City Life - Winter 2013 - Chelmsford City Council

Transcription

life
CITY
WINTER 2013 / issue 69
News and views
from Chelmsford and South Woodham Ferrers
www.chelmsford.gov.uk
Recycling
'sparks' interest
Grab a free
cup of tea!
Food for
thought
Page 2
Page 7
Page 14
The changing face
of Chelmsford
What's on the horizon?
In recent months the Chelmsford
skyline has changed noticeably,
with the presence of cranes
on the former Anglia Ruskin
University site heralding major
new development in the city.
But the site, opposite the train
station, is just one of a number
of exciting new schemes coming
forward.
Other housing schemes in the city
including the redevelopment of the
former Marconi works site in New
Street, development at the County
Cricket Ground and development
around Springfield Basin are either
nearing commencement or are
under construction already.
Construction is also expected
to start next year on a number
of commercial schemes, among
which will be the new Bond Street
shopping area (containing a new
full line John Lewis department
store, new shops and new
restaurants) and a new Waitrose
store on Victoria Road.
To support this growth, next
year Chelmsford City Council will
commence works to reinvigorate
the High Street to ensure it remains
a leading shopping destination
in Essex and beyond. This major
investment will provide improved
quality of paving, seating, bins,
lighting and trees.
City is now in a strong position for
development and is building on its
reputation to provide new housing
and employment opportunities and
ensure it has a great city centre at
its heart.
Chelmsford has maintained its
reputation as a great place to live,
work and visit over the difficult
economic period the UK has
experienced in recent years. The
Turn to pages 8 and 9 for a
detailed look at the city’s major
developments.
Leisure centre lifesaver revives
man after heart attack
Christmas in
the City
A lifeguard from Chelmsford
City Council’s South Woodham
Ferrers Leisure Centre has
been praised by managers after
helping to save a man’s life
when he suffered a heart attack
during a game of badminton.
Come and celebrate with us
as we spread Christmas joy at
the annual Christmas Lights
Switch On Event on Sunday
24 November.
It all kicks off outside Shire Hall
from midday through 'til 5pm with
a showcase of local talent. A mix
of professional and community
acts will get us all in the Christmas
spirit by filling the High Street
with the sounds of your favourite
Christmas carols and songs.
Connor Clarke, 21, was on duty as a
lifeguard at the Centre on Tuesday 5
March when he had to rush from the
poolside to assist a man who had
collapsed on the badminton court.
The alarm had been raised by
a fellow badminton player, and
Connor soon recognised that the
man had suffered a major heart
attack. With swift and decisive
action, the young lifeguard took
control of the situation. The man’s
heart had stopped beating and
time was of the essence. With the
assistance of a first aider from the
man’s badminton club, Connor
coordinated the resuscitation
process. Using his first aid training
he began administering CPR, but
this was not enough to revive the
victim. Connor then had to use
the Leisure Centre’s defibrillator to
Also from noon, a range of
festive-themed activities will
be running and to add to the
Christmas atmosphere there will
be stalls selling mince pies and
mulled wine.
shock the man’s heart back to life,
before continuing with CPR.
Shortly after the defibrillator was
used, an emergency services first
responder arrived and together
they attended to the man until the
ambulance came.
Continued on page 2.
The entertainment will be in
full swing all afternoon until
the event ends with a bang as
the annual fireworks display is
launched near the Meadows
Shopping Centre and the Town
Sign from 4.45pm.
It’s also the perfect opportunity
for those who wish to do some
Christmas shopping. Keep an
eye out for any special offers
and deals from the shops. To
top off the day why not treat the
family to a scrumptious meal at
one of the many family friendly
restaurants in the City.
If you love Christmas then please
join us in Moulsham Street
the day before on Saturday
23 November for the annual
Moulsham Street Christmas event
from midday to 5pm.
The following week, Late Night
Shopping begins in Chelmsford
City Centre on Thursday nights.
Please check details of individual
store opening times for detailed
information.
For more information on the
Christmas lights event and other
City Centre activities, please
visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/
christmas
2 | www.chelmsford.gov.uk
Chelmsford City news
New recycling initiative ‘sparks’
interest in Chelmsford
Chelmsford City Council has recently
launched a new and innovative kerbside
collection service for small Waste
Electrical and Electronic Equipment
(WEEE).
power tools. Many electrical appliances such
as mobile phones and handheld computers
contain valuable plastics and metals. As natural
resources become scarce, it is important that
we recycle these materials so they can be used
in new products.
Launched on Tuesday 24 September, the
scheme aims to increase recycling rates for
WEEE, which is the UK’s fastest growing waste
stream. As technology evolves at a rapid pace,
older electrical and electronic items are often
made redundant or left unwanted.
Chelmsford City Council currently has a small
WEEE recycling bring bank at Riverside Ice and
Leisure Centre car park. The bank has been well
received by residents and over 13 tonnes of
small electrical appliances have been recycled
since 2012.
The Council is always striving to improve the way
we collect waste and recycling in Chelmsford,
and now we are pleased to announce that
recycling small WEEE is even easier for residents.
The new kerbside collection service allows
residents to place their small WEEE appliances
in a plastic carrier bag, which should then be
placed inside your green box and placed out by
7am on the relevant collection day.
It is estimated that if every household in the
UK recycled one electrical or electronic item,
73,500 tonnes could be diverted from landfill.
This would save over 65,000 tonnes of CO2
equivalent emissions; the same impact as
avoiding over 9,500 around the world flights!
So what counts as WEEE? In Chelmsford we
categorise small WEEE as handheld items
that require a plug or batteries to use such
as: hairdryers, radios, irons, toasters and small
Leisure centre
lifesaver revives man
after heart attack
Continued from page 1
The man was then taken to hospital where he
was kept for a week before being released and
going on to make a good recovery.
South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre
Manager, John Ayris, said of Connor’s actions:
“I was very impressed with the response of all
the team that day, particularly Connor, who
remained cool, calm and collected throughout
a very challenging situation. It proves that all
the countless hours of training do come in
handy when required, enabling this impressive
young man to take action which undoubtedly
saved this gentleman’s life.”
Weekly lifeguard training sessions are provided
at the Council’s Leisure Centres where staff
engage with topics including first aid, CPR,
spine injuries and defibrillator training. As
lifeguards this training is centred around the
swimming pool but the skills learned can be
used to assist in other emergency situations.
From collapsing to being taken to hospital,
the whole incident lasted less than an hour,
but thanks to the quick reactions of Connor
and the people around him, the man has gone
from strength to strength and has recently even
started having the odd game of badminton
once again.
Chelmsford City Council has a target to recycle
a minimum of 50 per cent of household waste
by 2014. By recycling our small WEEE using
the new kerbside collection service, we can
all help to achieve this target and provide a
more sustainable and cleaner Chelmsford for
everyone.
Larger WEEE
items such as
televisions,
desktop
computers,
vacuum
cleaners and
large hifi
systems can
be collected
by the Council,
but this is a chargeable service. To arrange a
collection please call 01245 615800. Or you
can take your items to a Household Waste
Recycling Centre. There are two in Chelmsford
located at:
n D
rovers Way, Boreham, CM2 5PH (just off
the Boreham interchange)
n F
errers Road, South Woodham Ferrers,
CM3 5ZA
For more information on waste and recycling
in Chelmsford, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/recycling
Chelmsford's
parks are top
of the tree
The City of Chelmsford has once again
come out on top in the East of England
and the South East, receiving an
enviable ten Green Flag Awards for our
quality parks.
The Green Flag Award is the national
standard for parks, recognising and
rewarding the best parks and green spaces
in the country with the scheme‘s quality
accreditation. To see a green flag flying in a
park assures visitors of the high standard of
upkeep and care.
Flags are flying in Central Park, Hylands
Estate, Coronation Park, Compass Gardens
with Saltcoats Park, Chelmer Park, Boleyn
Gardens in Beaulieu Park, Admirals Park/
Tower Gardens (including West Park), and
Melbourne Park; with Chancellor Park and
Brook End Gardens now also being awarded
accreditation for the first time this year.
The City has also received Green Heritage
Awards for Oaklands Park, Hylands Park,
Admirals Park, Tower Gardens and West Park.
In addition Green Flag Community Awards
were bestowed on Marconi Ponds and
Chelmer Valley Local Nature Reserves.
The increased number of awards received
this year reflects the hard work and
dedication of the Council’s Parks staff and
the Friends Group volunteers who manage
these green spaces throughout the year.
Chelmsford’s parks are used and enjoyed
by many people from those attending
large-scale events such as the V Festival at
Hylands Park and the annual Beer Festival in
Admirals Park, to those who enjoy playing
sport in Melbourne Park, to those who enjoy
the tranquil beauty of the One World Garden
of Hylands Estate. Thanks to the Green Flag
Award scheme, visitors can be assured that
these much loved parks are maintained to
the highest standard.
For further information on Chelmsford’s
parks and green spaces, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parks
www.chelmsford.gov.uk | 3
Chelmsford City news
Christmas greetings from
the Mayor of Chelmsford
At the City Council annual meeting on
Wednesday 15 May 2013, I was elected
Mayor of Chelmsford and my wife, Maureen,
became the Mayoress.
The visits we have made this year have
enabled us to meet many interesting people
and to learn more about organisations that
do so much to improve the lives of the
residents of Chelmsford.
We are proud to be the representatives of
Chelmsford in hosting civic events and attending
those arranged by other councils in Essex, and
we have been ably assisted in this by the Deputy
Mayor Jude Deakin and her Escort Jill SmithHughes. We also much appreciate the help of
the Mayoral support staff at the City Council.
