Refurbishment at Chelmsford's market bus stops - after 20 months of lobbying!
Refurbishment works have begun at a key transport hub in central Chelmsford. They have come after a lobbying campaign of nearly two years by a north Chemsford resident, backed by her local Councillor Stephen Robinson.
The bus stop area next to Chelmsford's market, used by hundreds of people throughout the week, has deteriorated over the last couple of years. Commented Cllr Robinson, "At its most basic level, it just needs a very good, regular clean but other maintenance is also essential. Mrs Thomson first contacted me about this in late Summer 2012 and it was some months before anyone at Chelmsford Council even admitted responsibility. It took more than a year of emails and phone calls to pin anyone down to actually doing something."
Chelmsford City Council say that, along with other partner organisations, they are working together to bring about a number of improvements. This will include deep cleaning of all the surfaces, removal and replacement of the bird netting, redecoration of the concrete surfaces, retreatment of the railings and metalworks, replacement of the bus shelters and localised footpath and road repairs.
Chelmsford City Council will also be working with the Essex Probation Service, who are providing labour through the Community Payback Scheme to undertake the work on the railings. Lead Director for the Essex Probation Community Payback Scheme, Pete Mangan, said: "Essex Probation provides between one and two million pounds worth of free labour every year for the community in Essex. We are delighted to be extending the scheme to help with this very important refurbishment, and look forward to contributing more towards a better environment in the area."
There will be no disruption to timetabled bus services as a result of the works.