Dan D'Alessio

Anna Karvatska achieved strong GCSE results at Chase High School four years after fleeing the war in Ukraine at age 12. After initially struggling with English and experiencing significant anxiety, she received support from her school and teachers, including her maths teacher Ms Sully. Anna plans to remain at the school’s sixth form to study travel and tourism and sport, and credits the people who helped her adapt to life in the UK and succeed academically.

Rochford residents and local politicians fear revised National Planning Policy Framework rules could make it easier to approve housing and other development on Green Belt land within walking distance of well-connected railway stations. Councillors Danielle Belton and Julie Gooding warn that development around Rochford, Hockley, Hawkwell and other communities could erode Green Belt gaps and strain roads, schools, healthcare, drainage and water infrastructure. Conservative MP Rebecca Harris also opposes the changes, while Housing Secretary Angela Rayner argues that building near transport hubs will help address the housing crisis and support local communities.

Badger burrowing has damaged the footway and road on Seaview Avenue in Vange, exposing underground pipes and leaving the ground unstable. The footway has been closed, forcing pedestrians to use the road or cross to the opposite side. Resident Johanna Turvey says the problem has worsened over about three years and has launched a petition for action. Essex County Council confirmed the closure and said it will survey the footway before deciding on repairs.

Jordon Ives, founder of 98 Bliss and winner of Castle Point’s Young Businessperson of the Year award, has opened his second coffee and sandwich shop at 19 West Road in Westcliff-on-Sea. The new branch follows the success of his first shop in South Benfleet, with opening takings reportedly two to three times higher than at the original location. Ives drew on previous experience managing Costa Coffee shops and running a meal-preparation business to establish 98 Bliss using redundancy pay, savings and a small loan. The café focuses on coffee, homemade sandwiches and other food offerings, with fillings and sub ingredients prepared in-house.

Facilities at the Danny Green Football Pitches in Canvey Island were vandalised, leaving smashed toilets and sinks, damaged equipment, graffiti and debris across the site. The pitches commemorate 11-year-old Danny Green, who died of brain cancer in 2012, and are used by Canvey Island Youth Football Club. His mother Lisa Green and coach Dave Bailey described the damage as devastating, while a GoFundMe campaign seeks £5,000 for repairs and has raised £1,680. Essex Police are investigating the reported burglary and have appealed for information.

Eighty-seven-year-old cancer patient Patricia Heathcote is facing a wait of at least six months for a dedicated disabled parking bay outside her home in Westcliff-on-Sea. Her granddaughter Amy says the lack of nearby parking is undermining Patricia’s independence while she undergoes chemotherapy. Southend Council says applications are processed in batches, with funding for 50 new bays each year, and acknowledges that demand has created a waiting list. The council says urgent requests can be considered when supported by medical evidence.

A planning application has been submitted to replace agricultural buildings at Curds Farm on Tye Common Road, Billericay, with nine detached homes while retaining the existing bungalow. Basildon Council leader Andy Barnes warned that national planning changes, including the concept of grey belt land, are weakening green belt protections and encouraging speculative applications. JTS Partnership defended the proposal, saying it forms part of Site H5 and complies with the council’s housing policies. The plans include open-space provision, two parking spaces per home and a new pavement linking the site to a nearby bus stop.

TruGym in Thorpe Bay is marking its fourth anniversary with a 24-hour fundraising event supporting Mind South East and Central Essex and The One Love Project. The event will feature fitness challenges, including a triathlon and spinathon, an old school sports day, gym classes, prizes, food, stalls, crafts and family entertainment. Tickets cost £24 for members and non-members, with local businesses invited to sponsor activities or take stalls. Manager Roisin Holmes said the gym wants to involve the wider Southend community and raise meaningful donations for the charities.