As Christmas approaches, I am reminded
that many people struggle with their
economic circumstances or suffer some tragic
misfortune in their personal lives. I would hope
that the City Council’s services are able to offer
help and that a new year will bring a change in
fortune.
I hope you all have an enjoyable Christmas and
that the New Year is an auspicious one.
Trevor Miller
Mayor of Chelmsford
Introducing the Hylands Grand Pavilion
The future of Hylands
House is starting to take
shape as the programme of
improvement works for 2013
nears completion.
Earlier in the year, access to the
House and Park was greatly
improved with the resurfacing
of roads and car parks and the
re-routing of traffic away from the
front of the House. The new All
Inclusive play equipment has also
been installed at the Adventure
Castle Play Area, and has been
well received by visitors.
Now work is well underway on
the Hylands Grand Pavilion, a
new semi-permanent marquee
situated between the House
and the Stables Visitor Centre.
The Grand Pavilion is a welcome
addition to the facilities at
Hylands House and will be
perfect for hosting weddings,
parties, seminars, fairs and
hospitality events. Fully licensed
and self contained, it will even
feature its own private garden
area.
Pavilion will be completely fitted
out by the end of November. The
first scheduled event to be held
there is the Hylands Christmas Fair
on Sunday 1 December.
The Hylands Grand Pavilion will
be available to hire from 2014
onwards and with a competitive
pricing schedule, it is set to
be a grand venue in grand
surroundings.
For more information, please
contact Hylands House on 01245
605500.
Turn to page 10 for more on the
Adventure Castle Play Area.
The structure is already in place
and it is expected that the Grand
Cake at the Lake
Visitors to Central Park this
summer have not only been
soaking up the sunshine, they’ve
been enjoying a bite or two to
eat and some much needed
refreshments at the brand new
café, Cake at the Lake.
Housed in what was originally the
pavilion for Central Park Bowls
Green, Cake at the Lake opened
in August and provides a space
for quiet respite with views across
the lake, parkland and River Can
beyond. The Café offers food and
drinks which can be taken away,
had inside, or enjoyed on the patio
alfresco style, where visitors can
happily idle away an hour or two
amid landscaped gardens and
neatly clipped hedges.
Central Park is a great place to
visit and only a short walk from
the hustle and bustle of the city
centre. Opened in 1894 it was
affectionately named the ‘Rec’
(short for Recreation Ground) and
boasted a pretty Band Stand with
a refreshment pavilion nearby. In
its early days the park had three
bowling greens, numerous tennis
courts, as well as cricket and football
pitches, while croquet and quoits
provided more genteel amusement.
Hiring a boat for a trip along the
river or on the lake was another
popular Sunday afternoon pastime.
These days the park regularly
hosts running events, as well as the
popular 3-Foot People and Fling
festivals, while the calming views of
the lake and viaduct have remained
unchanged since its original
opening.
The addition of a café has been
much welcomed by visitors. Nicky
Hind, proprietor of Cake at the Lake,
said: “Everyone seems to agree
that Central Park has long needed a
Café, and I’m very pleased with the
response and enthusiasm from the
many customers we’ve had.”
Cake at the Lake is a great place
to stop and refuel after the school
run, a hard morning at the office,
after finishing your daily work-out,
or if you’re just in need of a caffeine
boost before hitting the shops.
Even if the summer seems like a
distant memory, the café is open
year-round and can provide you
with a nice warming drink on those
chilly days.
For more information on parks in
Chelmsford, please visit www.
chelmsford.gov.uk/parks or follow
parks on Twitter: @chelmsparks
For more information on Cake
at the Lake, please visit www.
chelmsford.gov.uk/cakeatthelake
To contact Cake at the Lake please
search for ‘Cake at the Lake
Central Park’ on Facebook, email
nicky@cakeatthelake.co.uk or call
07966 456190
Opening Times
Tuesday to Sunday & Bank
Holiday Monday, all year round.
(Closed Christmas Eve,
Christmas Day & Boxing Day).
Summer
10am to 4pm – Tuesday to
Friday
9am to 4pm - Saturday
10am to 4pm - Sunday
Winter
10am to 3pm – Tuesday to
Friday
9am to 3pm - Saturday
10am to 3pm - Sunday
Safer Communities
Helping residents with learning
disabilities to Keep Safe
For many of us, losing our
phone or losing sight of the
people we are with is a bit of
a frustration, but for someone
with a learning disability
losing your phone or sight of
your carer can be a distressing
and alarming experience.
In August, the Keep Safe
scheme was launched across
Chelmsford City Centre to
help residents and visitors
with learning disabilities in the
event of an emergency.
The Chelmsford Keep Safe
scheme is a community project
which ensures that people with a
learning disability can feel safe and
confident outside of their home. It
is important that the city centre is
a safe place for all to visit, and the
scheme has been set up so that
people can access help when it is
needed.
Safe Havens have been identified
across the city centre where
people with a learning disability
can go if they find themselves
in trouble for any reason, for
example if they have lost their
phone or purse, or have been a
victim of hate crime or bullying.
These Safe Havens are identified
by a yellow sticker depicting a
telephone, which is displayed
in the windows of participating
shops and community centres.
By registering with the scheme, if
a person should find themselves
in difficulties, then by making
themselves known to a member
of staff in a Safe Haven there will
be somebody on hand to assist.
They will help get in touch with the
emergency contact identified on
the person’s Keep Safe card.
Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet
Member for Safer Communities,
Councillor Ian Grundy, said: “I fully
support this innovative scheme as
protecting vulnerable people is a
key priority for the Safer Chelmsford
Partnership and Chelmsford City
Council. The Keep Safe scheme
will enable adults with a learning
disability to be more confident when
visiting the city centre and assure
them of their independence.”
For more information or to sign
up to the scheme, please contact
the Community Safety Team
on 01245 606341 or by email:
communitysafety@chelmsford.
gov.uk
■■ Chelmsford City Council
Customer Service Centre
■■ Chelmsford bus station
■■ Chelmsford Sports and
Athletics Centre
■■ Chelmsford Volunteer
Service
■■ Essex County Council
County Hall
■■ High Chelmer shopping
centre
■■ Chelmsford Library
■■ Chelmsford Mencap
■■ Odeon cinema
■■ One Support
■■ Police station
■■ Riverside Ice and Leisure
Centre
■■ Tesco stores in Duke Street
and Springfield Road
■■ YMCA
Getting home after a day of
shopping or an evening of fun can
be a bit of a headache around
Christmas time – your usual taxi
firm might be fully booked, or
maybe you can’t remember the
number. Well, there’s no need to
hang around in the cold trying
to hail a taxi or to dial directory
enquiries – accredited taxi firms are
immediately on hand thanks to the
Council’s smartphone app.
To use the app, just follow these
simple instructions:
■■ Open your mobile web
browser and go to
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/
getmehomeapp
■■ Hit the ‘Search Now’ button to
find a firm
■■ Click the name and number of
the firm to give them a call.
■■ Fully booked or want a
different company? Hit the
‘Search Again’ button
■■ Add the link to your
bookmarks/favourites for easy
access time and again
Of the 300 vehicles operating in
Chelmsford, at least a third are
wheelchair accessible and around
100 have also signed up to the
Quality Taxi Partnership, an initiative
run in conjunction with Essex County
Council’s Trading Standards team.
The initiative provides an improved
service to customers by ensuring
that all drivers and firms signed up to
the partnership operate in line with
the Buy With Confidence scheme
Most burglaries are committed
by opportunist thieves who
target homes where it is
easy to gain access. With the
festive season nearly upon us
remember to follow these simple
precautions to help protect your
property and deter thieves:
Safe Havens
Get Me Home – accredited taxis
are just a couple of clicks away
If you’re out on the town this
Christmas but haven’t thought
about how to get home, don’t
worry – you can get there in
just a couple of clicks with
Chelmsford City Council’s Get
Me Home web app.
Beat the burglar:
lock them out
run by the County Council. All
firms featured in the Get Me Home
app are part of the Quality Taxi
Partnership, regulated by the Buy
With Confidence scheme, so you can
be sure of an accredited taxi to get
you home with just a couple of clicks.
To access the app, please visit www.
chelmsford.gov.uk/getmehomeapp
using your mobile phone web
browser. For more information on the
Quality Taxi Partnership, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/qualitytaxi-partnership
1.Don’t leave valuables or
Christmas presents on display.
2.Don’t leave cardboard boxes
outside from high value goods.
3.Double check windows and
doors are locked.
4.Don’t advertise your absence.
5.Set an alarm if possible.
Remember you can join
Neighbourhood Watch for the
additional security of knowing that
your neighbours are keeping an
eye on your property. Members of
Neighbourhood Watch are expected
to be alert and to respond to what
is going on in their neighbourhood.
Neighbourhood Watch works in
close partnership with Essex Police
via the local Neighbourhood Policing
Teams and the Safer Chelmsford
Partnership. If you are interested in
joining the scheme then visit
www.mynhw.co.uk and follow the
links to your area.
It is important to remember that
Chelmsford is a low crime area and
is generally a safe place to live,
work and visit. However crime does
still happen and by being aware of
the risks and taking the necessary
precautions, you can help ensure
that you do not become a victim.
Remember, in an emergency always
dial 999 but for non emergency
enquiries or reporting then call 101.
For more information and advice on
safety, please visit www.chelmsford.
gov.uk/communitysafety
Or contact the Community Safety
team on 01245 606477 or email
communitysafety@chelmsford.
gov.uk
Business
City Council supports young people into
work with approved Apprenticeship scheme
Chelmsford City Council’s
Apprenticeship scheme gives
young people the opportunity
to gain skills and qualifications
whilst working in one of the
many departments of the
Council. Recently, the ICT
Apprenticeship scheme was
recognised for its quality by
receiving Approved Scheme
status from the Institute of
Engineering and Technology
(IET).
