Chelmsford Lib Dem transport issues

If we are going to really tackle pollution and congestion in Chelmsford, we need to improve ALL types of transport in the area. We need:

• four park and rides around Chelmsford, not just one
• a new station at Springfield, served by good bus routes
• more reliable bus routes across town
• a more reliable train service with more capacity
• a complete network of cycle routes without key gaps

When the Lib Dems ran the council, they put in place many of the current cycle routes and were working for four park and rides. Little is now being done by the Conservatives who run the council.

The Conservatives could try to reduce the number of vehicles coming into the town. But they seem to think that the only thing they need to do is to make traffic move faster round town. They wanted a big ring-road in the town centre, but the campaign from the Liberal Democrats and others stopped it.

Town Centre 'one-way racetrack' survey

Railway campaign

Having commuted up to London to work for many years, Stephen Robinson understands all the challenges rail travellers face. He has regularly contacted railway customer services on issues such as lack of information when services are disrupted and ticket machines not working properly.

If you have an issue to raise, please let Stephen know.

Link to email Stephen Robinson

Rail capacity must increase for passengers to escape cattle truck Britain http://is.gd/8Rgu

Rail passengers fobbed off with Government short termism http://is.gd/8RhS

Government condemning rail passengers to overcrowding and delays http://is.gd/8Riq

MORE trains not less - Robinson: http://is.gd/hnyj

Crossrail: will Labour deliver? http://is.gd/hnzo

Rail Fare rip off: http://is.gd/hnyH

Other Links

The "I hate National Express East Anglia" blog (not connected to the Liberal Democrats)

