Grace Capel

Best Supermarket has applied to convert the former Clacton Covered Market site in Rosemary Road into 30 car-free flats: four one-bedroom and 28 two-bedroom homes, each with one cycle space. Residents are divided, with some calling for the market to reopen or for the site to become a community facility, while others support more town-centre housing. Concerns have also been raised about the lack of car parking and practical access for residents, deliveries and maintenance workers. The market closed in 2022, and Tendring Council will decide planning application 26/01219/OUT.

Hundreds of people attended Walton-on-the-Naze’s annual Save The Naze Party, which raised awareness of coastal erosion and efforts to protect the area. Organized by the Naze Protection Society, the free event featured food, games, music and entertainment. Local councillors Ann Oxley and Pierre Oxley praised the turnout, volunteers, local businesses and organizer David Eagle. The society, established in 1997, aims to raise £25,000 annually to fund sea defences.

Students at Lift Clacton celebrated their GCSE results after receiving additional support through Saturday, holiday and after-school intervention sessions. Jamie King, Elizabeth Ariyo, Tegan Hudson, Nicole Grieve and Abdulsamad Oshinuye described their results and outlined plans including sixth-form study, vocational pathways and further education. Principal Marc Cologne praised students, families and staff, while the students’ destinations include Lift Clacton Sixth Form and Colchester Sixth Form College.

Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Thorrington rescued a rare black-tailed godwit after it was found mud-covered, injured and being attacked by gulls near Ipswich. The bird suffered superficial wounds, bruising, feather damage and severe weight loss, but has since healed, regained strength, become waterproof and resumed flying. With only about 60 breeding pairs in the UK, the centre plans to release it once it reaches a suitable weight. Wildlives relies on public donations to fund its wildlife rescue work.

Essex Police will deploy a live facial-recognition van in Clacton on Sunday, August 23, to identify people wanted in connection with serious drug, violent, sexual and theft offences and to enforce court orders. Police say the technology has contributed to more than 180 arrests. Images of people not on the police watch-list are deleted almost immediately, while the force has used the system since 2024 after trials in 2023.

Jeffrey Holland reflects on the 45th anniversary of Hi-de-Hi!, recalling how the BBC comedy transformed his acting career and felt like being part of a warm family. He describes the real-life inspiration behind its holiday-camp characters and recounts nearly developing hypothermia while filming a pool stunt. Holland remains in contact with surviving cast members, attends anniversary events and continues to take pride in the show's enduring popularity.

A warehouse on Stour Road in Harwich caught fire at 3:36 a.m., sending smoke across the Essex-Suffolk border and ash onto homes, cars and businesses in Harwich and as far as Great Bromley. Around 35 firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Residents reported ash covering gardens and vehicles, with some debris still warm. Station Manager Jason Gould said there was no risk of asbestos in the smoke and thanked residents for their patience while crews made the scene safe.

Prae Healthcare has applied to convert the vacant Sunnyview Care Lodge in Wash Lane, Clacton, into 22 self-contained independent-living flats, with new laundry, boiler and reception facilities. The company says the redevelopment would address the building’s deterioration, repeated break-ins and alleged illegal activity while providing housing in a town-centre location. Three objections cite inadequate parking, potential antisocial behaviour and pressure on local infrastructure and healthcare services. Tendring Council will decide the application.

Furniture business Codgers of Clacton, which was destroyed in a major fire, has relocated to a former Oxford Road tile store. Owner Stewart Edwards says Nigel Farage supported the business by visiting its new premises and that he backs Farage's policies, particularly his proposals to improve emergency services. Edwards says he will continue voting for Farage.

Kathryn Russell, a Dovercourt resident and former teacher, has become chair of Inner Wheel Club District 24 in Essex after 23 years as a member and four years as president of the Harwich and Dovercourt club. She aims to strengthen connections with members across the district, while her local club has praised her commitment and pledged its support. The club raises money for charity and welcomes new members.

Thieves stole ornaments, bric-a-brac and new Disney princess dresses worth about £45 from a Cardiac Risk in the Young fundraising stall at an undisclosed Tendring car boot sale. The stall is run by supporters raising money in memory of Tom Petley, who died aged 20 from sudden arrhythmic death syndrome. Despite the theft, Tom’s family plans to continue fundraising; the memorial fund has raised nearly £60,000 and enabled almost 500 young people in Essex to receive heart screening.

