Vicky Ford, is celebrating £8,854,144 of National Lottery funding being awarded to community projects across the constituency. The money, raised by players for good causes, is being distributed by The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

Easter weekend was beautiful.  I enjoyed the Good Friday service in the High Street, watching Essex playing Cricket with my family and knocking on doors all across Chelmsford.

A friend recently challenged me to write an A-Z of great things that I’ve seen in Chelmsford this year.  There is a huge amount to choose from but here is my first attempt.  I wonder what others readers might like to add to the list?

This week Parliament was meant to be on a “recess” break.

Thousands of workers will receive good news in in their pay slip this month. The National Living Wage has gone up by almost 5% to £8.21 per hour. This is the highest rate since it was first introduced.

Monday 01 April  Start the week with meeting of Great Eastern Main Line task force.  Good news! The 15-minute Delay Repay compensation scheme is now in place and we are told that Network Rail has nearly finished the overhead line replacement project between Chelmsford and London.

Many people will be concerned about the news of a knife crime incident yesterday in Central Park. I share their concerns. I understand that the risk to the wider public from this incident is considered to be low.

I thought it might be helpful to write another update on Brexit following numerous votes this week.  Thank you for the many emails that I have received, I do appreciate all your comments.  I know that there are differing views amongst Chelmsford residents on the way forward.

Monday 25th March  Crucial week as it is vital MPs find a way to unlock the Brexit deadlock. There is a motion tonight about whether MPs should have “indicative votes”. Before the House of Commons meets I have a long phone call with head of CHP, Chelmsford’s largest social landlord.

Over 100 people helped with the riverside litter pick this morning - thank you so much to the team at Chelmsford City Life for organising.