Browsing: Local News

An update from Essex Chambers of Commerce explores proposed local government reorganisation, highlighting potential efficiency gains while acknowledging concerns about local identity and connection.

At a Glance Dirty Business and the Reality of Britain’s Water Crisis! We watched The Channel 4 docudrama “Dirty Business”…

Life-saving Bleed Prevention Kits will now be installed at every Essex fire station following new funding from Essex County Council, making Essex the first county in the UK to achieve full coverage and expanding access to critical emergency equipment across communities.

The South East Essex Green Party is demanding urgent action to complete a long-promised 20mph zone around Glendale Gardens in Leigh, after signage failures have left the scheme unenforceable despite physical works being finished.

Young people in Southend are set to get more help and support thanks to a grant to Wellbeing at Garon Park CIO from the Essex Violence and Vulnerability Unit’s (VVU) Community Grant Programme.

Measles cases are rising in North London and may soon reach Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Parents and carers are urged to check their child’s MMR vaccination status and arrange any missed doses as soon as possible to ensure protection.

Over £360,000 has been secured to upgrade and convert existing space in eight GP surgeries across mid and south Essex, creating 15 new clinical and consulting rooms and enabling up to 60,000 additional appointments per year.

Southend-on-Sea City Council is supporting Essex Police following an armed robbery at a jewellery shop in Western Road, just off the High Street, that took place on Monday, 16 February 2026. The incident involved offenders using weapons, including a machete and axes, before fleeing the scene.

Refuse collection crews in Southend have been praised after their quick thinking and vigilance helped police apprehend a suspected burglar in Hampton Close. The team followed their training, called 999, and kept the suspect in sight until officers arrived.

Southend has hosted the UK’s first community-led water summit, bringing together residents, campaigners, councillors, MPs and Anglian Water to focus on storm overflows, sewage discharges and bathing water quality. With £104 million investment pledged and stronger scrutiny promised, the message was clear: cleaner, safer water for Southend’s coastline.