Facebook group: I travel with National Express East Anglia

Facebook group: we need cheaper rail

More carriages for our rail service - 3 April 2009

Chelmsford ninth worst in East Anglia for rail crime - 7 April 2009

Essex Chronicle's Commuter News stories

Latest transport stories from Chelmsford

• Nov 13, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Cllr Simon Jones calls for better cycle access to the V Festival
    Chelmsford Council will look at providing more cycle access to Hylands Park during the V Festival, following a call from Lib Dem Cllr Simon Jones. Councillor Jones made his suggestion of dedicated cycle parking at the V Festival following his visit to the event in August. Council officers fed his suggestion into the full event debrief meeting and the festival organisers support the idea to encourage cyclists to the event, most of whom will be local day visitors. They are now considering how they can take this forward for next year's event. Cllr Jones said, "I am pleased that there have been positive moves on this. The main objective in asking the question is to cut emissions by reducing the number of vehicles travelling to the Festival. Additional measures to encourage people to cycle there might include increasing the publicity about cycle routes in the area; considering whether temporary cycle ways could be designated; repair workshop facilities on site; and entry to a prize draw for those arriving by bicycle." 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
• Jul 7, 2010:
  • Have your say on Essex CC bus pass review
    Free bus travel for over-60's is now being reviewed by Essex County Council, who are taking over responsibility for funding the project from the Borough Council. The County Council are running a consultation until the end of September on how much users value their free bus pass. Rather than sending out the consultation to all current bus pass holders, the consultation is only available through phoning (01245) 430 430, visiting your local library, or by filling in the survey online here: www.essex.gov.uk/buspass/ The Liberal Democrats are concerned that many bus pass users will not be aware that this consultation is taking place and urge people to respond to Essex County Council. Cllr David Kendall, also the secretary of the Brentwood Bus & Rail Users Association, commented: "I know that many bus pass users will view this consultation with suspicion. They will be concerned that the consultation is going to be used by the County Council to make significant changes to the bus pass scheme and alternative concessions that are currently in operation. "If the County really want to know people's views then I believe that all the bus pass users across Essex should have been sent individual consultation forms to try and ensure the County Council get as much feedback as possible. Sadly this hasn't happened and I will be demanding to know why. In the meantime I would urge all bus pass users to make their views known". 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 6, 2010:
  • Lib Dem Minister announces £15m Government funding for green buses
    Norman Baker MP when he visited Chelmsford to back Stephen Robinson The Liberal Democrat Minister for Transport has announced new funding to put low carbon buses within the reach of as many operators and local authorities as possible throughout England. Bus operators and councils can bid for the money which they can then use towards the additional up front cost of buying low carbon buses. Transport Minister Norman Baker MP said: "We want to support new transport technologies to help make our transport system greener and more sustainable. "This investment will stimulate the market for low carbon buses by reducing some of the initial costs for operators and councils. It will deliver significant benefits, in particular reducing the impact of road transport on climate change and improving air quality." Low carbon buses use at least 30 per cent less fuel and emit nearly a third less carbon than a conventional bus, yet they currently make up just 0.2% of buses on the road. The funding will support investment in more low carbon buses as well as addressing the information gap about their performance by requiring the winning bidders to share information with others in the industry. 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 12, 2009:
  • Chelmsford commuters would rather work near home
    Commuters making the daily train trip from Chelmsford to London would rather work nearer home, even if that means taking a pay cut. That was the conclusion of research undertaken by Stephen Robinson and Chelmsford Liberal Democrats. Commented Stephen Robinson (Lib Dem parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford): "Talking to regular commuters in Chelmsford, it is clear that most of the them would rather work in Chelmsford, if there were more jobs available locally. Even though that would mean taking a cut in salary, commuters would still prefer not to have to commute. "It's not hard so see why. Commuting is time consuming and often uncomfortable. Over a third of the commuters we heard from said they rarely got a seat on their daily commute. "In terms of punctuality, nearly half of commuters thought the service provided by National Express was the same as a year ago. However, nearly 40% of respondents said they thought that train delays were worse now compared with a year ago. "I am taking these issues forward with National Express and I am looking for ways in which commuting can be made more pleasurable for commuters. "However, there is a broader message here about the need to create more jobs locally. Liberal Democrats have long argued that local jobs for local people is vital to increase people's quality of life. As an obvious bonus, Chelmsford's local economy will be boosted with more people around to support local businesses during the day." SURVEY If you have not yet filled out the survey yourself, you can do so here: http://survey.libdems.org.uk/take/548 . 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 7, 2009:
