Brandon Penny

The Late Riser Carboot sale in London Road, Clacton-on-Sea, has been postponed because heavy rain is forecast. Organizers moved the event to Tuesday, August 25, and advised people with existing bookings to contact them.

Colchester Civic Society is urging Colchester Council to restore and reopen the Victorian boating lake in Castle Park, which has been empty since the Middle Mill Weir collapsed in December 2023. Society chair Jo Edwards accused the council of neglecting heritage assets, warned against permanently decommissioning the lake and called for it to reopen by next summer, potentially funded by concert-series profits. The council says it is investigating alternative water sources and developing sustainable long-term options while consulting stakeholders.

David Towse, 30, of Hornchurch, was charged with attempting to cause grievous bodily harm after a Mini Cooper allegedly failed to stop for a motorcycle officer near Chelmsford. The vehicle was pursued to Ingatestone, where Towse was arrested. He also faces charges of dangerous driving, failing to stop, driving without insurance and driving while disqualified. He appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to Chelmsford Crown Court for a hearing on September 15.

Essex Police said its robust operation around the Clacton by-election ensured polling and the overnight count took place safely, with no incidents or issues reported. The statement followed Nigel Farage’s decision not to attend the declaration after Reform UK said police had warned him of a credible threat and an alleged campaign to disrupt the result. Farage won with 22,239 votes, a majority of 12,784 over Count Binface, while turnout fell to 44.37 percent and 32 candidates lost their deposits.

The A134 Sudbury Road in Newton will close overnight from August 12 to August 20 for urgent works. The official diversion is more than 36 miles long and could add about an hour to journeys, with the route designed to accommodate larger vehicles such as HGVs. Smaller local roads may offer alternatives for some motorists but are unsuitable for all traffic.

Grace Jones reportedly requests Findelcare or Colchester oysters as part of her tour rider, alongside Cristal champagne, wine, sushi and other refreshments. The reported supply of Colchester oysters for a 2018 festival performance connects the Jamaican singer, model and actress with the oyster heritage of Colchester and Mersea Island. The article also outlines the oysters’ Roman-era history, Colchester’s fishery rights dating to 1189, and Jones’s career in music, fashion and film.

Firefighters continued monitoring Middlewick Ranges in Colchester after a major blaze deployed about 50 firefighters and 14 appliances. Although the site was surrounded by late morning, crews revisited it to check for hotspots, while residents were asked to distinguish dust from genuine smoke before calling emergency services. Road closures were imposed, and ward councillor Dave Harris called for stronger measures to reduce the recurring grass-fire risk and protect nearby residents and land users.

NCP will stop operating Colchester’s High Street (Nunn’s Road) and Osborne Street car parks from August 1, 2026, with Q-Park taking over management. The two sites, which provide about 1,200 spaces, are expected to remain open. The change follows NCP’s administration and a wider review in which 22 of its 340 UK car parks were deemed commercially unviable and scheduled to close.

Emergency services, including police and ambulance crews, are responding to an ongoing incident near Seaview Avenue in West Mersea. An air ambulance has also been reported in the area, and authorities are asking the public to avoid the vicinity while the response continues.

Game Retail Limited has entered administration with creditors facing £12 million in losses, according to a report from KR8 Advisory. The retailer, once operating more than 300 stores under the Game and Gamestation brands, owed £15.8 million when administrators were appointed in April. Some concessions inside Sports Direct locations, including in Colchester and Thurrock, remain open, though their long‑term future is uncertain.

A new Lookers Motor Group Corvette showroom has opened in Colchester, offering sales, servicing and aftersales support for the full Corvette range. More than 400 attendees visited the launch event, which showcased the Stingray, E-Ray and Z06 models. Company leaders highlighted strong regional interest and the showroom’s focus on delivering a premium customer experience.

A temporary hosepipe ban will begin across Essex and much of the East of England due to prolonged dry weather, low river levels and increased water demand. The restrictions prohibit using hosepipes and sprinklers for tasks such as watering gardens, washing cars and filling pools, though watering cans and buckets remain allowed. Anglian Water is increasing supply, repairing leaks and shifting water across the network to support demand, but reservoirs remain under pressure. Exemptions apply for health needs, animal welfare and specific business uses. Residents are urged to reduce non‑essential water use to protect supplies and the environment during the hot, dry period.

Nigel Farage announced he will resign as MP for Clacton and trigger a by-election, stating he intends to stand again and frame the contest as a fight between voters and the political establishment. The resignation follows scrutiny over unregistered donations and support from associates, including allegations of undeclared staffing and property use provided by George Cottrell, as well as an ongoing investigation into a £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne.

Essex Police will deploy Live Facial Recognition vans in Clacton on July 4 to identify individuals suspected of serious offences including drug crime, violence, sexual offences and theft. Officers report more than 170 past arrests using the technology, which can identify partially covered faces and discards images of people not on the watchlist. Police invite the public to speak with officers in the town to learn more about how the system operates.

A new cocktail bar named Sip in Secret has opened inside Colchester’s George Hotel, replacing the former tearoom and offering live music, handcrafted drinks, and a relaxed late‑night atmosphere. Operated by Surya Hotels, the venue launched on June 26 with complimentary drinks for the first guests and a selection of cocktails and tapas to mark the occasion.

Bannatyne Health Club and Spa Kingsford Park in Colchester has completed a £250,000 refurbishment that upgrades gym areas, adds a dedicated Mind and Body Studio, and improves member facilities, with further plans for padel courts pending approval. Leadership highlights a commitment to improving wellness spaces and expanding training options, while staff report positive member reception to the enhancements.