Stephen Robinson (Liberal Democrat, Leader of Chelmsford City Council) was asked to write for the Essex Chronicle about why libraries are vital.

Libraries that evolve to meet changing needs are a vital part of a strong community. Libraries continue to be vital sources of information, and their staff retain a crucial role in helping everyone navigate the bewildering array of information sources. Unlike Google, libraries don't set out to make a profit out of you, and they are there to serve everyone.

A climate and ecology emergency has been declared in Chelmsford. This was voted through at a meeting of Chelmsford City Council last night (Tuesday 16 July). The move comes as a growing number of UK councils have formally recognised the urgent need to reduce global temperature increases if we are to avert major disaster.

The parking at Broomfield Parade has been an issue for many years and something we, The Liberal Democrats, campaigned on to improve due to the previous administration failing to take action.

Let us know what you think in the short survey below

Your Lib Dem Councillors will be at St Lukes Church, Moulsham Lodge on the first Saturday of each month from 11:00 - 12:00. Residents are welcome to drop in to discuss issues or just for a chat.

The Lib Dems took control of Chelmsford Council on 22nd May. Stephen Robinson was elected Leader of the Council and Marie Goldman Deputy Leader. The Lib Dem Group made proposals to reform the Cabinet structure to reflect Lib Dem priorities, as set out in the election manifesto.

The new Cabinet posts are:

We are aware that parking is becoming more of a problem across the whole of Chelmsford and in particular in our area.

With the usual difficulties of living so close to the city centre, we now find that commuter parking is becoming an issue. Since other roads close by are part of the parking permit scheme, commuters are moving this way, parking and walking into the centre.

105,480.

That's how many people had joined the Liberal Democrats as of midnight Saturday.

That makes it official - the Lib Dems have never had so many members!

First of all welcome to our new members - you've joined Britain's biggest liberal family. We couldn't be more excited to have you on board.

It's been a brilliant month for our party.

Residents, road users and businesses are being asked for their views on plans to transform Tindal Square and Chelmsford High Street.

The ambitious plans would see a new public space created outside Shire Hall with paving, public seating, planting and a two-way cycle route.

The proposed scheme, which would be delivered by Chelmsford City Council and Essex County Council, will be on show at two public events at High Chelmer Shopping Centre between 10am - 2pm on Saturday 8 June and 3pm - 7pm on Friday 14 June.

You can find out more information and share your views by visiting www.essex.gov.uk/tindalsquare between 4 June and 16 July.