  • Passengers Face Two Years of Lame Duck National Express Rail Franchise
    A call has been made for National Express to lose its East Anglia rail franchise immediately, not to wait for two years. The Government announced that the NXEA franchise (affecting services from Chelmsford to London and to Norfolk) would end three years early. Stephen Robinson, Liberal Democrats Parliamentary candidate for Chelmsford, said: "This is a curious decision in danger of satisfying nobody. "The Government is formally declaring National Express a lame duck franchise while telling passengers that they're going to have to put up with them for another two years. Clearly, the Government's intention is to end National Express's involvement in the rail network. "What hope is there that National Express will deliver a decent service when they know the end is in sight? "Ironically, only this week the results of a commuters survey by Liberal Democrats in Chelmsford, found that people would rather stay in Chelmsford to work than commuting elsewhere, even if that meant taking a cut in salary. With this poor level of management by government it is not difficult to see why people would want to avoid rail commuting. "The Government should either have left matters alone or preferably taken these franchises back into the public sector as soon as possible, pending re-tendering." . Other recent news about Chelmsford train services: www.chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/railways 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 18, 2009:
  • Train company brings in booking fees
    Chelmsford's train operator National Express East Anglia is bringing in a booking fee for people who wish to reserve seats. The Liberal Democrats have attacked the decision, saying it will hurt the elderly and infirm particularly badly. Essex Lib Dem MP Bob Russell has used a Parliamentary news service to criticise the plan. His message, posted on "Gallery News", reads: National Express East Anglia are 'fining' the elderly and infirm by forcing them to pay a booking fee for seats. Mr Russell said, "I am appalled at this decision by National Express East Anglia. It comes hard on the heels of this company announcing the loss of some 300 jobs and the closure of the restaurant car service. "This represents a 'fine' on those travellers for whom reserving a seat is of importance to them, in some cases because they are frail or for other personal reasons they need the guarantee of a seat. "No doubt the loose wording of the Franchise allows National Express to do this. However, it is clearly contrary to the spirit of what they promised customers when they won the contract for this part of the country - we were promised a better service, but a charge such as this is not an improvement." 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 8, 2009:
  • Conservatives don't really oppose Stansted expansion
    Conservative pledges on environmental damage to mid Essex from runway building have been revealed to be wafer-thin. In the House of Commons last week, Conservative Shadow Transport Secretary Theresa Villiers MP said: "We do not rule out the possibility of airport expansion in the south-east" (see Hansard: http://is.gd/iP0B) Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson said, "This is yet more proof that the Conservatives cannot be trusted to protect the environment. Their so-called "pledge" against Stansted expansion may just be a device to get them through the coming election. If they win the next election, they are set to back airport expansion. "The Liberal Democrats DO rule out airport expansion in the south-east. We need investment in a high-speed rail network, not further money wasted on the fastest-growing source of pollution." 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
• Dec 2, 2008:
  • Stephen Robinson condemns rail fares increase
    Norman Baker MP and Stephen Robinson discuss the unfair rail fares hike at Chelmsford railway station The Liberal Democrats have demanded a freeze on rail fares and called for the planned rail fares increases for January to be abandoned. This follows the train operators' announcement of a 6% increase in the cost of regulated fares for January 2008, Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson is calling on the Government to demand a one year freeze of these fares to help struggling families during the economic crisis. The cost to the train operators will be funded by cutting the budget for major road widening schemes. Norman Baker MP (Lib Dem Shadow Secretary of State for Transport) was in Chelmsford last week to support Stephen Robinson's campaign to become Lib Dem MP for Chelmsford. Mr Baker commented: "The cost of rail fares has risen above inflation by 6% since this Government came to power. "The Government has repeatedly frozen fuel duty for motorists in the light of external circumstances, despite the fact that under Labour the cost of motoring has actually fallen in real terms by 10%. "It's about time ministers showed the same consideration to train passengers as they have shown to motorists." Stephen Robinson, Parliamentary Candidate for Chelmsford, commented: "Commuters who rely on trains for their livelihoods are facing huge fare increases at a time when they are also struggling to cope with rising food and heating bills. Freezing their fares would give a huge boost to many hard-pressed families here in Chelmsford." 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 21, 2008:
  • Lib Dem MP condemns local rail cuts
    Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson collected Norman Lamb MP from the train for his visit to Broomfield hospital Chelmsford's train operator National Express East Anglia has announced that it is removing the restaurant car and call centre jobs from for its service in East Anglia. One of the Lib Dem MPs (who regularly uses the line) has joined Chelmsford Lib Dem Stephen Robinson in attacking the decision. Norman Lamb MP said: "This line is already a second-class service in many respects." "We had to have the old vehicles for the whole of this franchise when other services had new ones, so we now have poorer reliability than other lines and now we are losing our catering service. The promised improvement of the buffet does not make up for this." Stephen Robinson added: "I've used the line for many years and it is about time that we saw more investment in better services, not cutbacks." Mr Lamb has been campaigning for an improved service on the Norwich to London line since his election in 2001, and has been frustrated by the lack of recent progress. He added: "Instead of seeing an improvement we are seeing a deterioration. For those of us campaigning for a high-quality service from our region linking us to the capital city, this is more bad news." Related Links Norman Lamb MP questions the legality of the move in the Eastern Daily Press Rail capacity must increase for passengers to escape cattle truck Britain Government condemning rail passengers to overcrowding and delays More about Stephen Robinson, including contact information 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 23, 2008:
  • Essex potholes get deeper
    Less than half of local residents are satisfied with the speed at which potholes are fixed or with the quality of the repairs. These are the findings of a review of Essex County council's highways maintenance initiative from the Conservative-led administration. Commenting on the report, Chelmsford Liberal Democrat campaigner Stephen Robinson said: "These findings make dismal enough reading on their own, but they are really shocking considering the extra tens of millions of pounds that have been ploughed into road maintenance. Liberal Democrats have repeatedly pointed out the flaws in the Conservatives' handling of road repairs and this report justifies our concerns. "Pavements and roads are the two top areas that people say they are concerned with according to the council's own survey. It seems absolutely clear that the Conservative policy of throwing money at highways maintenance and praying that the public will be hoodwinked into believing that large spend equals good roads, is not working. Effective, local management is the missing link." 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 25, 2008:
  • What are our streets for?
    The national 'In Town, Without My Car' day passed this week (22 September) without being even acknowledged by the ruling Conservative party at Essex County Council, denying local communities any chance to participate. This annual campaign is run to remind all highway users that our streets are shared by road and pavement users and that there are other people using the same space. Commenting on the campaign, Cllr Keith Francis, Liberal Democrats transport spokesman, said: "This annual campaign is designed to make all of us think about whether we have the balance right between competing highways users. "Should our high streets and residential suburbs be designed purely to get motor traffic through as a priority or should there be more emphasis on creating greater opportunity to use sustainable alternatives in a more peaceful and safe environment? How easy is it for more of us to travel to town by another means? "In terms of transport it has long been clear that the county's Conservative group regards motor traffic as their paramount focus. This has meant a lack of investment in promoting walking and cycling or taking the bus. "Not everyone has the use of a motor vehicle, although almost all of us are pedestrians requiring well maintained and safe footways and crossing facilities. Liberal Democrats continue to campaign for more to be spent on pavement maintenance, more cycleways and wider bus services, but this has been repeatedly rejected by the Conservatives in favour of speeding up car journeys. Surely it is time for a more even set of priorities." 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 28, 2008:
  • Exposed: 'Deep' flaws in Tories' cost-cutting potholes policy
    These potholes in Wood Street are one example of a road hazard which the Tories' potholes policy does not cover It has been confirmed that Conservative-run Essex County Council's new policy for fixing potholes is leaving dangerous holes unrepaired in Chelmsford's roads. The new policy stipulates that potholes must be over 50mm deep before they are repaired. This means that, for example, the two in Wood Street (pictured) and already six months old, will not be repaired under the new guidelines despite the hazard they are causing to road users. Lib Dem County Cllr. Keith Francis commented 'Despite the high profile assurances, including the suggestion that hit squads will fix potholes as soon as members of the public report them, the County Council is really only concerned with fixing the deepest potholes, regardless of the danger posed. These new guidelines clearly do not take into account the safety of road users, particularly cyclists and riders of powered two-wheelers.This group is now at much greater risk, directly as a result of Essex County Council's own neglect of duty as highway authority' Lib Dem leader on Essex County Council Tom Smith-Hughes adds: 'This is yet another example of cost-cutting by the Conservative administration running Essex County Council, presumably so that they can store up more money for a pre-election bribe before the elections next year. Chelmsford residents have a right to expect that their council tax is spent where it is needed, on making our roads safe.' 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 25, 2008:
  • CBC Residents on street Parking Permits increased by 28%
