Chelmsford - By Vicky Ford MP

I recently attended the groundbreaking event for the new Beaulieu Park Station. It is excellent news that construction on this important project is now underway, as the people in the north and east of Chelmsford have waited many decades for a second station.

The new station will mean fewer people driving into central Chelmsford to use the existing station and will also help to reduce congestion around the Army and Navy. The passing loop that the new station provides will enable fast trains to overtake stopping services, improving the reliability of train services for commuters all across the Great Eastern mainline.

green space, especially clearing back undergrowth, CCTV and lighting along the path.

It is good news that our city centre has again been awarded Purple Flag status for safety in the nighttime economy. Though I am concerned about some recent stories about drink spiking in Chelmsford pubs and clubs - it is vital to catch perpetrators and stop this, and it is extremely important that victims come forward promptly if they have been spiked. This enables urine samples to be taken which can be vital evidence to help catch and prosecute perpetrators.

I recently joined members of the Chelmsford and Maldon District Community Policing Team on patrol. I was very pleased to hear about work they are doing to try to improve safety near the bus and rail stations. During our patrol we also visited a number of vape shops in Chelmsford, as there is growing concern from schools about children using vapes. It is not legal to sell or supply a vape to under 18 year olds and the nicotine content in disposable vapes can be very high.

As the weather improves, I have been out knocking on doors - a few people have been asking me about potholes. Essex County Council recently approved a huge £9 million budget to tackle potholes and this has been topped up by a further £5.5 million for Essex potholes from central government in the recent budget. The money is there for repairs, but we do need local councillors to report the worst potholes.

If you have an issue which requires assistance, or if you want to share your views and thoughts with me, please do get in touch with me at vicky.ford.mp@parliament.uk.

This month, I have also met with both the Chief Secretary to the Treasury and the Chancellor regarding the Army and Navy Sustainable Transport Package. As well as a new junction, the package includes improvements to park and ride, bus, pedestrian and cycle routes. This will require a £68 million investment from the government and the decision is now with ministers. I have emphasised the importance of this vital project to local people and our local economy.

In Chelmsford I attended a meeting with police, fire and health leads, as well as representatives from the voluntary sector and Chelmsford City Council. Much progress has been made on improving safety in Chelmsford, largely due to the leadership of our Police Fire and Crime Commissioner in recruiting over 900 more police officers since I became the MP for Chelmsford, and the £550,000 grant that