Category: Channels Development

Inaugrual Channels 5k

The Inaugural Channels 5k Running Route is now officially launched! Take a look a the detailed Route Guide (pdf) and give it a go.

It’s not a (virtual) race however if you use any of the well known fitness apps, you can track your progress over time. The route is relatively straight forward with a mix of tarmac and gravel paths and there are plenty of benches along the way if you need a rest.

Let’s see how many people we can get to complete it (either running or walking) and don’t forget we have a Channels Residents Runners Facebook Group and Strava Club if you want to get involved and share experiences etc.

P.S.
We know there is only about 200m of the route that is actually within the Channels boundary however it starts and ends here so that’s what counts!

Enjoy! 🙂

North East Bypass & Station Update

Due to the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak, planned engagement events in relation to the Chelmsford North East Bypass & Station project have been postponed. Further information on the £250 million road and rail upgrade for Chelmsford will be made available ahead of the bypass planning application early next year.

For now there is some updated information, including a newsletter and a short film explaining the scheme, which can be found at:

https://tinyurl.com/NEBypass

Channels Bus Service Update

The Channels Bus Service has been updated with effect from 19th April 2020 but will continue to run to support those key workers that still need to attend their workplace. This is however until further notice on the basis that we are in an ever changing situation.

Revised Monday to Saturday Timetable

First Bus service information & updates in relation to the impact of COVID19 can be found here.

Channels Bus Service Update

The Channels Bus Service will continue to run every 30 minutes to support those key workers that still need to attend their workplace. This is however until further notice on the basis that we are in an ever changing situation.

Revised Monday to Friday Timetable
Revised Saturday Timetable

First Bus service information & updates in relation to the impact of COVID19 can be found here.

Coronavirus Assistance

The current Essex County Council/Public Health England Coronavirus initiative is based around Facebook, as is the Channels Community Coronavirus Support Network Group.

Not everyone uses Facebook so if you do need assistance, you can complete a simple form and the information will be received by a Channels Residents Community Group representative who will respond to you.

If you know someone that may need support, is online but does not generally use social media, please pass on the link.

www.channels.community/coronavirus-assistance/

Please only use the above link where you have a real concern or have a genuine need for assistance, such as where you are self-isolating or if you are considered ‘high risk’ due to an underlying health condition.

If you do have access to Facebook, please use the Channels Community Coronavirus Support Network Group as your first port of call.

Coronavirus Support

Dear all,

There is an additional page on the website which contains information about a new Coronavirus support initiative and how we, as a community, can help each other during these difficult times.

Please do take a few minutes to find out about the new initiative and how the Channels Residents Community Group is planning to assist.

www.channels.community/coronavirus/

Bridleway Update

The City Council Parks Team were due to undertake work on the section of Bridleway 18 which connects Channels (Bellway Homes development) with Beaulieu between 2nd-6th March. The project had already been re-scheduled from mid-February due to the need for a Traffic Regulation Order to temporarily close the section of bridleway whilst the works to lay the new surface are in progress. There was also a need to discuss and agree a time-frame for the works with Cadent Gas who require access over the land to their gas compound.

Whilst the Traffic Regulation Order technically came into force from 2nd March the Parks team, despite their best efforts, have struggled to obtain a response from Cadent Gas despite chasing regularly and as such the works have been re-scheduled again to start on 9th March.

Update 9th March
Work has started! The City Council Parks Team estimate that it will take a week to complete the temporary surface upgrade. All being well residents will have a surfaced route, which can be used in all weathers, week commencing Monday 16th March. 🙂

Bridleway Update

Further to the last update in mid January, the City Council Parks team have visited and inspected the section of Bridleway 18 which connects Channels (Bellway Homes development) with Beaulieu.

It has been agreed that they will undertake works to create a temporary surface, akin to that shown in the photo below. The material will ‘self-bind’ and is porous so as to avoid any excessive surface water build up although the texture and colour may vary slightly from the image.

As the bridleway is so muddy and boggy in places, some sections will have to be dug out completely in order to lay the new surface. The works will require a temporary closure of this section of the path for approximately one week due to the need for a mini digger and smaller site vehicles to access the bridleway and remove material.

Update 20th February 2020
The City Council has advised that the works are now scheduled to take place between 2nd-6th March. This is because there has been a need to apply for a traffic regulation order to temporarily close the section of bridleway whilst the works to lay the surface are in progress. There was also a need to discuss and agree a time-frame for the works with Cadent Gas who require access over the land to their gas compound.