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley (right), and Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson Maltese Road residents and the local Lib Dem councillors have reacted with joy at the planning Inspector's decision to save Courtman House from demolition. This follows a long battle involving most residents of the road, writing letters and petitions and attending meetings. Local councillor Graham Pooley said, "I am delighted with the Planning Inspector's decision to dismiss any proposal to demolish Courtman House. It is very good news that developer plans to cram more and more into every possible site will not always succeed. "I would like to thank the many residents who have spent much time over more than a year, working to save this valued part of the Maltese Road. They deserve this victory. They coordinated admirably among themselves to present the case to best advantage - forcefully but always reasonably. They, together with Jude Deakin and me as their Borough Councillors, persuaded the Council and then the Inspector to save Courtman House. Let us hope the decision has implications for other possible sites. The Inspector found that the proposal would "create an over-dominant building detrimental to the character and appearance of the area". We have seen too many examples where the Council has put the supposed 'need' for yet more new flats ahead of what is suitable for neighbours and the street scene. "The Council's decision to permit forty-two flats on the old Chrysler-Jeep Garage site on the corner of Rainsford Road and Parkway remains an outrage in the minds of many residents. "The Courtman House decision suggests the Council's planning officers and the Planning Committee can be more confident in judging some applications to be over-intense. Hopefully the council will now feel able to reject the proposal for the corner of Rainsford Avenue and Rainsford Road, expected to be decided later this summer." Related Links Courtman House - Inspector's decision report 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
• Jun 8, 2008:
  • Lib Dems dig in for Springwatch
    Graham Pooley digs out a trench for the new garden On Saturday, local Liberal Democrats joined a range of BTCV volunteers and residents of the Brownings Avenue / Eastern Crescent area to build garden areas on the field in between. It was all part of the BBC Springwatch project. Local ward councillors Graham Pooley and Jude Deakin, Cllr Alan Arnot (Patching Hall) and Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson took part in the digging and planting process. Jude Deakin & Stephen Robinson bed-in plants for the wildlife garden From the BBC website: Jude Deakin & Alan Arnot take a break from digging out the flower garden "Breathing Places is a major BBC Learning campaign to inspire and motivate you to create and care for nature-friendly green spaces where you live." http://www.bbc.co.uk/breathingplaces/ Springwatch on your doorstep - http://snipurl.com/2em27 [From www_bbc_co_uk] Springwatch is back on the TV at the end of May 2008 and this year, there's a chance to get involved in a project in Essex. BBC Essex will be at Brownings Avenue in Chelmsford on Saturday, 7, June. It's one of around 50 events right across the UK. The Springwatch Action Team will be at Brownings Avenue on Saturday, 7 June from 11am to 3pm creating a garden area for people and wildlife. There are two ways you can join in. Come along and enjoy the free, family activities on offer including a colouring competition and seed planting. Sign up to volunteer and spend a morning or afternoon working alongside the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. 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
• May 1, 2008:
  • 3rd O2 Phone Mast application - Kings Road/Dixon Ave - Rejected on 23.4.08
    Kings Road Phone Mast protest 'Good news for all Kings Road and Dixon Avenue residents', say Marconi ward Cllrs, Lib Dems Graham Pooley and Jude Deakin. O2's third planning application to erect a phone mast near the school has been rejected by Chelmsford Borough Council. Graham says, "We must all remain on alert, to counter any attempt by the mobile phone company to apply for further planning permission". 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 30, 2008:
  • Saying No to yet more food, fags and litter at Chelmsford Bus station
    New block of apartments on top of the bus station Chelmsford Council's Planning Committee has decided to defer allowing a restaurant, pub or take-away at the bus station, whilst more options are explored. Local residents welcomed the decision and were backed by the local councillor, Lib Dem Jude Deakin Jude told the committee: "There is a real danger of Fairfield Road deteriorating further. We already have reports of urinating in the entrance to the theatre, and smokers outside the entrance of course. People live here - they don't wish to look out on litter, and they don't need noise and smoke drifting around at all hours of the day and night." Fellow Cllr. Graham Pooley added: "What the developers of the shopping concourse are asking for wouldn't rule the anti-social problems out at all. We feel there is a better opportunity here even than for a restaurant, let alone a pub or takeaways." "There's an opportunity to look at really appropriate uses for this bustling location - community uses like a medical drop-in centre, crèche facilities or even a small scale arts and crafts gallery for Essex artists and the like to promote their work." Efforts are now in hand to track down the new owners of the site, so that at least the planning permission can take into account what the residents living there and the wider community are hoping for. 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:
  • The name of Marconi must mean more than nostalgia …..
