Halle Groves

Kemi Badenoch has urged the Planning Inspectorate to prioritise an appeal concerning an unauthorised airport car park at New Farm, Elsenham, near Stansted. The site has reportedly expanded from about 500 to more than 1,000 vehicles across seven acres of farmland, prompting concerns over traffic, road safety, land encroachment and community disruption. Uttlesford District Council issued an enforcement notice in August 2025, but the operator appealed, with a decision not expected before the end of 2026. Badenoch is pressing the council and the government for action and using the case to support proposals for stronger planning enforcement and penalties for deliberate breaches.

Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy in Halstead has grown from six children in 2015 to around 100 performers aged three to 19. Founder Debbie Marks and her daughter Leanne Barber run the family business with a focus on confidence-building, friendships and affordable access to performing arts. The academy staged a two-day workshop production of Grease and an annual performance of Rock of Ages at The Empire Theatre, and plans to launch a scholarship in memory of former member Flynn McDonald.

Witham resident Marcus Evans, who has lived with non-Hodgkin lymphoma for 13 years, plans to walk 225 miles in September as part of a month-long challenge supporting Blood Cancer UK. About 50 participants will collectively cover the virtual distance from Essex to the Bering Sea, aiming to raise more than £10,000. Evans has already raised thousands through previous charity walks and continues to receive hospital infusions every 28 days. His children are also participating in fundraising, while his company, Nutbourne Ltd, donates 10% of its profits to charity.

Braintree Council has approved plans for a neighbourhood centre at Towerlands on Panfield Road, allowing construction of two mixed-use buildings with retail and community facilities, 12 two-bedroom apartments, parking, landscaping and a recycling centre. The centre will serve the wider Towerlands Park development, which is planned to deliver 575 homes, and will be located near a village green and education site. The revised scheme replaces an earlier proposal that included office space.

Weronika Chelchowska celebrated her 103rd birthday at Care UK's Manor Lodge in Chelmsford with her son, fellow residents and staff. Born in Poland, she moved to west London in 1950, later married Janusz, raised a son and spent many years volunteering in her local Polish Catholic church community and supporting charities. She attributes her longevity to having a loving family and working hard, while staff praised her kindness, generosity and community spirit.

Hedingham resident Christian Overal, a retired army officer and sole carer for his elderly mother with Alzheimer’s, says their mixed recycling has gone uncollected for six weeks and may not be removed for another month. He attributes the missed collection to a slightly open bin lid and a recycling sack placed inside the bin, and says the accumulating waste has caused health concerns, distress and additional costs. Braintree Council says recycling must be clean, loose and placed in the correct bin with the lid closed, explaining that bagged materials cannot be processed.

A reviewer visits Crafty Bear Kitchen in Witham for its £74-for-two crafternoon tea, combining a 90-minute pottery-painting session with sandwiches, cakes, scones, tea and coffee. The venue is praised for its creative atmosphere, wide range of pottery and paints, attentive staff, fresh food and relaxed organisation. Although considered relatively expensive for regular visits, it is recommended as a memorable option for birthdays, hen parties and anniversaries.

Six people were jailed or sentenced in serious Essex-related cases during July 2026. Rishik Parmar received two years and six months for supplying crack cocaine and heroin and threatening a teenager with a bladed article. Coral Anderson received a suspended 26-week sentence and a 10-year ban on keeping horses for neglecting an Appaloosa. Roofer Nathan Lee was jailed for 44 months after defrauding a vulnerable homeowner through unnecessary and overpriced work. Alfie Coleman received 13 and a half years for preparing terrorist acts after attempting to obtain a firearm and ammunition in an MI5 operation. Ellis Heather was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years for murdering Stephen Morrisson, while Tempany Norris received five years for child sexual offences.

Priti Patel attended Howbridge Junior School’s annual summer fair, meeting families and volunteers while supporting fundraising efforts. She donated a House of Commons prize to the raffle and praised the community’s involvement. Organised by the Friends of Howbridge Junior School, the fair plays an important role in raising funds and strengthening local ties.

A dementia support group in Braintree marked its move to a new venue at Braintree Baptist Church with a well‑attended launch event featuring musical performances, community representatives and local service providers. More than 80 visitors received guidance from health and social care organisations, enjoyed refreshments and collected hospital bags designed to ease medical visits for people living with dementia. Organisers highlighted growing participation and the group’s goal of offering an accessible, supportive space for residents and carers.