Brandon Penny

Ernest Jones is set to open a new store at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Essex on Saturday. The retailer, founded by Ernest and Stella Weinstein in 1949, now operates more than 180 UK stores as part of Signet Jewelers and specialises in diamond jewellery, engagement and wedding rings, gold and silver pieces, and branded watches.

Almería Airport in Andalusia will close for six days in February 2028 to allow runway upgrades, suspending all arrivals and departures and potentially cancelling flights from Stansted, Southend and other UK airports. Ryanair, easyJet and Iberia services are expected to be affected. The closure is part of a €29 million, 19-month renovation, with additional overnight operating restrictions during the wider works. Travellers can consider Granada-Jaén or Málaga airports, although both are significantly distant from Almería.

Wethersfield firefighters from Essex were deployed to Dunwich Heath in Suffolk to support the response to a major wildfire that had continued for 36 hours. Fourteen fire appliances, specialist equipment and relief crews were involved, while the public was urged to avoid the area and residents affected by smoke were advised to close windows and doors. The fire covered an area equivalent to about 210 football pitches and prompted evacuations. The deployment came during an exceptionally busy week for Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, which attended 570 incidents, including a major industrial fire at Highlands Farm that injured 20 firefighters, all of whom were later discharged.

Nelson, a severely abused Doberman found trembling in a London property, suffered two skull fractures and other non-accidental injuries. After emergency treatment and 12 months of rehabilitation through the RSPCA, he was adopted by Donna Batchelor and her family in Chelmsford. Although he remains anxious around some movements, his new owners say he has become a happy, affectionate dog. His former owner was convicted of four Animal Welfare Act offences, received a suspended prison sentence and was banned from keeping animals for five years.

Essex residents Chrissie Bond of Clacton-on-Sea and Charlotte Appleby of Great Oakley won categories in the 2026 Shed of the Year competition. Bond’s colourful, yoga-inspired retreat Namastay won the Colourful category, while Appleby’s woodland hideaway Baggle’s Burrow won Garden Sanctuary. The 20th annual competition attracted entries from across the UK and thousands of public votes, with organizers and sponsor Tiger praising the winners’ creativity and craftsmanship.

Mega Bounce, promoted as the world’s largest inflatable playhouse, will make its UK debut at Braintree Village on July 18, offering themed bounce zones, slides, obstacle courses and entertainment options. Sessions range from quiet hours to all-ages and adults-only events with DJs, karaoke and a bar. Tickets are priced from £3 to £18, with discounts for group bookings and rewards members. The attraction is expected to draw significant regional interest during the summer holidays.

Independent candidate Ollie Granger has withdrawn from the Clacton by-election and is endorsing fellow independent Luke Worley, citing limited time and resources to run an effective campaign. Granger praised Worley’s focus on local jobs, the high street, and the cost of living, which he said aligned with his own priorities. He plans to support Worley through canvassing and social media activity ahead of the August 13 polling date while continuing to advocate for strong local representation.

A hosepipe ban has been introduced across Essex and the East of England as Anglian Water responds to record heat, high demand and the second‑driest spring on record. The company cites environmental strain, low river flows and reduced reservoir levels as reasons for restricting non‑essential domestic water use. Operational teams are working to increase supply and fix leaks, while long‑term investments include smart meters, pipeline projects and future reservoirs. Exemptions allow watering cans for gardens and food growing, and businesses are urged to use water responsibly.

Nigel Farage announced his resignation as MP for Clacton, triggering a by‑election in which he plans to stand again. He framed the contest as a fight between voters and the political establishment amid scrutiny over undeclared donations and support, including assistance reportedly provided by ally George Cottrell and a prior £5 million gift from donor Christopher Harborne. He faces a parliamentary standards investigation over the unregistered support. More updates are expected as the situation develops.

Ryanair warns travelers of potential long passport queues at seven major European airports due to the EU’s newly implemented Entry/Exit System, which requires biometric registration for non‑EU visitors. The airline argues the system is unprepared for peak summer travel and urges governments to postpone its rollout until September. Concerns are echoed by the Port of Dover, which reports past severe delays and predicts worsening congestion as traffic increases, citing technical issues with EES kiosks despite significant investment in new processing facilities.

Chelmsford’s State Fayre festival will return to Hylands Park in 2027 after drawing large crowds for a weekend of performances featuring major music acts. Organisers Festival Republic and Live Nation praised the turnout of around 30,000 attendees and promoted future updates on the event’s website and social media channels.