A proposal to commit Essex County Council to delivering genuinely affordable homes across the county was blocked yesterday by the Conservative majority. The Opposition Liberal Democrats had proposed that when the council's own land is up for sale, it should be used to deliver affordable housing and specialist housing for those with additional needs.

Proposing the motion, Lib Dem Stephen Robinson (Chelmsford North) highlighted the fact that thousands of people on average incomes in Essex cannot afford to rent or buy the home they need.

Cllr Robinson said, "Essex has a housing crisis. Not enough homes - to rent or buy - have been built for 30 years. This is a clear example of the market failing to provide what is needed, so government locally and nationally need to act. Vague aims are not enough."

Summing up on the motion, Lib Dem Leader Mike Mackrory (Chelmsford Springfield), attacked the Conservatives for - yet again - not caring about the troubles faced by young people and others on lower incomes to get a home.

Cllr Mackrory said, "The Conservative alternative plan removes any real actions. You cannot build houses with warm words. It is also essential that the council commit to delivering homes that are suitable for a whole lifetime, including when people become more frail."

Freda 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. If you can't make the surgery, Freda can be contacted by email at f.mountain@cmld.org.uk or on the telephone 01245 264688 or 07890 496330.

Jude is your Essex County Councillor.

She will be at the Lunch Club, Church Of The Holy Spirit, Forest Drive on the following Wednesdays from 1pm - 2pm.

Parking is becoming more of a problem across the whole of Chelmsford and in particular in our area.

With the usual difficulties at the start and end of the school day, we now find that commuter parking is also becoming an issue.

North Avenue is becoming difficult for buses, and other large vehicles, to drive down without encountering some obstructions. Since the lower end of Kings Road and other roads close by are part of the residents parking permit scheme, the number of parked vehicles has increased. Residents have been in contact asking what can be done.

Chelmsford's new Local Plan was passed by the full council last night but was attacked for being weak on infrastructure, environment, and the affordability of homes. Lib Dem Leader of the Opposition Cllr. Stephen Robinson said,

"The Liberal Democrats are clear that this country has not built enough houses for 20 or more years. And nothing like enough houses that can be afforded by younger people and others on low incomes, people who are vital to our society's future.

Essex County Council and Chelmsford City Councillor Jude Deakin will hold a surgery at the Jubilee Cafe, United Reform Church, North Avenue. Residents are welcome to come and discuss any concerns or just for a chat.