Robins Pie & Mash has applied to convert a vacant former hot-food takeaway on Rayleigh High Street into a restaurant with an ancillary takeaway service. The family-run chain says the proposal is a modest change of use, supported by the property’s existing kitchen and servicing access, and would shift the premises toward dine-in trade. Councillor Danielle Belton welcomed the plans, saying the restaurant could occupy an empty unit and increase footfall in a quieter part of the town centre.

Clements Hall Play Space in Hockley, Rochford, has reopened after a £75,000 refurbishment that replaced play equipment up to 20 years old and created a brighter, more inclusive facility. The upgrade is part of Rochford District Council’s wider investment in community play areas, following improvements at Hockley Woods and Sweyne Park. Councillor Tino Callaghan and former councillor Julie Gooding welcomed the project, which is intended to benefit children and families in Hockley, Hawkwell and surrounding communities.

Decanters, a cafe by day and wine bar by night on Furtherwick Road in Canvey, officially opened on July 16 after a full refurbishment. Co-owners Kelly Cross, Andy Humphreys, Dan and Keira Harrison say the venue has received strong community support and offers a relaxed, adult-focused alternative to local pubs and sports bars. The business has employed local staff, including young people gaining work experience, and serves a simple food menu alongside its wine selection. Friday and Saturday evenings have been particularly busy, with plans to develop the venue further ahead of Christmas.

FACEMed has submitted plans to convert two neighbouring homes in Billericay into ancillary staff accommodation, offices and overnight patient facilities linked to its existing clinic. The proposed buildings would not provide additional clinical services, with treatment continuing at the main facility in Crays Hill. FACEMed says the scheme would improve patient experience, workforce resilience and operational efficiency while supporting elective care and local employment.

A burst six-inch water main flooded Wimbish End in Basildon, leaving cars partially submerged, disrupting parking and access to homes, and creating particular difficulties for a resident’s disabled partner. Essex and Suffolk Water said crews responded from around 6am, isolated and repaired the damaged pipe, and restored normal water supplies after around 20 customers experienced reduced pressure. The company attributed the failure partly to hot, dry weather causing the ground to shift and place pressure on underground pipework.

Southend racer Carmen Reeve, 23, has completed race weekends at Snetterton and Donington Park in the MINI Challenge Clubsport series, including a top-five finish in her class. Financial support from JBR Capital enabled her to compete, and she plans to return for a full season in 2027 while pursuing podium finishes and a championship win. Reeve also hopes to encourage more women and people without substantial financial backing to enter motorsport; preparations for the next season are already underway with her racing-mechanic father.

Channel 4 News will film a community walk at Mount Bovers in Hawkwell for a report on the Government’s grey belt policy and the future of green belt land. The site is the subject of Taylor Wimpey’s rejected proposal for 350 homes, including 50% affordable housing and publicly accessible green space. Rochford District Council refused the scheme in June, citing issues including sewer network capacity, and Taylor Wimpey has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate. Campaigners Save Mount Bovers argue the agricultural land should remain protected, while the developer says the project would support housing supply, economic growth and local infrastructure.

Andy Bunker, who worked at Alton Garden Centre in Wickford for 47 years and served as its plant manager for three decades, has died. His family thanked friends, customers and colleagues for their support and donations to Farleigh Hospice. Bunker was also active in the wider horticultural sector as a Royal Horticultural Society judge, a contributor to RHS Garden Hyde Hall and a supporter of Greenfingers Charity. In recognition of his contribution, Glee has renamed its British New Product award the Andy Bunker Best British New Product at Glee. His funeral service will take place at Bowers Gifford Crematorium.

Steve Kiddell and Karen Peddley have opened Sweets by Da Deli next to their Da Deli café on Kiln Road in South Benfleet. The shop sells more than 200 varieties of nostalgic sweets, along with whippy ice cream, Slush Puppies and chocolate bananas, with bags priced from £1.75 per 100g. Located near Seevic College, the business has received strong local support and the owners expect visitor numbers to increase when students return, while planning to add American drinks and Monster energy drinks.

