A 1,125-strong petition was handed in to County Councillor Jude Deakin by the residents of Chelmsford in support of a zebra crossing on Linnet Drive. See reports in the Chelmsford Weekly News and the Essex Chronicle.

The history of this crossing 'debate' goes back some time. A change of 'catchment areas' for local schools, meant a large increase in children crossing Linnet Drive at the top of Plane Tree Close to get to Mildmay School. Then there was an accident involving a child in 2005.

Following meetings this week Lib Dem Councillors Jude Deakin, Linda Mascot and Freda Mountain are keeping up the pressure for a local crossing.

Last week Conservative County Councillor Tracey Chapman (Cabinet Member for Highways and Transportation) decided against installing a zebra crossing in Linnet Drive. The Liberal Democrat Councillors for Goat Hall (Linda Mascot and Freda Mountain) have been campaigning for this crossing for several years.

The junction of Rainsford Road / South Primrose Hill / Mace Walk is highlighted for action by Cllr Jude Deakin.

Jude has repeatedly asked for a safe crossing at this junction. Essex County Council Highways have agreed to investigate and report back to her. Jude said, "Having requested the Council to investigate this for several years, at last it looks as if it will be. What we need now is a firm commitment from Highways to put a safe crossing in place quickly before we have a fatal accident".

Action is being taken to support businesses in Chelmford's West End. The businesses between the station and the County Hotel have been badly affected by the changes in traffic flow through this side of Chelmsford. There is now just one route in and another one out.

County Cllr Jude Deakin met with local business representatives and council officers to ensure the voices of the traders were heard as part of any consultation in the area such as traffic and parking issues. Better signage to direct people to the businesses in the area was agreed and should be appearing very soon.

The Kings Road Action Group (KRAG) had its latest meeting and progress update report this afternoon. The Group was set up to push for improvements to the neighbourhood around Kings Road and North Avenue, Chelmsford.

The meeting heard that the outline plan to improve the Kings Road shopping parade is still being written by the Council. Other items discussed included: possible improvements to grass verges and litter picking; how to keep people informed about the Group, and a possible street party in North Avenue to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June 2012.

Chelmsford Council is processing two major planning applications, and expects another, in the North West Chelmsford area. These include an application for 135 houses east of Patching Hall Lane/north of Essex Avenue and 223 houses south of School Lane, Broomfield. Another is expected soon for over 200 homes north of Copperfield Road. These applications were anticipated in principle following the approval by the Council of the North Chelmsford Area Action Plan in July.

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.

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 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:

Mobile phone operator O2 has erected a phone mast close to the Kings Road Primary School, on the corner of Kings Road and Dixon Avenue. This is despite Chelmsford Borough Council consistently refusing it planning permission.

The mast appeared last week and has sparked renewed protest by parents, residents and local Councillors, and the consideration of legal action by the Council.