    Guglielmo Marconi On Saturday 26th April, the statue of Guglielmo Marconi, Chelmsford's founder of broadcasting, duly arrived in "Marconi Plaza" near to the Chelmsford's theatres and bus station redevelopment. That was welcome but Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley, local councillors for this part of Chelmsford - called Marconi Ward - hope it's symbolic of fresh action for Chelmsford's West End. When the Lib Dems were running the Council up to 2003 they felt there was a sense of purpose which was accompanied by some imaginative forward planning. Plans were in hand to take some pride in this litter-bound end of Duke Street, to breathe some life to the short section of Broomfield Road here. It would spread the benefits of Chelmsford's relative prosperity to the less well off areas to the north and west, where we still see some areas of stark hardship. However, shops are standing boarded up, like on the corner of Kings Road and North Avenue. "Somehow the revitalising of this neglected side of Chelmsford needs a fresh injection of hope and vision" said Jude Deakin. Graham agreed, adding "Sometimes all the focus seems to be on flats and more flats, aimed at meeting Government targets and City slickers, rather than meeting the needs of local people. Though some of the plans talk the right talk and look good on paper, they are taking forever to deliver." After all these years, we may be seeing some more debate about the old Marconi Works site between New Street and the Station, but still its only talk and "negotiation". The message from Marconi's Borough Councillors is clear. Said Graham & Jude: "Marconi needs to be more than a name and a statue symbolising Chelmsford's proud past. We want to see some plans that address the real lives of real people, to add to the sense of pride in our local communities." 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
  • Courtman House battle - developer goes to appeal
    Lib Dem team with local resident outside Courtman House Residents of Maltese Road, Chelmsford, are gearing up for the planning Appeal on Tuesday May 13th, which will decide whether or not to allow the demolition of Courtman House. Residents have responded to calls from the local press and ITV Anglia, and are planning their approach to the Appeal Hearing with Lib Dem Councillor for Marconi Ward Graham Pooley. Local Borough Councillors for the area, Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley, and residents have backed a plan to convert rather than demolish the house. This was approved by Chelmsford council, but the developer is appealing against the refusal of permission to knock the house down. Graham Pooley commented "For me this is a sad example of a developer trying to go one step too far and cram too much onto one site, without regard to what's really appropriate for the neighbourhood." 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
  • 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
• Apr 28, 2008:
  • Chelmer Housing hikes garage rents by 40%
    On 1st April 2008, people who rent garages from Chelmer Housing Partnership (CHP) were presented with a new rental rate of £10 per week plus vat. This represents an astonishing increase of £3 a week plus vat - a 43% rise. Many of these people are in Marconi ward. Their local Lib Dem Cllr Graham Pooley said, "It is beyond belief that CHP can charge non-tenant residents garage rent of £520 plus vat each, per annum. The brick built garages were valued circa £500 in 1982 under the 'right to buy', and have made a fortune in rent for CBC and now the CHP over the years. "Even at today's values they require a minimum of maintenance and administration. Please contact the Lib Dem Marconi Ward support office on (01245) 358903, with your views. Then an appropriate response can be made by your Lib Dem Councillors." 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 24, 2008:
  • Rainsford Avenue/Rainsford Road Development
    Cllrs. Graham Pooley, Jude Deakin & Ian Gale discuss previous planning application for Rainsford Avenue corner Developers are still pressing for planning permission to knock down the two houses on the corner of Rainsford Avenue. This time they want to replace them with six flats and three town houses. Said local councillor, Lib Dem Graham Pooley, "This is yet more Town cramming. These developers won't lie down! Cllr Jude Deakin and I will be joining residents to ask for this application to be refused. It really does affect immediate neighbours. "It all adds weight to the Lib Dem campaign "Don't Choke Chelmsford". Sign our petition here: www.dontchoke.org.uk" 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 14, 2008:
  • Residents turn out at Courtman House; demolition would "choke Chelmsford"
    Cllr. Graham Pooley and Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson back Maltese Road residents against the demolition of Courtman House A group of angry Maltese Road residents turned out for a local press photo last week to oppose demolition of Courtman House. The developer is pressing ahead with his appeal, asking the Government's inspector to allow demolition, even though the council said No. Local councillor Graham Pooley is 'encouraging' the developer to withdraw the appeal and press ahead with converting the existing house, which has been given permission. Cllr. Pooley commented: "Courtman House is a valuable part of the street scene and an important part of local heritage. Local residents are justifiably concerned about yet another development of flats going up in the town centre." Lib Dem Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson told the residents: "This is just one example of many locally where developers are trying to squeeze too much development into compact sites. "The Lib Dems are very concerned that the policies of the Conservative council will allow more of this kind of over-development. That is why we have launched the campaign 'Don't Choke Chelmsford' - www.dontchoke.org.uk." Cllrs. Pooley & Deakin are also pressing for a Blue Plaque to mark the fact that local architect Frank Whitmore designed and lived in this house. 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