Collection Point Chaos

It was indeed touching to see the generous donations from Chelmsford residents to the British Red Cross/CSVA appeal for the Afghan refugees. Hamptons was one of 5 local venues who volunteered their buildings as collection points.

However, there was a huge problem caused by the poor organisational skills shown by Hamptons, and the clashing of several events. Here’s the result:

Why was it really necessary to run the collection point at the same time as Friday prayers and a party to celebrate the end of the Summer Camps. And let’s not forget the Food Bank, although Hamptons haven’t actually publicised it for seven weeks.

When Hamptons said they were organising an assault course, we didn’t think they meant the road into the venue.

Where Were The Parking Marshalls ?

Giving the volume of traffic, and the full car park, you’d think one of the Hamptons team would’ve sent out a couple of parking marshalls in hi vis tabards.

It was one of the promises made by Hamptons/CMS way back in Januaury 2020. Strange that there was no attempt to marshall the car park yesterday, but they managed to provide one when they were trying to conceal the nightime prayers in April/May of this year.

We have video footage of a marshall in a hi vis, shepherding worshippers round to the rear car park, to avoid alerting residents. Watch carefully at about 48 seconds. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6-dnJrUbr8&t=1s

What would’ve happened if a Fire engine needed access ?

For nearly three hours, Tydemans ( a very narrow road) was choked with traffic, at times going all the way back to Beehive Lane. The Hamptons car park was full, and parked cars lined one side of Tydemans, with many parked completely across the pavement. It was a good job that no wheelchair users or mums with buggies attempted to access the venue using the pavement.

With the Tydemans Green out of bounds for car parking, the venues 98 spaces now seems quite inadequate to host any large scale events.

At one point, the worshippers from the mosque flooded out, and no incoming traffic could enter the car park, or progress down Tydemans. This lead to a flurry of u turns, which futher blocked the outgoing traffic.

One of our team had to move out of the way quite quickly as cars crossed the green to dodge round the traffic.

Residents also contacted us to report the large number of vehicles using the Clarion Gate Development for parking. it was fortunate that many locals were out at work.

The shape of things to come ?

Hamptons must do better, perhaps the centre manager should focus less on tv interviews and more on organising their timetable properly, but we must congtraulate her for name dropping the Chelmsford Muslim Society into her BBC interview in less than 3 seconds.

Given the long term plans to increase the numbers attending Friday prayers, is this just a taste of the future for residents ?

KBO