Local MP voted for more secrecy

Our local MP was one of the gang of Tory and Labour MPs who voted for more secrecy, exempting MPs from the Freedom of Information Act. The Liberal Democrats have launched a petition against this example of double standards.

No 2 ID - Chelmsford group launched

A "Chelmsford No 2 ID" group has been launched, at the site of one of the new interrogation centres - at the same time, as the Government announced another massive jump in database scheme costs.

I was pleased to be at the launch, with 12 people from other political parties and none. But you won't know since my face was behind one of the masks in the picture!
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Jamboree at Hylands

Just back from Hylands House, where local residents heard about the plans for the World Scout Jamboree in the park. The park will be closed from 22 July to 9 August to accommodate the event. It will be a fantastic event for 32,000 14-18 year olds and 10,000 adult helpers from just about every country in the world. And the public will be able to attend on some days.

This is one event to celebrate 100 years of Scouting. On 1st August every Scout around the world will mark the event at 8.00am.

Local residents have expressed concerns, particularly about traffic. We heard about all the arrangements that are in place to deal with this. Many problems were addressed during the "practice run" of holding the Euro Jamboree here in 2005.

Writtle Parish Council was well represented at the meeting and has been keeping an eye on the arrangements.

A leaflet will be going to almost every house in the Borough with the Weekly News next week. More information: www.thejamboree.org There is also a phone number that is already taking enquiries, and will be answered 24 hours a day once the site is in use to deal with any concerns: 0845 300 1818.

Footnote for my non-Chelmsford readers: Hylands House was saved by the first Liberal administration of Chelmsford Council (1983-1991) after the previous administration had let it decay.

Chelmsford: Lib Dems up 4; others down 2 each

In the Chelmsford Borough elections, Liberal Democrats gained two from Labour (their last seats) on a 22% swing and a net two seats from Conservatives. See the Chelmsford Lib Dem website