"Sell historic Marconi buildings separately," say local Lib Dems

1.24.50am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 18th Jun 2010

Marconi Councillors Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley (right) with Chelmsford Parliamentary Candidate Stephen Robinson

In an effort to avoid further vandalism at the old Marconi factory in New Street, the local Lib Dems have made a plea for the historic part of the site to be sold first in order to protect it. Writing in the local papers, Cllrs Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley said:

"As local Councillors for the part of Chelmsford that includes the New Street Marconi Site, we have been very concerned at its remaining disused, deteriorating, and a magnet for vandalism and antisocial behaviour. The Receivers who now own the site (instead of the planned developer) should be realistic and speedy in negotiating with potential buyers. We can all then take a fresh look at how best this key site can be brought back to life, and re-address the overdue plans to improve things around the Railway Station.

"The Council has been keen to see the site kept as one, so that best use of it can be achieved. That's fine, we don't want piecemeal or over-development. However, the separate early sale of the buildings fronting New Street, including the landmark listed 1812 building, should be looked at as a matter of urgency. We want that proposed to the receivers, so that these historic buildings can be restored and brought back to use at the earliest opportunity.

Meanwhile our thanks to local residents who are being vigilant in reporting breaches to the site's security ; they are having to be - this weekend we hear again of a continuing hole in the fencing, and open doors. We have been highlighting these ongoing problems to the Council since early in the year - it is a sorry story that formal action to force the receivers to act is now needed.

Cllrs Jude Deakin and Graham Pooley

Liberal Democrats, Marconi Ward