The City Council has taken on
20 apprentices in the last four
years, providing young people
with a chance to 'earn while they
learn'. Apprentices gain valuable
work experience that will help
them stand out in a competitive
job market and have the
opportunity to achieve recognised
apprenticeship qualifications
at the same time. With new
approval from the IET, the ICT
Apprenticeship scheme has been
further recognised as a quality
development programme.
This approval is a major boost
for the scheme, and for the
young people who enrol on
The IET run an approval scheme
for apprenticeship programmes
which assesses their quality. The
ICT department at Chelmsford
City Council runs two schemes,
the ICT Apprenticeship (lasting
one year) and the Advanced ICT
Apprenticeship (lasting one and
a half years) in conjunction with
training partner ITEC Learning
Technologies.
The ICT schemes began in 2010
and the department has hosted
five apprentices since that time
working in technical and business
administration roles.
the apprenticeship. The IET is
licensed by the Engineering
Council (UK) to award professional
engineering qualifications
that demonstrate professional
competence. Candidates who
meet the requirements of the
scheme and successfully complete
the programme can register with
the IET as an ICT Technician,
an internationally recognised
standard which allows them to use
the designation ICTTech after their
name.
The department currently has two
candidates enrolled on the scheme.
Daniel Monnoyer is working as an
ICT Apprentice, while Caius Ajiz has
completed this initial programme
and is now working as an Advanced
ICT Apprentice. Caius has also won
an individual customer service award
from the Council as well as an award
from ITEC for his work to date.
Once the apprentices have
completed the programme they will
have the opportunity to register with
the IET as ICT Technicians, giving
them greater career opportunities
and salary prospects, greater
Chelmsford is UK’s “best city”
Chelmsford, England's Diamond Jubilee
City, is ranked seventh in the whole
of the UK in terms of quality of life
according to the annual Halifax survey
for 2012. This means we are he highest
ranked city on the list!
Did you know that Chelmsford offers over 1.2
million square feet of shopping space, has
the only ice rink in Essex, and 700 hectares of
parks and green spaces, including ten Green
Flag awarded Parks? Chelmsford also has a
Purple Flag award – “the Gold Standard” for
city centres at night.
To build on our achievement of gaining
city status and the exciting things already
happening in Chelmsford as a result, a suite
of city documents have been produced to
promote what Chelmsford has to offer to
businesses. Documents in the suite include:
‘Invest in the future’, ‘City development
opportunities’, ‘Creating a vibrant city
centre’, ‘City Fact File’, ‘Investing in the city’s
infrastructure’, ‘Film and TV locations’, and
‘City Centre Conferencing’.
The City Fact File is a useful, compact guide
for both residents and businesses and
provides detailed information on the quality
of life in Chelmsford based on the following
themes:
n Location
n The Chelmsford
economy
n Parks and open
spaces
n Culture and
events
n Leisure facilities
and sport
n Shopping
n Places to visit
n Public services
n Housing
n Education and schools
n Healthcare
Each fact card is an excellent reference point and
source of information and also contains useful
links for where to find out more on each theme.
The fact file is being used to promote what
Chelmsford can offer to estate agents, existing
residents, potential new residents, pupils and
students, commercial agents, investors, and
businesses. The information will be updated
regularly as Chelmsford continues to develop
and electronic copies are also available.
For more information and to download these
documents as they become available, please
visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/business
recognition and influence within
the organisation and industry,
recognition of being a competent
engineer and ICT professional,
connection to innovative and
influential people within the
industry, and an internationally
recognised qualification.
The IET approval is a mark of quality
which also helps the City Council
attract the best candidates to our
programmes and into our workforce.
All apprentices are salaried at
the national minimum wage for
apprentices and receive a number
of benefits in line with other
council employees, including 21
days annual leave and eight bank
holidays, eligibility to join the Local
Government Pension Scheme,
subsidised car parking and the
opportunity to join the healthcare
cash plan.
If you are interested in applying
for an apprenticeship with
Chelmsford City Council, please
apprenticeships for information
on current opportunities and how
to apply.
City developments
Get on your bike
to CyclePoint
The new CyclePoint facility at Chelmsford
train station has proved overwhelmingly
popular with commuters since it opened
this summer.
The Minister of State for Transport and Member
of Parliament for Chelmsford, Simon Burns,
opened Abellio train operator Greater Anglia’s
innovative cycle storage and service centre in
July. CyclePoint is an original concept brought
to the UK from the Netherlands by Abellio,
which combines secure cycle parking with
increased capacity for cycles, supported by
retail, cycle-hire and maintenance facilities.
Greater Anglia Managing Director, Ruud
Haket, introduced the Minister at the opening
ceremony, with the Mayor of Chelmsford,
Councillor Trevor Miller, accompanied by the
Mayoress, Leader of Chelmsford City Council,
Councillor Roy Whitehead, and Chief Executive,
Steve Packham, also present.
Chelmsford is the first station in the region to
benefit from CyclePoint, which represents a
significant investment of £680,000 by Greater
Anglia, with support from the Department
for Transport, Network Rail and Essex County
Council.
The total cycle parking capacity at Chelmsford
station has increased by over 40 per cent and
the station can now accommodate parking for
almost 1,000
cycles. With
greater and
more secure
cycle parking
on offer,
more people
have been
commuting
using a
combination
of cycling and
train travel,
which impacts positively on the environment
and traffic congestion in the city.
Located on a new site adjacent to Day’s Yard,
between the station and the station car park,
CyclePoint is the first stage of a major project
to improve and upgrade passenger facilities
and the customer experience at Chelmsford
over the next 12 months. A further £3.2m is
being invested to transform facilities at the
station as part of a separate National Stations
Improvement Programme and Network Rail
Development Fund project.
Cycles UK is responsible for running the
Chelmsford CyclePoint. For more information,
please visit www.cyclesuk.com
Interested in Self Build or Custom Build homes?
Have you ever thought about building
your own home? If so, we are interested in
hearing from you.
The terms ‘self build’ and ‘custom build’
are used to describe developments where
individuals or groups of people are involved in
building or commissioning their own home. The
amount of personal involvement will vary, for
example some self-builders physically build all
or part of a home themselves. At the other end
of the spectrum, a developer may find a site
and then seek a number of self build clients and
build the homes to their specification under a
contract.
Chelmsford City Council has just launched
an initiative to assess the level and type of
demand for self and custom build homes
within Chelmsford and the surrounding areas.
The more detailed the information that we
gather, the better we will be able to try and
meet these needs.
As part of this project we hope to create a
register of those interested in self or custom
build properties, so that we can put people
in touch with relevant third party landowners,
developers, land agents, housing associations
or other appropriate groups that deal in, or
wish to be involved in, self builds. We also
Local Development
Framework update
This update aims to keep residents
informed with the latest news about
the City Council’s local planning policy
documents. Together these set out the
Council’s policies for development and
protection to 2021 and beyond.
The City Council has recently undertaken public
consultation on the draft Planning Obligations
Supplementary Planning Document. Thank you
to everyone who made contributions. Please
visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/ldf for the latest
timetable on each document.
Core Strategy and Development
Control Policies
The Council has been reviewing its Core
Strategy and Development Control Policies
Development Plan Document. This is to
ensure it is consistent with new Government
guidance published in March 2012 – the
National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).
The review recommends the amendment of
some current policies. Consultation took place
on this document in 2012 and earlier this year,
with the document being formally examined
by a Government Inspector on Tuesday 2 and
Wednesday 3 July. Thank you to all of those
who made contributions. It is anticipated that
the proposed changes will be formally adopted
by the Council by the end of this year.
Section 106 Planning Obligations
The Council is producing a Supplementary
Planning Document to sit alongside the
Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). This
Supplementary Planning Document will set out
what charges will be covered by the Community
Infrastructure Levy (CIL) and what the future
approach to Section 106 Planning Obligations
will be. Section 106 Planning Obligations
secure site specific infrastructure and mitigation
measures from developers, including the
provision of Affordable Housing. Consultation on
this document took place between 27 July and 8
August 2013. Thank you to all of those who made
contributions. The document is expected to be
adopted next year.
Building for Tomorrow
intend to keep the individuals on the register
informed of Council and third party initiatives
relating to self or custom build homes.
The City Council has also launched our new
‘Self Build and Custom Build’ section on the
Council’s website featuring practical advice for
would-be self builders with signposting to a
host of other relevant websites.
If you are interested in finding out more
about self or custom build homes or to
register your interest with us, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/selfbuild
This document provides developers with new
detailed guidance on how to plan and deliver
sustainable sites and buildings. It will help to
ensure the City can adapt to future climate
change and reduce waste, energy and carbon
emissions. This document was formally adopted
on 6 June 2013 and replaces the previous
Sustainable Development Supplementary
Planning Document prepared in 2008. Thank
you to all of those who made contributions.
For more information on the expected timetable
of events in respect of these documents please
visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/lds The recently
approved Local Development Scheme (LDS) sets
out the development plan programme.
Contact us
For more information on the Local Development
Framework and to take part in future
consultations, please visit www.chelmsford.gov.
uk/ldf If you would like to discuss any of these
documents further, please contact the Planning
Policy team on 01245 606330 or email
planning.policy@chelmsford.gov.uk
Discover the city
In the market for a great Christmas
If you’re looking for variety and great
value this Christmas, why not pop along
to Chelmsford Retail Market to pick up
a unique gift and grab yourself a free
cuppa while you’re there?
VOUCHER
Free Cup of Tea
Conveniently located under the High Chelmer
multi-storey car park opposite the High Chelmer
shopping centre, the Retail Market offers great
service and bargains from the many stall holders
who trade here throughout the year.
