The Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Roy Whitehead, has today announced changes to his Cabinet.

Following the decision by Councillor Ray Ride to step down from his Cabinet post last Monday, it has today been announced that two new Cabinet Members have been appointed to replace him with immediate effect.

Responsibility for the City’s Parks and Leisure facilities will now be shared between two new Cabinet Members.

Councillor Julia Jeapes has been appointed Cabinet Member for Leisure, which includes the exciting new redevelopment of Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre, while Councillor Bob Massey has been appointed Cabinet Member for Parks, which includes the City’s twelve award-winning parks and open spaces.

Councillor Jeapes has lived and worked in the Chelmsford area for over forty years, serving for 30 years as a Police Officer and, between 2005 and 2015, she was Chelmsford Divisional Commander.

After retirement she was asked to continue to work for Essex Police, using her knowledge to support improvements to the service and help bring down crime.

Her background has given her an invaluable insight into community issues, provided her with experience of partnership working and local problem solving.

Julia is City Councillor for the Lawns Ward.

Councillor Massey has lived in Chelmsford since 1986; for about twenty of those years he represented the residents of Chetwood Ward on South Woodham Ferrers Town Council.

Since being elected he has served on the City Council’s Overview & Scrutiny Committee and has worked with many South Woodham Ferrers residents to address the problems they’ve been facing.

Leader of Chelmsford City Council, Councillor Roy Whitehead, said “I would like to formally welcome Councillors Massey and Jeapes to their new roles.

"I know Bob, Julia and the rest of my Cabinet are ready for the exciting opportunities we have ahead, and will be ready to meet any challenges.”

Details of all City Councillors and Cabinet Members can be found at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/councillors