The free Brightlingsea Music Festival brought audiences together for a two-day event featuring local and established performers across genres including rock, punk, folk, country, choirs and tribute acts. Headliners These Wicked Rivers and Not The Rolling Stones were joined by acts including Alan Fletcher Band, What a Waste, Emillia Quinn and MG Boulter. Organised by volunteers and held annually at Hurst Green since 2001, the festival continues its mission of giving emerging local musicians a platform while expanding its programme to include more renowned artists.

The Frinton and Walton Heritage Trust raised its £1,000 target at a charity sale held at Railway Cottage Garden in Station Road. More than 300 visitors attended, browsing stalls selling books, plants, furniture, historic glassware and other items, while volunteers also provided refreshments. The event supports the trust, a volunteer-run charity established in 1984 serving Frinton, Walton and nearby villages.

Tendring Council has approved Aspiring Residential Homes’ plans to convert a house on Millers Barn Road in Jaywick into a children's care home. The facility will accommodate two children or young people aged 10 to 17, providing a stable, family-style environment for those with needs including trauma, disrupted attachments and emotional or behavioural difficulties. Two carers will work during the day and one sleep-in staff member overnight, with staff operating 12-hour shifts.

The Lighthouse Sports and Social Hub in Dovercourt has opened the Sweet Shack, a summer shop selling treats and beach-related items. Operated by Faces CIC, the shop forms part of the Teen Time Pathways programme, which helps local young people build confidence, gain employability skills and progress from volunteering into paid work with mentoring. The programme and the hub’s youth activities are funded by the Essex and Kent Police Community Safety Development Fund and the Harwich Haven Authority Community Fund, managed by the Essex Community Foundation.

Ten-year-old Jack Eftihiou’s proposal for oil and gas companies to fund solar panels for everyone has been included in Count Binface’s manifesto for the Clacton by-election. Jack, from Leighton Buzzard, also proposed better NHS pay, cheaper Lego and more support for mental and physical health. His parents said they were proud that his environmental idea had reached a national audience. The Clacton by-election, triggered by Nigel Farage’s resignation, is scheduled for August 13 with 34 candidates standing.

Elim Pentecostal Church has applied to convert the former Clacton Chiropractor Clinic on Hayes Road into a community hall linked to its adjoining building. Proposed activities include community engagement, debt advice and art therapy. Tendring Council will decide the application, listed as 26/01108/FUL.

Little Traders Market, founded by Nerryssa Farrow, will take place in Clacton on August 22 at Brotherhood Hall. The event will feature stalls run by children aged five to 16, selling items including bracelets, lemonade, pre-owned toys and books, baked goods, dog treats, arts and crafts, and other products. Farrow launched the market after seeing her daughters develop their own business, KGX Creations, and aims to help children build confidence, responsibility, communication, money-management and entrepreneurial skills in a safe, community-supported setting.

Edensor Care Centre in Clacton is advising families to take extra precautions with older relatives, particularly people living with dementia, during hot weather. Manager Sabina Mach recommends regular drinks, cool indoor spaces, frequent checks, water-rich foods and avoiding outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day. Staff are monitoring residents’ hydration and adapting activities, while the centre is also seeking support through an Amazon Wishlist for items that improve residents’ daily lives.

Andy and Alison Hodgson are preparing to open 1945's Cream Tea Company, a café in Rosemary Road, Clacton, themed around wartime Britain. Opening on August 22 from 10am to 5pm, the venue will feature 1940s memorabilia, photographs of local residents' family members, themed food and entertainment, including a performance by the Three Chordettes. The owners aim to combine historical nostalgia with modern tastes and attract local customers, tourists and beachgoers through walk-in service, pre-booked afternoon teas and deliveries.

The Flying Comrades, a three-aircraft Yak display team based at Duxford, will make its debut at the 33rd Clacton Airshow. The team—Phil Hardisty flying a Yak-18T alongside Alex Lewton and Tom Turner in Yak-52s—will perform close-formation and smoke-filled aerobatic displays over Clacton seafront. Tendring Council says the act will add colour and variety to an event that will also feature the Red Arrows, the RAF Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, twilight flights, food stalls and family entertainment.