Catering for all your Christmas needs with
stalls selling greeting cards, wrapping paper,
gifts, party toys, Christmas decorations, lights,
seasonal fabrics, and Christmas foods including
turkey, fruit & vegetables, nuts and cheeses –
there’s everything you need to make the festive
season special.
Visit the market before Tuesday 12 November
with the voucher on this page and you can also
get a free cup of tea to sip while you peruse the
stalls. Chelmsford residents can take advantage
of this limited offer by simply filling in their
postcode and presenting it to Swales Fast Food
kiosk. Terms and conditions apply, so please read
the voucher carefully.
#
Your postcode:
Throughout December the Retail Market will be
open every day up until Christmas Eve: Monday
to Friday from 8.30am – 4pm, Saturday 8.30am
– 5pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm.
And don't forget to drop by the High Street
Market, with its gourmet food fayre on Fridays
and street trading market on Saturdays.
What's more, between Monday 16 December
and Christmas Eve the High St market will be
running every day.
With plenty of opportunity to find the perfect
gift, make sure you’re in the market for a great
Christmas!
Terms and Conditions:
1.Voucher valid up to and including 12/11/2013
2.Redeemable at Swales Fast Food Take Away
kiosk in Chelmsford Retail Market
3.One voucher entitles the bearer to one cup
of tea
4. One voucher per person
5.Original vouchers only, photocopies will not
be accepted
6.Your postcode will not be used for any
purposes other than in relation to this offer
For more information on Chelmsford's markets,
please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/market
and www.chelmsford.gov.uk/foodmarkets
Visit Chelmsford with new smartphone app
Chelmsford City Council and the Essex
Chronicle have officially launched the Visit
Chelmsford smartphone application, an
exciting and innovative product which gives
visitors and residents alike a fresh insight
into England's Diamond Jubilee City.
and arrivals at Chelmsford train station, as well as
live info for any bus stop in the city.
Free to download from both the Apple store for
iPhone and the Android store for other models of
smartphone, the app has many great features that
will allow you to discover the intriguing history of
the city as well as receive up to date information
on events and travel.
Finally, the Chelmsford City tour begins as soon
as you set foot off the train. By selecting the
tour tab, users are taken on an intriguing and
enlightening wander through the city. Discover
how the cathedral collapsed in 1800, meet the
famous residents of the Black Boy Inn; see the
site of many grisly witch trails, visit the factories
of Chelmsford's industrial pioneers Marconi
and Crompton, and discover how conniving
businessmen built New London Road.
From the welcome screen users can select
the news tab for the latest information from
Chelmsford City Council, including updates
on cultural events and theatre shows as well as
what’s on at the city’s renowned heritage sites
– Hylands House, Chelmsford Museum and the
Green Flag awarded parks.
Starting at the train station the tour proceeds
down Duke St, the High St, and historic Moulsham
St, before returning along New London Road,
through Bell Meadow and back to the train
station. You can either do the whole tour in one
go, or you can stop the tour at any time and
reload it another day – it’s completely up to you.
Getting around the city couldn't be easier with the
Visit Chelmsford app, as real-time bus and train info
is pulled in. Users can see all the live departures
Residents will be equally as thrilled as visitors to
discover the history that’s revealed by the tour, and
combined with the live travel info this app really
Cycle the city
Since the Olympic Games took place in
London last year, there has been increased
interest in cycling with many people
taking up the activity for the first time.
Surrounded by villages, countryside and
woodland, Chelmsford is well positioned for
cycling, whether your preference is for road
cycling or mountain biking. However, many
people are also feeling the benefits of taking
short cycle rides, for example using a bicycle
to commute to work.
Chelmsford has a number of on-road and
off-road cycle routes which make it easy to
navigate the city by bicycle. Essex County
Council is responsible for maintaining
cycle routes as part of the highway, and
hasproduced a handy map to demonstrate
where the dedicated cycle routes in
Chelmsford are located.
There are many off-road cycle routes completely
free of traffic, as well as a number of on-road
routes with dedicated cycle lanes. The yellow
routes are the suggested on road routes which
may not have a dedicated cycle lane, but which
avoid some of the busier roads such as Parkway.
opens up the city to be explored and enjoyed.
The Visit Chelmsford app has been produced in
partnership between Chelmsford City Council
and the Essex Chronicle, and the launch year has
been sponsored by Greater Anglia. The app has
been developed by Mobile Explorer, specialists in
multimedia tour guides.
To download the app, visit the Apple store or
the Android store on your smartphone and
search: ‘Visit Chelmsford’. Click download to
get the app completely free and begin your
journey of discovery.
To download the map, please visit
www.essexhighways.org/cycling/routesand-maps.aspx
Chelmsford City Council runs initiatives
throughout the year to encourage people
to get into cycling, usually in the spring and
summer seasons. To check for upcoming
cycling events, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/cycling
Your Chelmsford
The changing face of Chelmsford
Former Marconi works,
New Street
nWill provide over 400 new homes,
new commercial uses and new public
spaces
nThe 1912 building facing New Street,
the old power house on Marconi Road
and the water tower will be retained
nLegal agreement to secure affordable
housing, transport and public space
improvements and contributions
towards education and healthcare
nIt will be possible to walk or cycle
through the site from the station to
New Street
Former ARU Central Campus
County Cricket Ground
nWill provide over 500 new homes,
new commercial uses and new public
spaces
nPhase 1 of the redevelopment is well
under way
nThe Anne Knight building and the
Frederick Chancellor building will be
retained and re-used
housing, transport and open space
improvements along with contributions
towards education
nThe scheme will improve north/south
links for cyclists and pedestrians
nWill provide around 400 new homes
nThree skyline structures will be situated
adjacent to the river and parkland
nThe development was approved by the
Secretary of State in 2010
nImprovements to cricket facilities will
include a new cricket centre, pavilion,
media centre, club shop and stadium
upgrade to increase capacity from
4,500 to 7,500 seats
nA new public square will sit at the
heart of the scheme with pedestrian
footbridge access over the River Can
to Central Park
nWorks expected to commence in
autumn 2013
St John's Hospital
It seems that everywhere you turn
in Chelmsford at the moment, there
are cranes and diggers busy at work.
These are positive signs for the city and
its residents, as it demonstrates that
Chelmsford is a place that people are
investing. There are new homes, new
infrastructure and new retail spaces
being built, and the city is set to look
very different over the next few years as
major projects come to completion.
On the following two pages you will find details
of the major developments that have begun,
or are about to begin, and are set to move
Chelmsford into the future.
Former Marconi works, New Street
Planning permission to redevelop the former
Marconi works on New St has been granted to
Bellway Homes who have started work on the
site. The development will provide over 400
new homes and new commercial buildings,
while Marconi’s old office headquarters built
in 1912 will be retained as offices along with
nWill provide a total of 228 new homes across
two sites
nPhased development of north and south sites
nBuilding work has commenced on the
north site
nDemolition on the south site is currently
underway
nThe majority of the former Chelmsford
Workhouse buildings to be retained and
re-used
nMainly family oriented housing
nLegal agreements to include affordable
housing, transport and open space
improvements and contributions towards
education and healthcare
the old power house on Marconi Road and the
water tower. When complete it will be possible
to walk or cycle through the site from New
Street to the rail station.
meeting house fronting Duke Street is being
retained for re-use along with the Frederick
Chancellor Building fronting Victoria Road
South.
The planning permission is accompanied by a
legal agreement to secure affordable housing,
transport and public space improvements and
contributions towards education and healthcare
provision.
Legal agreements to secure affordable housing,
transport and open space improvements along
with contributions towards education provision
have been secured as part of the planning
permission.
The development will dramatically improve
connections and the character of the city
centre. It has been achieved after a difficult
period during the recession when the site was
dormant and in administration for a number of
years. The Council led the way in seeking its
redevelopment and many people are glad to
finally see the site brought back into use.
The proposal will regenerate this important site
and improve links between the north and south
of the city for cyclists and pedestrians.
Former ARU Central Campus
Phase one of the redevelopment of the former
Central Campus is well under way on this
prominent city centre site. Planning permission
was granted in 2012 to Genesis Housing Group
for over 500 new homes, new commercial uses
and new public spaces. The former Quaker
County Cricket Ground
When complete the development work at Essex
County Cricket Ground will turn it into a 21st
century sporting venue by delivering a new
cricket centre, pavilion, media centre, club shop
and stadium upgrade, improving capacity from
4,500 to 7,500 seats.
A new public piazza will sit at the heart of the
scheme with a new pedestrian footbridge over
the River Can linking the development to the
city centre.
Your Chelmsford
Springfield Basin
Bond Street (John Lewis)
Waitrose
nMultiple sites offering a mixture of
development opportunities
nIndigo Wharf, formerly part of the
Travis Perkins builder’s merchants site,
is nearing completion offering around
50 new homes
nLegal agreement to secure
affordable housing and open space
improvements along with contributions
towards education.
nDevelopment will enhance the edge of
the canal, improve pedestrian access
and encourage recreational use of the
waterway
nFurther schemes are in the design and
planning stage
nWill provide 27,034 sq. metres of new
retail/restaurant floorspace
nThe former NatWest bank on the High
Street will be converted into further
retail floorspace
nA full line John Lewis department store
nGreater choice of restaurants adjacent
the River Chelmer
nNew 8 screen cinema
nSpace for public events
nBasement car parking
nWill provide a new foodstore of around
2,200 sq. metres, around 40 new
homes and further commercial uses
and a community facility
nRelocation of the existing Royal Mail
operation to other Chelmsford sites
nImproves appearance of Victoria Road
housing and transport improvements
along with legal contribution towards
education
nEnhances accessible convenience
shopping offer
nCar and cycle parking provided
on site
Greater Beaulieu Park
nWill provide up to 3,600 new homes
nNew business park
nNew schools, retail outlets, hotel, leisure and community facilities
nNew railway station
nA significant development for Chelmsford, creating a new community and greatly expanding
the city and its facilities
Planning permission to upgrade the cricket
ground and develop the rest of the site was
granted to Essex County Cricket Club and their
development partner MCD by the Secretary of
State in 2010 following a public inquiry in 2009.
