Chelmsford is better connected with a Lib Dem Council
The Liberal Democrats campaigned in the local elections to make Chelmsford Safer, Greener, Fairer and Better Connected. Below are some of the policy changes and actions that your Liberal Democrat-led City Council has undertaken in the first six months.
A Better-Connected Chelmsford
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Make it easier for the public to contact the Council by linking up Digital Services. New self-serve, online services will allow the public to report issues directly through the Council's website, rather than waiting in a telephone queue. This will bring the Council into the 21st Century and make it more efficient.
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Working towards a more open Council - encouraging the public to attend more Council meetings and ask questions; allowing all Councillors to ask more questions at and before Cabinet meetings, and putting out more information via social media. The first speech of the new Lib Dem leadership of the council was broadcast on Facebook Live and we are looking at low-cost ways to do that for all meetings.
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Supporting new, innovative productions in Theatres & Museums. The theatre has trialed new ways to reach different audiences. The productions of Someone Who'll Watch Over Me and R4J are just two examples of the more diverse range of programming that we expect to see in the coming months and years.
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The refurbished and reimagined Chelmsford City Museum was officially reopened and has welcomed approximately 30,000 visitors, which is more than came in a whole year before. The museum has developed its volunteer programme, to support services, and is growing new audiences, with exciting innovations like Museum Lates, which bring visitors into the museum 'out of hours' - making the most of the Council's investment and its building assets.
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Creation of the Chelmsford Policy Board. This board looks at all policy formation and has so far formed five Working Groups, all cross party like the Board itself, covering the following areas .
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homelessness and rough sleeping
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the supply of housing that is affordable
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health and wellbeing
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developing more use of our waterways and adjacent towpaths and green spaces
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local democracy and the connectedness and involvement of Chelmsford 's many organisations and charities and its residents.
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More news about better connected communities
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Article: Apr 22, 2022The 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
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Article: Apr 18, 2022Anyone 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.
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Article: Apr 10, 2022In Chelmsford City LifeChelmsford 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.
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Article: Apr 9, 2022Culture Chelmsford, an independent charity supporting arts and culture in the city, is looking for new trustees. The charity is helping to grow the cultural scene in Chelmsford, and you could join them.
To get the best for culture in Chelmsford they raise money, influence others, and work with partners like councils, universities and cultural organisations.
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Article: Mar 8, 2022In Chelmsford City LifeChelmsford is officially celebrating, after receiving the news that the city has again been awarded the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for its evening and night-time economy - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches.
The accreditation scheme aims to raise the standard, and broaden the appeal, of town and city centres between the hours of 5pm & 5am. Areas awarded the Purple Flag are recognised for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture, while promoting the safety and wellbeing of visitors and local residents.