Halle Groves

Nearly 250 Year 5 pupils from seven Maldon-area primary schools attended two performances of Frozen JR at Plume Academy, staged by an 80‑student cast. The event marked the academy’s renewed commitment to the arts following pandemic disruptions, with staff emphasizing its value for both performers and young visitors. Schools received personalised posters, and the academy aims to expand participation in future productions.

Fans crowded The Three Pigeons pub in Halstead to watch England’s 2–1 World Cup quarter‑final win over Norway, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere. Supporters described strong community spirit, excitement during key moments and post‑match singing as England advanced to the semi‑finals.

A Halstead resident, Adam Leatherbarrow, proposes turning a long-vacant High Street unit into a family‑focused, alcohol‑free sports café offering food, live sport and games to help revitalise the declining town centre. He argues that Halstead’s growing population needs more family‑friendly amenities to prevent residents travelling to nearby towns and to increase local economic activity. The concept emphasises shared experiences, community building and experience‑led venues as a way to strengthen the High Street. Adam remains optimistic that targeted investment in facilities could create a more vibrant town centre.

Residents in Halstead proposed a wide range of ideas for the vacant Factory Shop site on Bridge Street, which has remained empty since January. More than 180 comments called for uses including a youth centre, broader community hub, indoor market for independent traders, or a major retailer such as Primark to attract visitors. Additional suggestions included hospitality venues and entertainment-focused spaces, reflecting differing views on how best to revitalise the town centre.

A newly opened Post Office branch at 29 High Street in Halstead will host an official community launch event on July 17, led by MP James Cleverly. The branch, which began operating on July 1, offers postal services, banking, travel money, insurance and a stationery store. Residents are invited to attend the event as the branch aims to provide a convenient service hub for the community.

Work has begun to replace the deteriorating Stone Bridge on the A1124 between Halstead and Earls Colne, with a temporary 30mph speed limit in place. Essex Highways plans to rebuild the bridge in three phases to keep traffic moving through most of the project, which is expected to run until March 2027. The scheme includes constructing a new portal frame structure, removing the old deck, installing new retaining walls and maintaining pedestrian access via temporary routes. Limited road closures, including an overnight closure on July 18, will be required, and drivers are advised to expect delays.

The 109th Tendring Show returns to Lawford House Park in Manningtree with a full day of agricultural displays, livestock competitions, equestrian events, family activities, trade stands, local food and drink, and an expanded apprenticeship area. Organised by the Tendring Hundred Farmers’ Club, the event expects around 19,000 visitors and offers free parking with ticketed entry.

A selection of pubs and bars in Halstead and Earls Colne will screen the England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final on Saturday at 10pm, with venues ranging from lively sports bars to quieter traditional pubs. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early due to expected high turnout.

A family-run venture in Maldon has launched The Hub, a multi-purpose fitness and leisure centre offering gym facilities, Pilates, physiotherapy, a coffee shop, and a popular golf simulator. Designed to be inclusive and community-oriented, the venue is expanding with additional studio space and hosting events such as The Hub Games fitness challenge. Growing membership and strong interest indicate early success, with plans to become a central social and activity hub for the community.

Residents of Halstead report significant disruption from temporary traffic lights installed for utility works on Mount Hill, with congestion and blocked junctions causing delays. The measures, in place until mid‑July before shifting to Oak Road, support essential power network upgrades carried out by Advanced Electricity Networks Limited. Essex Highways acknowledges concerns but clarifies that planning and execution of the works fall under the utility company’s responsibility.