This permission has recently been given an
extended time limit of a further three years for
the development work to be commenced.
Around 400 new homes are proposed including
three towers adjacent to the river. Initial
construction work will be on tower A, to be sited
furthest from the pitch. It is anticipated that these
works will commence in the autumn of 2013.
Former St John’s hospital
Works have commenced on the former St
John’s hospital site in Wood Street following
the granting of planning permission to Inland
Homes for development of the north and south
parts of the site respectively. Linden Homes is
now the developer for the north site and has
recently commenced building works. The south
site is being developed by Inland Homes and
demolition works are currently underway.
The majority of the former Chelmsford
Workhouse buildings at the site will be retained
and converted into apartments. The rest
of the development is planned to be new;
sympathetically designed mainly family homes.
The planning permissions include legal
agreements to include affordable housing,
transport and open space improvements and
contributions towards education and healthcare
provision.
The development will result in new use for
this deteriorated site which has been vacant
for a number of years, and the Council had an
important role in seeking its redevelopment
through site briefs and discussion.
Greater Beaulieu Park neighbourhood
development and rail station
The Greater Beaulieu Park development is a
large scheme which will develop the North East
of Chelmsford into a hub of its own.
The largest part of this area is the subject of
an application for up to 3,600 dwellings, a
new business park, a new road from Belsteads
Farm Roundabout to the Boreham Interchange,
schools, retail, hotel, leisure, open space,
community facilities and a new railway station
and trackworks. After long discussions and
negotiations the Council has decided to grant
planning permission once the developer has
entered into a legal agreement. This process is
nearly complete and the permission should be
in place by late autumn with work on the new
housing starting next year. The road junctions
to Essex Regiment Way and White Hart
Lane already have permission and work has
commenced on these.
Permission has also been given for up to
750 units on the land around the Channels
Golf Club and the first phase of this
development will also be starting soon.
This area significantly contributes to meeting
the Council’s housing provision to 2021,
ensuring that housing and infrastructure are
in place to facilitate the city’s growth and
development. For more information on major
developments in Chelmsford, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/majordevelopments
Community
Prepare for a scare at Fright Night
and Fright Night Xtra
This Halloween, grab your
torches and venture if you
dare to Hylands Park for Fright
Night and the brand new adults
only event – Fright Night Xtra!
Each year families are spooked
and delighted by the sell-out event
Fright Night at Hyalnds House, and
this year it’s bigger and better and
running over two nights. Come
along on either Wednesday 30
October or All Hallows Eve itself,
Thursday 31 October, and be
thrilled by fire dancers, spooky
stories, a scary trail and our famous
3D projection show on the front
of the House; all rounded off by
fireworks to end the evening. New
twists and turns have been added
to ensure a scream-tastic time!
Due to its continued popularity
the event is being held over two
nights this year and has also been
shortlisted in the Essex Tourism and
Hospitality Awards in the category
of best event or festival.
New for this year, and for grown
ups only (over 18’s), Fright Night
Xtra turns up the scare factor dial –
will you survive Hylands Park after
dark? The lights are off, there’s
an invasion coming and we’re not
sure if they’re dead or alive! If
you survive the night (we give no
guarantees) you’ll leave wondering
whether you really did witness
what just happened…
Once again, Fright Night Xtra
concludes with an adapted 3D
projection film and spectacular
fireworks.
Fright Night is held on Wednesday
30 and Thursday 31 October from
5pm – 7pm and is suitable for
families. Tickets are £10 adults
and £7 children, with under-three’s
free. For more information, please
frightnight
Fright Night Xtra is held on
Wednesday 30 and Thursday
31 October from 8pm – 10pm
and is for over 18’s only. Not
suitable for anyone of a nervous
disposition. Tickets are £13.
For more information, please
frightnightxtra
Torches are essential for both events
and Terms and Conditions apply.
These events are advanced
booking only, and tickets are on a
first come first served basis.
To avoid disappointment, book
now by visiting www.chelmsford.
gov.uk/hylandsbookings or call
01245 605500.
Have you joined in the adventure at Hylands Castle play area?
This summer saw the opening
of the new and improved
Adventure Castle play area at
Hylands Park. The area now
features All Inclusive play
equipment so young people
with disabilities can join in the
fun with their brothers, sisters
and friends, and feedback on
the new facilities has been
overwhelmingly positive.
Broomfield resident Milly has
four children, two of whom have
disabilities. Finley has autism and
Dylan has Cerebral Palsy, but both
now love playing together with
brother Alfie, who whizzes Dylan
along the ramparts in his chair, and
sister Olivia, who helps to turn the
‘spiral disc’.
Having a Changing Place toilet facility
next to the play area has meant
families can extend their fun time
away from home. Now it’s possible
to spend the whole day at the park
rather than two to three hours. Milly
commented: “Even though many
toilets include a disabled cubicle,
they aren’t big enough to change a
tall child. The long beds have meant
I don’t have to lay him on the dirty
floor, its brilliant!”
Located at the northern end of
Hylands estate, with free car parking,
the first stage of the Adventure
Castle was built in 2011 and soon
became a popular destination. The
Castle battlements, one of which
is fully inclusive and suitable for
wheelchairs, also offers ladders,
scramble nets, swings and balance
beams. Slides, a musical wall and
spinning games discs also help
stimulate the senses. All of the
equipment is suitable for those aged
six and over, whilst the Castle Hamlet
with look out tower, wobble bridge
and net will appeal to younger
adventurers.
The second stage was completed
earlier this year involved building
more battlements, double width
slides, ladders, and suspended
bridges, in fact all the ingredients
to re-enact a full-scale siege!
As well as housing the Changing
Place Facility, the Castle Kiosk sells
snacks, drinks and ice-cream at
the weekends, with picnic benches
near by for regrouping battle
weary troops ready for the next
strategic attack.
A visitor from Hutton recently
wrote in to compliment the play
area, saying: “Hylands is the only
park we’ve found in Essex where
my five year old son with Cerebral
Palsy can truly be included in play
with his able bodied twin brother.
It was wonderful - thanks from all
our family.”
The Adventure Castle Play Area
was made possible by working
in partnership with Essex County
Council’s Funding for Short Breaks
for Disabled Children (AHDC).
For more information on the Adventure Castle play area and the
Changing Place Facility, please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands
or call 01245 605500.
Follow Hylands House on Twitter: @HylandsHouse and Facebook:
www.facebook/HylandsHouse
Remembering loved ones
this Christmas
Christmas is a time for
celebration, but also for
reflection, and on Sunday
8 December Chelmsford
Crematorium will be holding
a special Christmas Memorial
Service to remember lost
loved ones.
Services will take place at 2pm
and 3.30pm, with Christmas
carols and songs being
performed during each service.
Names of loved ones will be
read out in a candle-lit act of
remembrance.
An offering will be taken for the
Mayor’s charity, J’s Hospice, and
seasonal refreshments will be
served in the North Chapel after
each service.
All are welcome to attend
and those requiring a seat are
advised to arrive early.
To provide the name of a loved
one to be read out during the
Christmas Services, please
contact Chelmsford Crematorium
on 01245 606662.
A visual tribute
Chelmsford Crematorium
also now offers families the
opportunity to personalise
the service of their loved
ones through a beautiful
and lasting life story tribute
in their memory. This unique
service combines photos
and video clips with music
to create a touching tribute
which can be shown during
the funeral service.
For more information on
this service, please call
01245 605630.
Community
Leave spare change
in the piggy bank –
PayByPhone launches
in Chelmsford
How many times have you
pulled into a car park only to
panic that you haven’t got
any change? You dig through
your pockets, look under the
car seats and hunt through
the glove box to find that
final 20p, but to no avail.
for the machine and hunting for
change, parking charges can now
be paid by calling the dedicated
number displayed on car park
signage, by text, online or by using
the PayByPhone app.
Now there’s a way to avoid that tired
routine, as Chelmsford City Council
have launched a new remote
payment method with PayByPhone
at all Council operated pay-anddisplay car parks in Chelmsford.
Payment is made securely by credit
or debit card, and once you have
registered your details you can
easily pay by phone in any pay-anddisplay car park. You can also opt
to receive a reminder text message
when your time is nearly up, and
add extra time to your parking by
phone, text, web or app.
As the name suggests, the
PayByPhone technology allows car
park users to pay for their parking
by mobile phone. Avoid queuing
The PayByPhone technology allows
Chelmsford’s residents and visitors
to quickly and easily pay parking
charges from wherever they are.
Benefit fraud
- tackling the
issue
Chelmsford City Council
is required by law to
protect the funds it
administers, and is
therefore fully committed
to tackling benefit fraud..
Since the scheme was launched
earlier in the year by Chelmsford
City Council’s Cabinet Member for
Safer Communities, Councillor Ian
Grundy, the scheme has seen over
almost 2000 people sign up to use
the service.
We work within the legislation
laid down by the government
and have a team of accredited
investigators who are able to
look into all cases of benefit
fraud which are reported to
the Council.
To register to use the service,
to see which car parks are
included in the scheme and for
more information on how to
PayByPhone, please visit
carparks and www.paybyphone.
co.uk or call 0330 400 7275.
In 2012/2013 the fraud
team cautioned 5 people,
administered 9 administrative
penalties and prosecuted 17
people. This resulted in over
£244,400 being identified as
being claimed fraudulently
and is in the process of being
recovered.
