Claudia Bradley

Uttlesford District Council, working with Essex County Council, has removed an estimated 120 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish from the former Felsted Railway Station site. The property had endured years of fly-tipping, vandalism, theft and antisocial behaviour despite the owners’ restoration efforts and earlier spending on clearance and security. A temporary concrete-block wall has been installed, while the cleanup costs will be recovered from the owners when the property is sold. The owners said asbestos was also found and credited media coverage and council support with helping bring about action.

Nang Phung, 27, denied producing cannabis after police discovered about 680 plants at a factory in Cold Norton near Latchingdon Road, Essex, estimated to be worth £500,000. He appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court and will remain in custody pending a two-day trial scheduled for November 9.

The cancellation of the A12 widening scheme from Chelmsford to Marks Tey has cost taxpayers £212.5 million in money already spent, according to Department for Transport accounts. The scheme had planning approval, survived a legal challenge and had funding committed under the previous Conservative government. Conservative MP Priti Patel condemned the cancellation, while Essex councils and business leaders warned of continued congestion, weaker road safety and constraints on housing and economic growth. The related A120 dualling scheme was also scrapped. The Department for Transport said the schemes were unaffordable in the inherited financial climate and would have required more than £4 billion to complete, while National Highways considers smaller safety and capacity improvements to the A12.

The Ship Inn in Tiptree is praised for its welcoming coastal-themed interior, pergola-covered garden and affordable menus, including discounted meals for diners over 55. The review highlights generous portions and well-executed classics such as sausages and mash, chicken and ham pie, seafood, burgers and grilled dishes, concluding that the pub offers comforting food, good value and a strong community atmosphere.

Holly West, 39, denied charges of racially aggravated harassment and threatening behaviour relating to alleged incidents involving two workers transporting asylum seekers to and from Wethersfield Asylum Centre. Prosecutors allege she used racial slurs and that she faces additional charges including racially aggravated common assault, common assault and a racially aggravated public order offence. Magistrates accepted jurisdiction, but West elected to face a jury trial at Chelmsford Crown Court, where she is due to attend a pre-trial hearing on August 25. She was granted unconditional bail.