    Chelmsford council have increased the charge for visitor parking tickets in residential zones by 67% from 1 July. The annual residential parking permits rise from £18 to £23, an increase of circa 28%. [Six monthly permits from £12 to £17.] Residents over 65yrs will still be entitled to one free permit per property. Visitors ticket prices are rising as follows: 1 hour tickets from £3 to £5, for ten tickets 4 hour tickets from £9 to £15 for ten tickets 6 hour tickets from £12 to £20 for ten tickets Any applications received in CBC Offices on or after 1st July 2008 will be subject to the new charges. Members currently in receipt of CBC Parking Permit Renewal forms for renewal after the 1st July 2008, should ensure that they are submitted without delay, to qualify for payment at the current rate, this also applies to the purchase of Visitor Tickets. 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 9, 2008:
  • Stansted Expansion Plan Attacked
    The Conservatives on the Borough Council's Development Policy Committee on Wednesday 21st May, were forced to abandon the published recommendation after Lib Dem Leader Mike Mackrory led the way in voicing the widespread opposition to plans for a second runway at Stansted. The Committee was being asked to respond to the planning application for a second runway at Stansted now in front of Uttlesford District Council. The original recommendation was to object unless road transport links were improved. "What are we even thinking about!" Cllr. Mackrory challenged the Tories. "Look at the projected land-take, and at the flight and passenger numbers - we are in danger of inviting an airport even bigger than the present Heathrow right on our doorstep. We have a duty to the residents of the neighbouring villages and hamlets whose life would never be the same again". Cllr. Christine Rycroft, the Lib Dem Planning spokesman, reminded the committee of the position adopted by the Council under the Lib Dem administration in 2002 - to encourage the optimum use of the existing runway, but no expansion beyond that. "Of course Transport Infrastructure like an East-West rail-link is hopelessly lacking, but more than that, we should oppose this, full stop", she said. "The mood across Essex is to fight this", she continued, and proposed clear and detailed wording to confirm the Council's opposition. In the end, Tory Councillors seemed somewhat bemused and their Leader Councillor Whitehead agreed with the Liberal Democrats amendment to say no. When it came to the vote, Chelmsford's response to the prospect of Stansted expansion on this scale was unanimous. 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:
  • Lib Dems present bus pass petition to Council
    Cllr David Jones presents bus pass petition to Lib Dem Leader Cllr Mike Mackrory supported by Cllr Keith Francis and Stephen Robinson Moulsham Lodge residents have collected hundreds of signatures protesting against the scrapping of the 9am start for concessionary bus passes. Local councillor David Jones (seen pictured with Parliamentary candidate Stephen Robinson, local County Councillor Keith Francis & Lib Dem Borough Council Group Leader Mike Mackrory) handed in the petition at the Council Offices. Cllr. Jones said, "The Labour Government has introduced this scheme but didn't properly fund it which means the council taxpayers have to pick up the bill. We want the Council to join Liberal Democrat MP's in Parliament who have been pressing the Government to meet the shortfall." Chelmsford Borough Council Liberal Democrats recently submitted a motion to Council calling on Whitehall to provide a fairer deal for local government, but the Conservatives did not want to pursue the matter. Liberal Democrats are continuing to press for an overhaul in the funding of local government, and the scrapping of the Council tax, in order to bring government closer to the people. 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
• Mar 31, 2008:
  • Pothole campaign gains national attention
    Sunday Times man photographs Kings Road pupil and mum walking over one of the many Kings Road potholes The Lib Dem campaign to persuade Essex County Council to repair more potholes has reached the attention of the national press. The Sunday Times sent a photographer down to Chelmsford to meet with local Lib Dem campaigner Stephen Robinson and photograph some of the many potholes in the Kings Road area. http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/politics/article3646291.ece Related Links 13 Mar 2008: Pothole Competition Winner Announced! 16 Jan 2008: Competition to find Chelmsford's worst pothole 11 Jan 2008: £10 Million Overspend - 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
• Mar 13, 2008:
  • Pothole Competition Winner Announced!
    Chelmsford Liberal Democrats have announced the results of their competition to find the worst pothole in Chelmsford. The number of entries received demonstrated just how bad the problem is across Chelmsford. The winner was Heather Searle from the Kings Road area, where the problem is particularly acute, as can be seen from the photos on: http://chelmsford-libdems.org.uk/pages/Potholes.html Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson, seen pictured awarding Mrs. Searle with a signed bottle of House of Commons wine, commented 'It is not surprising the public are so fired up over this issue. The state of the roads in and around Chelmsford is simply not good enough, yet the County Council are cutting the budget and insisting on leaving potholes to get larger before they are repaired. The potential hazard to cyclists in particular is very dangerous'. The Liberal Democrats have called on the County Council to invest more money in Essex's roads and footpaths, but their proposals were voted down by the Conservatives. Chelmsford Liberal Democrats will be continuing to campaign about the state of the roads and pavements would be particularly interested in hearing from anyone in Chelmsford who has been affected by the state of the roads. 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