South Benfleet Primary School marked its centenary with the unveiling of a wildlife mural in the infant playground. Designed and painted by former parent, volunteer and governor Becky Tyler with help from Andrea Hassan and former pupil Elena Rainbow, the mural depicts wildlife native to the local area and supports the school’s nature-focused curriculum. The unveiling was attended by MP Rebecca Harris and Buglife’s Katie Hargreaves, with community members contributing photographs, ideas and artwork.

Jamie Hamilton and his partner Louise launched the Peaky Blinders-themed Asta Barista coffee cart in Rayleigh to create a more flexible family business while supporting their neurodivergent daughter, Nula Star. The cart serves coffee, milkshakes, cakes and cookies, has attracted strong community support and a loyal customer base, and is primarily based at King George V Playing Field. The family plans to add a second cart, open a coffee shop and eventually produce branded coffee.

A reviewer visits Dr Seafood, a Basildon food trailer run by Andreea and Bogdan Anghel, and tries its Surf & Turf Meal. The meal’s garlic parmesan fries are praised for their flavor and texture, while the steak and shrimp sandwich is described as messy but highly enjoyable, with well-cooked steak and succulent shrimp. The reviewer also commends the couple’s hospitality and says they would like to sample more of the seafood-focused menu.

Kevin Watkins, a much-loved Southend family man who worked for Southend Council for 38 years, died aged 56 at Fair Havens Hospice after his terminal cancer progressed rapidly. His wife Sarah and daughters Charlotte and Sophie were described as devastated, while colleagues, council members and friends paid tribute at his packed funeral. Watkins had worked in the council's parks department and at Southend crematorium and was also active in the Essex County Bowling Club. His sister-in-law Michelle Lane completed a 570-kilometre running and walking challenge in his honour, raising £5,365 through GoFundMe for his daughters.

Gemma Ashby shaved her head at a fundraiser in memory of her mother, Sandra Lyons, who died aged 66 from terminal bowel cancer just two months after her diagnosis. The event at Taylors Hairdressing in Rayleigh raised money that the family used for Sandra's funeral. Family, friends and former NHS colleagues attended the funeral and shared memories, while the family expressed gratitude for the community's support. The GoFundMe campaign had raised £3,726 toward its £4,000 target.

Homes on Honeypot Lane in Basildon experienced low water pressure or no water after a six-inch water main burst. Essex & Suffolk Water isolated the damaged main, restored supplies to most customers and provided alternative water where needed. Repairs were expected to be completed before the weekend, with no impact on traffic.

Holy Spud, a mobile jacket-potato business run by Basildon couple Paris Jackson and Eden Paul, has been forced to stop operating after Eden swerved to avoid an allegedly dangerous driver and damaged their horsebox trailer beyond repair. Their insurance will not cover the loss, creating significant financial pressure for the family. The couple have launched a GoFundMe campaign and started a home-delivery service while seeking support to replace the trailer.

Angela Munro, a 69-year-old experienced diver from Eastwood, is critically ill in a New Delhi hospital after falling sick during a scuba-diving trip in the Maldives. She was placed in an induced coma and later airlifted to India, where severe decompression illness, kidney failure and the need for continuous dialysis have left her long-term prognosis uncertain. Doctors delayed hyperbaric treatment while stabilising her, and have not determined why the incident occurred despite her extensive diving experience and annual medical clearances. Her family has travelled between Essex and India to support her, while a GoFundMe appeal has raised more than £12,000 toward a £14,000 target for medical and recovery costs.

Nora Grill, a South American restaurant opened by chef Eduardo Barsotti on Leigh Broadway on April 30, has quickly attracted customers with flame-grilled steaks, Latin-inspired seafood, hand-picked wines and a lively atmosphere. Barsotti describes the restaurant as the best experience of his culinary career and says he aims to create a special dining destination close to home. The venue plans to introduce a Wednesday listening club, guest chefs and new South American dishes, while its Sunday mixed grill has become a popular offering.