Recent changes to protection for whistleblowers
In the last edition of City
Life, we reported on our
whistleblowing policy and the
instances in which it would be
appropriate to raise concerns.
We also reported on the
protections we had in place
for whistleblowers.
The Enterprise and Regulatory
Reform Act 2013 introduced
recent changes to these
protections and the Council has
updated its policy to reflect these
changes. If you would like to
review our new policy, please visit:
whistleblowing
If you have any suspicion of
malpractice at the Council or a
public interest concern, please do
not hesitate to contact us by one
of the following methods:
■■ Fill in our online whistle
blowing report form which
can be accessed from our
website: www.chelmsford.
gov.uk/whistleblowing
■■ Email us at: whistleblowing@
chelmsford.gov.uk
■■ Write to us in a sealed
envelope marked ’Private and
Confidential’ to:
The Whistleblowing Officer,
c/o Human Resources,
Chelmsford City Council,
Civic Centre, Duke Street,
Chelmsford CM1 1JE.
■■ Telephone us on the direct
dial number: 01245 606582
The Discovery Festival: in celebration of the
International Day for People with Disabilities 2013
Chelmsford City Council and
the ECDP (Essex Coalition
of Disabled People) are
working together to deliver
a brand new event to
celebrate the International
Day for People with
Disabilities. The Discovery
Festival is taking place from
Monday 25 November in
the week leading up to the
International Day on Tuesday
3 December.
The International Day for People
with Disabilities is an annual day
of international observance which
has been promoted by the UN
since 1992. It is celebrated in a
variety of ways around the world
with the aim of promoting an
understanding of disability issues,
increasing the positive image of
disabled people in society and
celebrating their achievements.
The Discovery Festival, which will
take place in various venues across
Chelmsford, will feature events and
activities for everyone to enjoy.
There will be performances by
local groups, as well as workshops,
awareness raising and information
events. The festival promises to be
an exciting and unique experience,
so come along and discover
something new.
For the latest up to date
information, please visit
discoveryfestival
The investigators’ main
purpose is to protect public
money and to ensure that the
correct entitlement is paid
to those who need it. When
people commit benefit fraud,
vital funds are wrongfully
diverted which may lead to
increased taxation.
In order to successfully tackle
the issue of benefit fraud,
Chelmsford City Council relies
on valuable information from
the public. If you know or
suspect anyone of committing
benefit fraud please call our
fraud hotline on 0800 614469
and please provide as much
information as possible, such
as name, address, employment
details of partner or details of
non-dependants, any vehicles
used and any other information
that would help us conduct an
investigation.
For more information on
benefit fraud, please visit
benefitfraud
Leisure & culture
Cinderella – the magical
family pantomime
Cinderella, the most magical pantomime
of all, is coming to enchant the Civic
Theatre from Wednesday 4 December
2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.
Cinderella has just lost her beloved father and
has been put in the care of her stepmother who
has two daughters of her own. To pay her way
Cinderella is made to live below the stairs and
do all the cleaning, mending and cooking for
her lazy step family. Will Cinderella be rescued
by her prince and live happily ever after?
Come and meet the awful and elaborately
dressed Ugly Sisters, Cinderella’s wicked
Stepmother, Buttons, the Fairy Godmother, the
dashing and handsome Prince Charming and
of course, beautiful Cinderella herself. There
will also be a special appearance from two
delightful Shetland ponies who will be taking
Cinderella to the ball in her sparkling coach!
In association with Chelmsford City Theatres,
One From The Heart brings another actionpacked family show to Chelmsford, featuring
all the traditional pantomime ingredients:
sparkling storybook sets, energetic song and
dance routines, beautiful costumes, plenty of
audience participation and the most important
ingredient of all – a generous helping of
pantomime magic!
Reserve your seats by calling the Box Office on
01245 606505 or book online at
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres. Tickets are
£20.00 (full-price) and £17.00 (concession) with
special rates for groups, families and schools.
Winter wonders at
Chelmsford City Theatres
The autumn/winter season
at Chelmsford City Theatres
is here and with so much
comedy, music and drama
lined-up it’s sure to be a great
few months in theatre-land.
The Civic stage hosts a mega
line-up of big name comedians
in the biggest comedy series
ever staged in Chelmsford.
With turns from Phil Jupitus and
Russell Kane earlier in the season,
the programme continues with
Alexei Sayle (2 November), Josh
Widdicombe (22 October), Andy
Files (24 – 25 October) and
powerful theatre in an innovative
new staging of Dracula (22 – 23
January).
Parsons (6 November) and Chris
Ramsey (24 January) performing
their latest stand up shows.
The Cramphorn studio theatre
is the venue for more comedy
including Andrew Lawrence (5
December) the supreme misfit, and
there’s even stand-up Comedy
Club 4 Kids (16 November & 14
December) in a new venture that
promises to be great comedy but
without the rude bits. Plus there
will be more monthly Comedy
Showcase events featuring many
of the UK’s best comedians on the
comedy circuit.
There will be a big dose of gritty
drama in a depiction of the
mystery behind the infamous
East End murders in The Ripper
A wide range of music will also be
on offer. There will be blasts from
the past in Arrival UK (26 October),
the ultimate Abba tribute. There
will be original music from regular
favourite Joe Brown (28 October).
And Balkan and gypsy music band
Dunajaska Kapelye (7 December),
lead by Polish jazz violinist Piotr
Jordan, perform a wonderful
musical journey.
If film is your thing, then the
Chelmsford Picture House has
plenty to offer. Something in the
Air (12 November) tells the story of
Gille and his friends who, in Paris in
the early 1970s, are caught up in
the political and creative turmoil of
the times. Torn between the radical
rebellion and their own ambitions
and careers, Gille and his friends
embark on a journey across Europe.
But with stormy times ahead of
them, revolutionary passion is
sidelined for love and art. Olivier
Assayas directs this stunning film.
Or, for something special, come
to a special screening of Swan
Lake at either 3pm or 8pm on 18
December. Celebrating 275 years
of Russian ballet, join the Mariinsky
Ballet as they present one of the
world's most loved shows, in the
city where it was created. Lyrical,
mysterious and dramatic, this
exquisite performance shows
the Mariinksy’s famed corps
de ballet in all its beauty.
To find out about all the shows on
at Chelmsford City Theatres and to
book tickets visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres
or call the Box Office on 01245
606505.
What’s on
What’s on this winter
ARTS AND CULTUre
Fright Night
Wednesday 30 & Thursday 31
October
Venue: Hylands House and Park
Times: 5pm – 7pm
Cost: In advance: £10 Adult; £7 Child,
Under three's free. On the door: All
tickets £10
Due to the huge demand for tickets for
last year we are running Fright Night
over two nights in 2013!
Here's what we did for 2012: marvelous
fire dancers, giant animatronic
skeletons, special, interactive effects
through the gardens, a visit from outer
space, magical fairy garden, spooky
stories, free candy floss and popcorn
for everyone.
Our evening finished with our
spectacular 3D projected Halloween
show on the front of the House.
Imagine seeing Hylands collapse into
a creepy pool of spiders, or the House
sketch itself! And that's not all, the
event was topped with our much talked
about firework finale!
An event for the whole family though
may not be suitable for those with a
nervous disposition. Some areas of the
event are located on the grass.
Scrapbook Safari
Wednesday 30 October &
Saturday 14 December
Venue: Hylands Park and Stables
Visitor Centre
Times: 10am – 12pm
Cost: £6 per child, max 3 children per
adult
The Scrapbook Safari sessions are run
throughout the year either at the weekend
or during the school holidays. The Safaris
are an opportunity for children to enjoy a
guided exploration at Hylands along with
others of a similar age. The Safaris are
aimed at primary school aged children
and so we ask that for safety reasons
children are accompanied.
Outside - For the first part of the session
we head out onto the Estate for the
Safari. It’s great to find out how our
wildlife adapts to the changing seasons
and to begin to learn some of the names
of the plants and animals.
Indoor activity - Once inside we have
a drink of squash and a biscuit before
starting on our Scrapbooks. The final
part of the session involves a craft
activity where the children create
something wonderful to take home!
break during the school summer holiday
period. The Toddles are an opportunity
for parents with pre-school children to
enjoy a guided walk in the park and
garden areas surrounding Hylands House
along with other parents with children
of a similar age. The routes chosen for
the walk on the whole take into account
those with pushchairs although a short
detour may be necessary from time to
time to avoid steps.
The walk is followed by a craft activity
which takes place upstairs in the Stables
Visitor Centre in the Richmond Room.
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/tuesdaytoddle
Christmas Magic Show
Sunday 15 December
Venue: Hylands House
Times: 11am & 2pm
Cost: £5.50; under three's on laps free
Have a magical Christmas at Hylands!
Prepare to be entertained, amazed and
delighted with a fantastic show by Magic
Works, suitable for kids of all ages. There
will be lots of audience participation and
prizes to be won.
Wednesday 18 – Sunday 22 December
Venue: Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre
Times: Vary
Cost: £5 - £17
Wednesday 30 & Thursday
31 October
Venue: Hylands House and Park
Times: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: All tickets £13
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/scrapbooksafari
This year’s magical Christmas show is
Sleeping Beauty on Ice. Tickets will go
Brand New for 2013, this adult only
event will scare even the toughest of
people. After the growing success
of the Family Fright Night, this event
raises the "scare factor" just for adults.
With a terrifying trail, walkabout
entertainment, a 3D projection show
and a firework finale, this Halloween
event will set your heart racing!
Wednesday 30 October
Venue: Chelmsford Museum
Times: 10.30am – 12pm
Cost: £3 per accompanied child
Fright Night Xtra
Wednesday Wonders Autumn Leaves Art &
Craft Workshop
Suitable for
children aged
5+.