Clacton Carnival will run a week of events beginning with a fun day at Clacton Pier on August 7 and a seafront street procession on August 8 themed around childhood favourites. The programme also includes a Sunday Funday, children's fancy dress, adventure golf, egg-throwing and beer-dig contests, a quiz night, and charity fundraising. The carnival season concludes with the Clacton Half Marathon, 10k and Fun Run on August 16.

The Corbersmith family were made homeless after a fire spread from their garden and destroyed their Clacton home. Steve Corbersmith said the family, including their two children and three dogs, escaped the blaze, but he suffered burns and they lost their belongings. He rejected online speculation that a barbecue or gas canister caused the fire, saying firefighters indicated a gas leak might have been responsible. The family had recently spent £32,000 creating an outdoor living area and are staying in temporary accommodation while awaiting insurance support. Community members have donated money and essential items to help them rebuild their lives.

Essex Police will deploy a live facial recognition van in Clacton on Sunday to identify people on police or court watch-lists, including those suspected of serious drug, violent, sexual and theft offences. Police say the technology has led to more than 170 arrests and that images of people not on the watch-list are deleted almost immediately. The force has used the technology since summer 2024 after trials in 2023.

A fire that began in a garden near Tyler Avenue in Clacton spread to neighbouring properties in strong winds, damaging four gardens and a terraced home. Three people were taken to hospital by ambulance and a fourth attended hospital independently, while firefighters remained at the scene to dampen down hotspots. The affected family, identified as Lisa, Steve and their children, lost their home and belongings, including caring for a severely disabled child. Friends and neighbours disputed online speculation about the cause and launched a fundraiser to help the family rebuild their lives.

Two suspected arson attacks in the early hours on Wellesley Road and Old Road in Clacton caused property damage and community concern. A shed fire spread across gardens, damaging sheds and fences, while a rubbish fire spread to an end-terrace house. Essex Police are investigating the incidents, which they do not believe are linked, and are appealing for witnesses and CCTV or doorbell footage. Fire crews urged anyone with information about deliberate fire-setting to report it anonymously through Firestoppers.

A deliberately started fire burned approximately one hectare of grassland at Holland Haven Country Park in Holland-on-Sea. Firefighters responded shortly after 7 p.m. and brought the blaze under control, helped by winds blowing toward the sea. Local resident Ethan Heyden witnessed the fire and expressed concern about damage to the wildlife reserve, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest known for its coastline, rare plants and migrating birds.

The Robin Hood pub in London Road, Clacton, has reopened after a £1.3 million refurbishment led by owner and general manager Rhys Day. The Grade II-listed venue now includes a restaurant, bar, beer garden, updated facilities and community-focused features. Day aims to make the pub a welcoming hub for local residents, with events including board-game nights, drag nights, karaoke and free coffee mornings.

The Dumont Luncheon Club in St Osyth is celebrating 30 years of weekly lunches and social gatherings for the local community. Run by volunteers, the club provides meals, transport and companionship for older residents, helping combat loneliness and social isolation. Long-serving volunteers and attendees praised the friendships and support it offers, while Home Instead Clacton, Frinton and Walton donated £500 to mark the anniversary. The club is seeking additional volunteers and fundraising support.

Cadent Gas will replace 1.6 kilometres of 1950s-era gas pipes in Lawford over 14 weeks, beginning the following Monday. Works will affect Long Road, Colchester Road, Milton Road, Garden City, Bromley Road, Grange Road, Claude Oliver, Wignall Street and Cox’s Hill, with phased closures, traffic lights and signed diversions. Residents will retain access, and Cadent says the project will improve the safety and reliability of gas supplies to local homes and businesses.

A collapsed fox found in Essex was treated by veterinarians and rescuers who now believe it was suffering from cannabis intoxication. After receiving fluids and supportive care at Wildlives Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, the fox quickly returned to normal condition. Staff reported no injuries or lasting effects and highlighted the unusual nature of the case. The centre, which relies on donations, continues its work supporting local wildlife.

A proposal to build up to 75 homes on land east of Bentley Road in Weeley has been submitted by St Osyth Beach Estate, following a previously rejected 2020 application. The new plan gains relevance as the council cannot demonstrate a five‑year housing land supply and the site appears in the emerging Local Plan. More than 15 residents have objected, citing concerns over road safety, infrastructure strain and loss of green space. Tendring Council will rule on the application.