Around 45 residents were evacuated after contractors struck a gas main at a development site on Southend Road in Great Burstead, triggering a major response from firefighters, police and Cadent engineers. Nearby residents were advised to stay indoors with windows and doors closed, while roads were closed and traffic controls introduced. Cadent brought the leak under control by 8:30 p.m., allowing residents to return home, and completed repairs later that evening. Basildon Council leader Andy Barnes expressed concern about the incident and warned that uncontrolled development could increase the risk of similar events.

Jordan Cairnduff, a 27-year-old autistic man with severe learning disabilities, faces eviction from the Shoeburyness home where he has lived since birth following the death of his mother and primary carer. His half-brother, Shane Brown, says Jordan depends heavily on routine, family and familiarity and has challenged Delta Housing's refusal to transfer the tenancy. Delta Housing says a further succession was not initially permitted because Jordan's mother had previously succeeded to the tenancy, but the housing association is now reviewing the circumstances and says no final decision has been made.

Police are investigating two incidents of criminal damage and antisocial behaviour at Audley Mills Surgery in Rayleigh, where a group of children allegedly smashed windows and verbally abused staff. Councillor Danielle Belton condemned the behaviour and said several parents have come forward to cooperate with authorities. She has raised concerns with local councils regarding CCTV coverage and increased monitoring in the area. Rochford District Council stated it is working with Essex Police through the Community Safety Partnership to address the issue and encouraged continued reporting from residents.

A premises licence was approved for the Pavilion at Rayleigh Grange Community Centre, allowing alcohol sales, live music, film screenings and indoor sports under membership-only rules. Applicants Michelle and Paul Mitchell welcomed the decision and outlined plans for community events, while one local resident raised concerns about the need for a full licence. Rochford Council imposed conditions including restricted operating hours, member‑only alcohol sales and guest sign‑in requirements.

Councillors in Rayleigh objected to two proposed housing developments totalling 294 homes, citing concerns over green belt impact, traffic pressures and a lack of evidence for local housing demand. One application drew more than 700 objections. Members warned that any refusals must rely on solid planning grounds as overturned appeals are increasing. The final decision now rests with Rochford District Council.

Rayleigh Town Council plans to oppose a proposal by B Yond Homes to build 87 homes on land between Napier Road and Wellington Road after more than 600 objections were submitted. Councillors and residents argue the development would encroach on green belt land and strain local infrastructure. The developer maintains that building on green belt areas is necessary to meet future housing needs and says the site has limited landscape value. The application will next be reviewed by Rochford Council’s development committee.

A car crashed into the Anchor Inn pub in Benfleet, prompting an emergency response from fire crews and police. Landlady Hayley Sewell described the event as shocking but confirmed there were no injuries and the pub reopened within hours. Emergency services were praised for their swift actions, and local residents offered support. Admiral Taverns confirmed the building is safe, with no structural damage, and the pub continues to operate normally.

Saks Bar in Southend has reopened after being forced to close when part of a neighbouring building collapsed, injuring two people and reducing local footfall. Owner Tim Gover expressed relief at welcoming customers back and said safety measures and structural assessments remain underway. The closure disrupted business during a key trading period and affected several nearby independent shops. Despite financial setbacks and event cancellations, the bar’s return is seen as a positive step for the local community after weeks of uncertainty.

A 35-year-old man, Ashley Coleby, received a four-and-a-half-year prison sentence at Southend Crown Court for raping a young girl and sexually assaulting a teenage girl when he was a teenager. Victim impact statements described long-term emotional and psychological harm. The defence cited his troubled upbringing, while the judge emphasised that the seriousness of the crimes outweighed his age at the time. The sentences for rape and sexual assault will run consecutively.

A car crashed through a garden wall in Linroping Avenue, Canvey, striking a parked work van and narrowly missing a nearby home before the driver fled. Resident Roy Overland said the van prevented the vehicle from hitting his house. The collision caused extensive damage to the wall and van. Essex Police searched for the driver with air support but made no arrests.