Strictly over 18's only. ID may be
required.
frightnightextra
October Half Term Holiday
Courses & Activities
Monday 28 October – Friday 1
November
Venue: Riverside Ice & Leisure,
Chelmsford Sport & Athletics Centre,
Dovedale Sports Centre,
South Woodham Ferrers Leisure
Centre
Times: Vary
Cost: Vary
Lots of exciting courses and activities
for children. Please visit
sportsbookings to book online or visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/holidaycourses
for more information including an
online brochure of activities.
.
Our sessions
are designed
to be family friendly with different
generations working together to create
something special to take home.
Pre-booking is advised by calling the
Museum reception on 01245 605700.
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/wednesdaywonders
Tuesday Toddle
Tuesday 12 November &
Tuesday 10 December
Venue: Hylands Park and Stables
Visitor Centre
Times: 10am & 1pm
Cost: £5.00 per adult and child; £3.00
per additional child. Maximum 3
children per adult
The Tuesday Toddle sessions are run
every month throughout the year, with a
Parents swim free during October
Half Term when accompanied by a
full paying child. Offer valid on public
swimming sessions only. Excludes
Pool Fun.
Saturday Skate Offer
Saturdays throughout
November
Venue: Riverside Ice and Leisure
Centre
Times: 8pm – 10pm
Cost: £3.50
Skate for just £3.50 per person,
including skate hire! Valid on the
Saturday Curve Ice Disco throughout
November.
2 swim for £5
Sundays throughout
November and December
Centre
Times: 8am – 2pm
Cost: £5
Be inspired by
autumn colours
and shapes in
nature in our
art and craft
workshop.
Be prepared to get the scare of your life!
Monday 28 October – Friday
1 November
Centre
Times: Vary
Cost: Free
Riverside Ice and Leisure
Centre’s Christmas Ice Show
– Sleeping Beauty on Ice
Booking is essential. Please telephone
01245 605523 to book your place and
please ask for a Welcome Pack if this is
your first Safari.
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/frightnight
Parent’s Swim Free
Two can swim for £5. Valid on Sundays
in the main pool between 8am and 2pm
throughout November and December.
on sale on Monday 23 September. For
more information closer to the time,
please visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/
riverside or call 01245 615050.
SPORT AND LEISURE
Cycling activities for the
family
Cycling activities for the family
Monday 28 October
Venue: Central Park
Times: 10am – 3pm
Cost: Free
This is an event to promote cycling.
There will be novelty cycle rides,
Smoothie Bikes and Dr Bike (a check up
for your cycle). For further information
please see www.trailnet.org.uk, email
Geoff@trailnet.org.uk, or phone 07939
249980.
Exhibitions, Fairs and
courses
Wedding Open Day
Sunday 17 November
Venue: Hylands House
Times: 10am – 4pm
Cost: Register for free entry
Hylands House proudly opens its doors
for couples looking for a venue to host
their special day. View Hylands House
as if it was set up ready for your special
day. Browse at your own leisure or be
shown around by a member of our
dedicated wedding team. We look
forward to welcoming you to Hylands
House and congratulate you on your
forthcoming wedding.
To register for entry, email your details
to hylands@chelmsford.gov.uk
Environment
Food for thought at the Ideas Festival
We all know buying locally
produced food is good for our
local economy and is far more
sustainable than importing
food from all corners of
the globe. But where in
Chelmsford do you find the
local organic produce, the
locally-sourced restaurants
and the businesses supplying
tasty, nutritious food?
Food is a key public health issue,
meaning access to good fresh
produce is essential to a healthy
lifestyle; and with this in mind
the Council has kicked off work
on a food plan for the city. You
can participate in this during the
2013 Ideas Festival by helping to
produce a food map for the city
showing healthy eating places and
local producers. Join in on Sunday
27 October from 12pm – 9pm at the
Ideas Hub in High Chelmer, where
a giant interactive map will be on
display for you to contribute to.
As part of the Ideas Festival 2013,
and in celebration of Local Food
Day, the free event will feature
a Local Food Fair, exhibiting
businesses that source as much
locally grown food as possible.
The City Council will also join
Chelmsford Star Co-op and
Transition Chelmsford in holding
healthy pizza making and cider
making demonstrations at the
Ideas Hub. Visitors can also find
out about ‘slow food’, try pumpkin
whittling, and enjoy a potluck
dinner and film night.
Council wins environmental award
Chelmsford City Council
has won a Green Apple
Environment Award in a
national campaign to find
Britain’s greenest companies,
councils and communities.
The Council’s Public Health
& Protection Services Team
competed against more than
500 other nominees and won the
award for its campaign to keep
Chelmsford’s rivers clean. The
campaign, run by the Council’s
Neighbourhood Enviornmental
Action Team (NEAT), will be
familiar to many residents and
volunteers in Chelmsford. The
campaign features a bi-annual
river clean up event, as well
as regular river litter picks,
at which local residents and
school children help to collect
rubbish from the city’s rivers and
surrounding areas.
The award will be presented at a
special ceremony at the House of
Commons, London, on Monday
11 November. As a result of this
Green Apple Award success, the
Council has been invited to have
their winning paper published
in The Green Book, the leading
international work of reference
on environmental best practice,
so that others around the world
can follow our example and
learn from our achievement.
The Council may also be chosen
to represent the UK in the
European Business Awards for
the Environment.
Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet
Member for Safer Communities,
This event will be one of the
centrepieces of this year’s Ideas
Festival, organised by Changing
Chelmsford and sponsored by
Chelmsford City Council, Anglia
Ruskin University and High Chelmer
Shopping Centre. The festival
presents a packed programme of
events from Saturday 26 October
to Sunday 3 November and is
organised around the theme
‘Imagine’. There will be many
opportunities to think creatively
about the future city, while other
events will look at how our history
influences the way we live now.
Many events will also celebrate the
imagination and creativity taking
place here and now, including a
look at those initiatives stimulated
by Changing Chelmsford.
For more information on the
Ideas Festival and the Food Fair,
call in to the Ideas Hub in High
Chelmer Shopping Centre to
collect a programme or visit the
website for programme details
and to book events: www.
changingchelmsford.org/IF2013
‘Allot’ of success for
green-fingered residents
Last year saw the successful
return of Chelmsford
City Council’s Allotment
Competition after a break of
five years, and this year the
judges have once again set out
to find the cream of the crop.
Councillor Ian Grundy, said: “We
are delighted to have received
this award. It is the third time we
have received it and it is a real
testament to the hard work of all
the staff and volunteers involved
and also illustrates the Council’s
long-standing commitment to the
community, environmental issues
and keeping Chelmsford a clean
and safe place to live, work and
visit."
The Green Apple Awards
are organised by The Green
Organisation, an independent
environment group dedicated
to recognising, rewarding and
promoting environmental best
practice around the world. They
are supported by the Environment
Agency, the Chartered Institute
of Environmental Health,
the Chartered Institution for
Waste Management and other
independent bodies.
The most recent river litter
pick took place on Saturday 19
October, but there will be plenty
of other opportunities to get
involved in keeping Chelmsford’s
rivers clean in the near future.
For more information, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/neat
Staff from Chelmsford City Council,
in conjunction with members of
the Pride in a Cleaner Chelmsford
committee, spent time in July and
August visiting and shortlisting
plots within the 23 sites managed
by the Council.
With nearly 900 plots to choose
from Cllr Freda Mountain and
Mrs Pat Brown (representing the
PICC) found it very challenging but
thoroughly enjoyable judging the
winners and runners-up in the three
categories: large, medium and small
allotment sites.
At an award ceremony last month
the City Council’s Cabinet Member
for Parks and Heritage, Councillor
Nicolette Chambers, presented
prizes and certificates to all the
lucky winners. Prizes included
gardening tools, an electric
strimmer, vouchers, tickets to
performances at Hylands House
and Chelmsford Theatres and the
winners of the Best Overall Plot
and Best Overall Newcomer also
received a trophy.
Some of those selected by the
judges as winners include:
nBest Overall Allotment Plot
winner was Mr Russell Jarvis at
the Beeches Road
nBest Overall Allotment Site
winner was awarded to Rutland
Road
nBest Overall Newcomer was Mr
David Ryan at 143 Kings Road
nJoint winners of the children’s
competition to design a plot
number sign went to Luke and
James Russell who designed
very attractive mosaic number
signs for their mum’s plots at
the Hill Road site.
nWinner of the Supervised
Groups award went to the
Youth Offending Team at
Waterhouse Lane, and the
runner up was the Waterhouse
Lane Community Plot.
Transitional Chelmsford at Avon
Road received a Certificate for
Best Improved Supervised plot.
Prizes were kindly donated by
Brandon Tool Hire, A Canteen,
Chelmsford City Council (Hylands
House, Civic Theatre, Oaklands
Museum, Parks & Heritage
Services), West Park Pitch & Putt
(Waterhouse Lane), Ernest Doe &
Sons Ltd, Dobies Seeds, Wilkinson
(Helping Hands), P Tuckwell Ltd,
and Mr Trigg, Cllr Mountain and
Cllr Stephenson on behalf of Pride
In a Cleaner Chelmsford.
For more information on allotments
in Chelmsford, please visit: www.
chelmsford.gov.uk/allotments
Essentials
Council Meetings
If you have a Council enquiry of a specific nature,
please call the appropriate direct number below:
directory
enquiries...
