A worrying decline in the physical and mental health of Essex children was noted on Tuesday 10 May at an Essex County Council meeting. The Liberal Democrats backed two different sets of proposals to address these concerns.

The Lib Dems called on Essex CC to rapidly roll out a programme of "School Streets" - safe zones that would support physical health, by encouraging pupils to walk or cycle to school.

We have been contacted by a number of residents concerned about the parking on and around the junction of Golding Thoroughfare and New Dukes Way. Many are concerned that vehicles parked clsoe to the corner and along that stretch of road are causing a single lane gauntlet.

Two requests have already been submitted to the South Essex Parking Partnership (SEPP) for parking restrictions to be put in place but the average time that it takes for the area to be assessed, the legal process of restrictions to be implemented and the road to be painted is around 2 years.

Forty two outstanding Chelmsford residents were honoured at the Mayor's Community Evening, held recently at Hylands House.

Hosted by the Mayor of Chelmsford, - Jude Deakin - the event celebrated residents who've made significant contributions to their community. This year's theme was wellbeing and Chelmsford's younger residents and their achievements were also recognised.

Essex County Council is letting Countryside Properties build 1400 homes in north-east Chelmsford BEFORE the new distributor road is open, contrary to the original agreement for 1000 homes. The new road is now unlikely to be open until at least Spring 2023, 18 months later than planned. Essex CC failed to get the contracts in place in time to demolish the old bridge that takes Generals Lane over the railway and A12.

The hole that has been dug in High Street, Chelmsford has now been largely filled by a tank. This will collect water in the event of sudden downpours (which will become more frequent as a result of the climate emergency).

It's part of the plan to refurbish the top (north end) of the High Street. It has been paid for by money extracted from local developers and a Government grant, all specifically for improving public spaces. It hasn't cost local taxpayers. Update on the excavation: https://citylife.chelmsford.gov.uk/2022/04/14/a-hole-new-concept-for-chelmsford-high-street

Anyone in Chelmsford can learn all about the joys of cycling and enjoy a free event with something for everyone. Perhaps you want to get your children cycling? Come along to the fun-packed day of cycling activities for families and children on Saturday, 30 April.

Chelmsford City Council's Community sport and wellbeing team is holding the cycling taster day in Central Park, in Chelmsford, with a great line-up of activities - and a chance to be entered into a prize draw.

Need a cab? No cash? Not a problem any more. From now all licensed taxis in Chelmsford must take card payments as a condition of their licence.

For anyone needing a cab, finding they have no cash to get home can be a distressing experience. A safe taxi service is key to Chelmsford Council's commitment to making the streets safer, and the licensing team has been working with taxi drivers to continuously improve the great local service they provide. Taking electronic payment is an essential step in reducing risk for people out and about, especially at night.

Chelmsford City Council has voted to extend the scope of its refurbishment of Chelmsford Theatres to ensure a "red-carpet" treatment for audiences when it reopens after its makeover.

A meeting of Full Council finalised the budget for the project on 22 March. The Council agreed to bring forward other refurbishment items that were planned over the next few years, so that the work can all be done at once to be more cost effective and better for theatregoers. The total budget for the project has now been set at just under £2.75 million.