A 28-year-old Rayleigh man, Harvey Wood, was sentenced to five years in prison for supplying cocaine, ketamine, ecstasy and zopiclone after his addiction escalated into large-scale drug dealing. Evidence recovered from his home and mobile phone indicated involvement in supplying multiple kilograms of cocaine and participating in a wider drug network. The court heard he had reformed since his arrest, remained drug‑free for two years and become a committed parent, but the judge ruled the seriousness of the offences required imprisonment despite the mitigating circumstances and the impact on his family.

Armed police raided a property in Grosvenor Mews, Westcliff, after reports of suspicious behaviour, arresting two men and recovering a knife. A resident described the large police presence and the intensity of the operation. Councillor Ron Woodley condemned rising antisocial behaviour and called for increased policing to protect residents. Essex Police urged anyone with information to come forward.

Chicking will open a new restaurant in Wickford on Market Road as part of its rapid UK expansion, which targets 70 outlets nationwide by 2026. The launch includes a promotional £1 Royal Crunchy Chicken Burger offer on July 11. The Dubai‑founded brand now operates more than 400 global locations and plans additional UK sites, including new Scottish stores. The company emphasises quality, flavour and customer experience as key to its growth strategy.

Armed police arrested a 20-year-old man after reports he threatened people with a suspected firearm in Pattocks, Basildon. Residents described seeing numerous armed officers, police dogs and undercover units. A separate arrest was made after cannabis plants were found during the investigation. Essex Police said there is no wider threat to the public and appealed for information.

A wildlife‑themed mural created to mark the centenary of South Benfleet Primary School is set for unveiling during a parents’ evening event, with contributions from local artists, former pupils and community photographers. Artist Becky Tyler led the project, inspired by local biodiversity and aimed at engaging children with nature. Staff, community members and pupils expressed strong enthusiasm for the artwork, which incorporates local wildlife imagery and serves as an educational legacy for the school.

Samantha Anderson, an actress from Southend, celebrated the thriller Borley Rectory: The Awakening winning Best Thriller at the 2026 National Film Awards in London. Anderson, who played the lead role, described the victory as unexpected and thrilling, noting the film’s indie origins and small budget. A graduate of the Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute, she has built a diverse career across theatre, film and digital media and is set to appear in a new stage production later in 2026.

Basildon Council has lodged a formal objection to Bloor Homes’ proposal for 1,300 houses at Dollymans Farm, arguing the development would place significant pressure on services in Wickford and Shotgate despite being located within Rochford district. Local officials, residents, and the East of England Ambulance Service have raised concerns about impacts on transport, healthcare, schools, flooding and emergency response demand. Councillor George Jeffery warned that the burden on Basildon communities cannot be ignored, while Rochford District Council continues to review the planning application. Bloor Homes stated it will consider all consultation feedback.

A long‑running family‑owned restaurant in Canvey Island marks 44 years in business, highlighting strong customer reviews and a legacy begun by founder Louis Savva. Current owner Savvakis Savva attributes the restaurant’s success to product quality, customer service and staff care, while noting challenges from rising costs and post‑COVID pressures. Despite industry difficulties, the restaurant continues to thrive with strong community support.

Hockley Woods Play Space in south Essex is reopening following major refurbishment work that upgraded the toddler area and added new inclusive equipment. The project is part of a wider Rochford Council programme to modernise four play areas across the district by replacing ageing equipment and improving safety. Councillor Danielle Belton highlighted the upgrades as part of an investment focus on youth and community wellbeing, with families encouraged to follow council updates on progress at other sites.

A person died after falling from a tower block on Salisbury Avenue in Westcliff, prompting a major emergency response and leaving residents distressed. Police, ambulance crews and forensic teams cordoned off the area as investigations continue, including witness statements and CCTV reviews. Several residents expressed shock, fear and concern about safety following the incident, while Essex Police confirmed no arrests have been made and officers will remain in the area during ongoing inquiries.