Main Offices / Correspondence:
Chelmsford, CM1 1JE
Office opening hours:
8.45am to 4.45pm (Mon–Thurs)
8.45am to 4.15pm (Fri)
GENERAL ENQUIRIES/ MAIN NUMBER
01245 606606
Main fax number: 01245 606415
E-mail: customerservicesteam@
chelmsford.gov.uk
Minicom: 01245 606444
General telephone enquiries hours:
8.30am to 5.15pm (Mon–Thurs)
8.30am to 4.45pm (Fri)
Offices open at 10.00am on the last
Wednesday of the month to allow for
staff training
24 hour payment phone line
0845 002 0686
OUT OF HOURS EMERGENCIES
Homelessness and
other Emergencies 01245 606644
Noiseline 01245 606200
Parkwatch 07831 189918
South Woodham Ferrers
Customer Service Centre
01245 605611
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/swfcsc
We publish details of services,
activities and events within the city
on our website. Check regularly for
up to date news and information on
all Council Services.
Housing Benefits and
Council Tax
Benefits, Housing and Council Tax
01245 606400
Business Rates
01245 606709
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/businessrates
Benefit Fraud Report Line
0800 614469
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/benefitfraud
Housing Emergency (out of hours)
01245 606644
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/housing
Change of Circumstances
01245 606879
Planning and Community
Planning
01245 606826
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/planning
Building Control
01245 606431
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/buildingcontrol
Cemetery and Crematorium
01245 605630
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/crematorium
Environment and Waste
Public Health and Protection
Services
01245 606400
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/environmental
Refuse and Recycling Collections
01245 615800
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/recycling
Street Care and Litter
01245 615800
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/streetscene
Licensing
01245 606727
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/licensing
Parks and Green Spaces
01245 605566
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parks
Car Parking and Enforcement
01245 606710
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/parking
Leisure, Sport and Culture
Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre
01245 615050
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riverside
Leisure Centre
01245 605600
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/swflc
Chelmsford Sport and
Athletic Centre
01245 605666
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csac
Dovedale Sports Centre
01245 605685
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale
Theatres
01245 606505
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres
Museums
01245 605700
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/museums
Hylands House
01245 605500
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/hylands
Members of the public are always
welcome to attend meetings
and can ask questions or make
statements on anything for
which the Council or Committee
is responsible. Confidentiality
restrictions allowing.
October 2013
CABINET
22 October
November 2013
Development Policy
Committee
Planning Committee
CABINET
Licensing and
Regulatory Committee
Overview and Scrutiny
Committee
7 November
12 November
19 November
21 November
25 November
December 2013
COUNCIL
Planning Committee
Audit Committee
4 December
10 December
11 December
January 2014
Planning Committee
Governance Committee
Development Policy
Committee
Licensing and
CABINET
7 January
15 January
16 January
23 January
28 January
February 2014
Overview and Scrutiny
Committee
Planning Committee
COUNCIL (including
Council Tax setting)
Licensing and
3 February
4 February
12 February
20 February
Christmas and New Year opening and closing times for leisure centres
Fri 20 Dec - Last day of term
Sat 21 Dec
Sun 22 Dec
Mon 23 Dec
Tues 24 Dec - Christmas Eve
Wed 25 Dec - Christmas Day (Bank Holiday)
Thur 26 Dec - Boxing Day (Bank Holiday)
Fri 27 Dec
Sat 28 Dec
Sun 29 Dec
Mon 30 Dec
Tues 31 Dec
Wed 1 Jan (Bank Holiday)
Thur 2 Jan
Fri 3 Jan - Last day of school holiday
Chelmsford Sports
& Athletics Centre
Dovedale Sports
Centre
Riverside Ice &
Leisure Centre
South Woodham
Ferrers Leisure Centre
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
9am - 12 noon
CLOSED
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
9am - 12 noon
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
CLOSED
CLOSED
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
CLOSED
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
6am - 2pm
CLOSED
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
6am – 2pm
CLOSED
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
Normal
6.30am – 7pm
7am – 2pm
CLOSED
CLOSED
7am – 2pm
7am – 2pm
7am – 2pm
7am – 2pm
7am – 2pm
CLOSED
7am – 10pm
7am – 10pm
Please note that the above opening hours are subject to change. Please check the website www.chelmsford.gov.uk/sports for updated
opening hours for each centre.
Civic Centre Christmas
opening times
Tues 24 December: OPEN 8.45am-2.30pm
Wed 25 December: CLOSED
Thurs 26 December: CLOSED
Fri 27 December: CLOSED
Sat 28 December: CLOSED
Sun 29 December: CLOSED
Mon 30 December: CLOSED
Tues 31 December: CLOSED
Wed 1 January: CLOSED
Thurs 2 January:
OPEN as normal
Would you like a CD or mp3 audio version of City Life?
City Life is available on audio cassette and in CD or mp3
format. To get a copy in another format, please contact
Chelmsford City Council’s Corporate Communications Team
on 01245 606900 or email publicity@chelmsford.gov.uk.
A digital version of City Life is available on our website at
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/life.
Help?
Need this in a different format or language? Call 01245 606606
or email: publicity@chelmsford.gov.uk
City Life is published by
Chelmsford City Council,
Chelmsford CM1 1JE.
If you have any comments or suggestions
regarding City Life, please write to
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City Life is available in alternative
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audio tape and other languages.
Please call or email the contact
numbers, left.
Printed on
environmentally
friendly paper.
Sport
State of the art fitness facility to
open next month
The eagerly awaited fitness facility at
Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre
(CSAC) in Salerno Way Chelmsford is
nearing completion.
The new gym layout will benefit from views
overlooking the athletics track as well as two
designated free weight areas. A functional
training zone has also been created with TRX,
ViPR’s, Kettle Bells and Kinesis Stations.
The state of the art gym is expected to open
towards the end of November and will boast
the very latest Technogym equipment including
Unity web technology. Chelmsford Sport
and Athletics Centre will be one of the first
fitness facilities in the UK to have this latest
technology.
The new layout, which was designed after
consultation with existing members and a range
of fitness experts, will ensure the Centre’s
already popular fitness team are able to fully
support members to achieve their goals.
Unity web allows users to browse the internet,
watch TV, listen to the radio and even play
games, all whilst enjoying a workout – ensuring
an active mind as well as body.
The new iPhone/iPod compatible equipment
will also provide members with an opportunity
to personalise their workout experience to
help motivate them through those last few
kilometres on the treadmill or those last few
reps on the weight machine.
Chelmsford City Council’s Cabinet Member
for Leisure and Culture, Councillor Ray Ride,
said: “This is the third of three planned
refurbishments that we have completed this
year at our leisure centres, ensuring we provide
the very best equipment, environment and
value for our residents across the city.”
CSAC member Tara said: “I’m really excited
and can’t wait to use the new gym. I have
always received excellent support from the
fitness team at the centre and it will be great to
be shown how to get the best out of the new
equipment.”
If you are interested in becoming a member
of CSAC, you can do so now with the first
50 new members receiving a special reduced
pre-opening rate. You can also join now
and pay nothing until 1 December 2013.
Customers are advised to act quickly to
avoid disappointment. Terms and
conditions apply.
To take up a membership package, to find out
more or to arrange a tour of the new facilities,
please call the centre on 01245 605666 or email
leisureplus@chelmsford.gov.uk
A winter wonderland – ice skating at
There’s no pastime that
sums up the winter better
than ice skating and we’re
lucky to have our very own
permanent ice rink here
in the heart of the City of
Chelmsford.
Wrapped up warm, ice skating
is a great way to get into the
Christmas spirit and every year
families come to glide across the
frozen rink at Riverside Ice and
Leisure Centre. A great family
outing, there’s always lots of
laughter and smiles.
The centre offers a variety of
public ice skating sessions with
skate hire available in a wide
range of sizes from child size
7 to adult size 14. There are
even friendly faced penguin
ice skating aids to help the
little ones develop their on-ice
confidence!
For those of you that wish to
develop your skills further there
are courses available for all ages
from adults to those as young
as two, proving that it’s never
too early to introduce the little
ones to this popular activity.
Riverside Ice and Leisure
Centre is also the home to a
number of ice clubs including
the Chelmsford Chieftains
ice hockey team, whose
matches make for an action
packed evening of family
entertainment.
With so much on offer, there’s no
better place to visit this winter, so
why not get your skates on. For
more information on ice skating
sessions, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/icerink
The annual Christmas
Ice Show skates into
Riverside Ice and
Leisure Centre this
December.
The ever-popular ice show
returns from Wednesday
18 – Sunday 22 December.
This year’s show, ‘Sleeping
Beauty on Ice’ will showcase
the talents of local ice skaters
in their very own adaptation
of this classic fairytale.
Come and be mesmerised
by magical storytelling and
amazing skating skills.
Tickets are on sale now
and full details including
times and prices as well as
bookings are available at
iceshow
October half
term is coming
so Get In!
Looking for fun and engaging ways
to keep your children active this half
term? Then check out what’s on offer
from Chelmsford City Sports.
Running from Monday 28 October
– Friday 1 November, the holiday
courses programme has plenty to keep
youngsters entertained and active this
half term – so Get In!
With a wide range of events from half day
sports camps packed full of activities, to
triple play sessions including gymnastics,
trampoline and ball sports, to swimming
crash courses, to intensive ice skating
courses and so much more, the October
half term sports courses have something
to offer everyone.
The courses cater for a range of age
groups and abilities. For more
information and for bookings, please visit
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/holidaycourses
Alternatively visit your nearest leisure
centre to pick up a brochure.
Useful contacts
Community Sport and Wellbeing 01245 605666
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csaw
01245 615050
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riverside
Chelmsford Sport and Athletic
Centre01245 605666
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/csac
Leisure Centre
01245 605600
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/swflc
Dovedale Sport Centre
01245 605856
www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale

City Life - Winter 2013 - Chelmsford City Council

Transcription

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