Chelmsford City Council is enabling local food delivery businesses by providing extra free parking, helping them to provide services to residents during the coronavirus crisis.

The new measure means that any companies delivering food, whether as an established or new part of their business, can apply online for two dispensations to park within the city. These permits will apply to the company rather than individual vehicles, giving businesses more flexibility for their deliveries.

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In light of the global situation and following the closure of Chelmsford City Theatres, Chelmsford City Council has closed its sports and leisure centres, museums and the Hylands House buildings with immediate effect - but essential services are still running as normal.

All four leisure centres* are closed from the end of Friday 20 March. All direct debits for Wellness, Swim School, Skate School, Sports School and Patch memberships will be automatically frozen during the closure and members will be given advance notice when the centres re-open. Anyone who has booked a course, party or other activity will be refunded automatically.

Chelmsford City Council is closely monitoring the coronavirus situation and the scientific advice and guidance from the Government.

Plans are in place to make sure essential services can continue during this time for the benefit of our residents. The Council is carrying out extra cleaning across all City Council sites and taking other steps in services to minimise the risk of the virus spreading.

Chelmsford's Liberal Democrat women are at the forefront of delivering a greener, safer, fairer and better connected Chelmsford. 17 of the 30 Lib Dem Councillors are women.

On International Women's Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women in every corner of the world. We celebrate the women pushing boundaries, defying stereotypes and shattering glass ceilings.

174,000 new trees over the next 10 years, hundreds of affordable homes, tackling rough sleeping and much more. Chelmsford City Council under Lib Dem leadership has passed a budget that delivers a greener, safer, fairer and better connected Chelmsford.

At the recent Full Council meeting in Chelmsford, Councillors backed the Lib Dem budget proposed by Cllr Chris Davidson and seconded by Cllr Stephen Robinson. Cllr Davidson explained that the budget would deliver on the Liberal Democrat manifesto from the 2019 elections. The prudent borrowing that he proposed would enable the council to put homeless families in proper housing AND save local taxpayers cash that is being spent on unsuitable temporary accomodation.

Chelmsford Council will use its new Local Plan to deliver more infrastructure to go with the coming development, genuinely affordable housing, and to ensure that development is really sustainable. That was the pledge by the Lib Dem Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Stephen Robinson as the new Local Plan received the 'seal of approval' from central Government.

Lib Dem led Chelmsford City Council, along with other local authorities and civic dignitaries, community groups and charities throughout the British Isles and beyond will be flying a flag to mark Commonwealth Day on Monday 9 March.

Fifty-three countries will come together to celebrate Commonwealth Day. More than 850 Commonwealth Flags will be flown in significant and eye-catching locations throughout the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories, and Commonwealth countries on Monday 9 March - Commonwealth Day 2020.

This initiative is again catching the imagination of thousands of participants from all walks of life, inspiring them to join with others throughout the Commonwealth. As a collective public expression of commitment to the Commonwealth, it enables participants to show appreciation for the values the Commonwealth upholds, and the opportunities offered for friendship and cooperation with fellow Commonwealth young and old citizens around the world.

For more information about Commonwealth Day, please visit: www.flyaflagforthecommonwealth.co.uk