A community in Chafford Hundred held an emotional 5k memorial run for murdered teenager Henry Nowak, drawing around 200 participants and strong support from local groups, including the Sikh community, All Saints Church and Henry’s former employer Morrisons. The event raised £600 for the charity 2 Wish, and Henry’s family took part. His killer, Vickrum Digwa, was sentenced to life imprisonment in June. The Independent Office for Police Conduct confirmed that two Hampshire Constabulary officers are under investigation for possible gross misconduct after reportedly failing to provide first aid at the scene of the stabbing.

A Southend boxer, Tayla Cox, has been granted a professional license and is preparing for his debut, aiming to eventually fight for a world title. Training at Peacocks Gym with former champion Dan Azeez, he has built on prior amateur success, including wins at the Algarve Box Cup and NAGBC London. Cox balances rigorous training with his job as a chef and credits boxing with transforming his life, encouraging others to take up the sport for its physical and emotional benefits.

A Rochford business owner, recently declared cancer-free after surgery for a rare bone cancer, is organising a cycling fundraiser to install permanent air conditioning in the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital’s high dependency unit following discomfort he experienced during extreme heat. Additional funds raised will go to Southend Hospital. The hospital acknowledged the issue, apologised and said it is reviewing facilities. His JustGiving campaign has raised £1,030 toward a £10,000 goal.

A Southend family is mourning the death of 59‑year‑old Russell Holloway, who died on his birthday after a three‑year battle with stage four lung cancer. Remembered as humorous, warm, and well‑liked, he leaves behind his wife, children, and grandchildren. Relatives describe widespread support and fond memories shared by friends worldwide. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover funeral expenses and support his wife during this difficult period, with donations reaching £781 of the £2,800 goal by July 1.

A community group in Rochford is hosting a fundraising race night to support its participation in a public inquiry over a developer’s appeal to build 350 homes on green belt land in Hawkwell. Save Mount Bovers aims to raise funds for legal and expert representation as it joins the inquiry as a Rule 6 party. The development had previously been unanimously rejected by Rochford Council amid strong local opposition. Supporters, including councillor Danielle Belton, emphasise growing concerns about overdevelopment and the need for resident‑led action. The fundraiser will feature horse racing, entertainment and community activities to bolster opposition to the scheme.

A Basildon couple, Andreea and Bogdan Anghel, have opened Dr Seafood Raw Store at Basildon Market following the success of their existing seafood trailer on Luckyn Lane. The new stall offers a wide range of fresh and frozen seafood, including crab, lobster and seafood boil kits, responding to customer demand for raw seafood options. Balancing the new business with family life, the couple plan to continue operating both ventures while expanding their offerings to meet local needs.

A long-serving Southend Council employee, Kevin Watkins, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and is receiving palliative care at home after a rapid decline in his health. His sister-in-law, Michelle Lane, has launched a fundraising effort through a 570‑kilometre challenge and a GoFundMe campaign to help support his wife and daughters. Watkins is remembered for his dedication to his family, his council work and his involvement with the Essex County Bowling Club.

Two historic sequoia trees on the former Bullwood Hall estate in Hockley were struck by lightning during a violent thunderstorm, splitting one in half and severely damaging the other. Resident Geoff Grove described the force of the strike as unprecedented and said nearby homes narrowly avoided damage. Landowner Sanctuary secured the site and is awaiting an arborist assessment to determine further action.

A structural collapse at Saks Bar on Clifftown Road in Southend injured two people and forced the business to close while safety assessments continue. Owner Tim Gover described hearing a loud crash as debris fell onto the pavement, prompting an emergency response from ambulance crews and Essex Police, who cordoned off the area. Residents and witnesses expressed shock at the incident, noting the risk to families nearby, as road diversions remained in place and rubble was still visible the following day.