I continue to focus on delivering infrastructure in Chelmsford. I recently visited Beaulieu Station where work is continuing at pace. The station remains on track to complete by the end of 2025. Once open, this will reduce the number of people driving into Chelmsford station and help reduce traffic in central Chelmsford.
There is one more weekend closure of the track after that there will be weekend services until the August bank holiday when another major phase will commence. Another piece of work will need to take place in central Chelmsford near the viaduct over Parkway. This is to enable the signalling for the new station.
Greater Anglia have now completed the upgrade of all the trains and carriages on services to Chelmsford. This means our train service is now much more reliable. A new summer rail timetable has now started in Chelmsford including more trains in the morning peak hours when the average gap between trains is 8 minutes. The 07.09, 07.27, 07.51 and 07.58 are likely to be the least busy and the 08.28 is a Chelmsford starter.
I am also keeping a close eye on the buses. It was excellent news to hear that the £2 bus fare cap has been extended until the end of this October - you can get all the way to Southend or Stansted for just a couple of quid. I will be meeting First Bus Essex shortly so please do email me if you have any recent feedback on services.
I know many residents would like to see an increase in GP capacity. The first cohort of doctors will be graduating from our new Medical School in just a few week, many of them have told me they intend to stay working in our local area. Works on expanding Sutherland Lodge and the new Beaulieu Medical Centre are due to commence shortly. I will continue to press for improvements to our local GP capacity.
I continue to support local businesses. It was good to meet with many traders and shops in the High Street area. Whilst online shopping has caused a reduction in footfall in high streets across the country, central Chelmsford is performing much better than most other town and city centres. Do please support your local shops. The insurance sector is a major employer in Chelmsford, providing over 3,000 jobs and many of Chelmsford’s commuters also work in insurance. I recently visited QBE in Chelmsford and am working with industry heads on matters affecting the industry nationally.
Finally, Moulsham residents who live near the Essex County Cricket Ground may be delighted to hear that the major international cricket series hosted in Chelmsford between Bangladesh and Ireland was a huge success. Thank you to everyone who made our visitors so welcome.
As ever, if I can help with an issue or a problem do get in touch by email on [email protected]
