Peter Spriggs

Southend Council plans to seek more time from the Government to revise its local plan, which had identified capacity for 14,700 homes against a government target of 28,000 homes by 2045. Opposition councillors describe the delay as a major U-turn, particularly because the draft included 4,900 homes on green belt land north of Bournes Green Chase. Labour council leader Daniel Cowan says housing need cannot be ignored and that the outdated existing plan must still be replaced. Conservative and Reform councillors and local campaigners welcomed the pause but warned that a separate planning application for 2,000 homes at Bournes Green Chase remains under consideration.

Plans by Persimmon Homes to build 675 homes at Jotmans Farm in Benfleet have attracted 686 objections from residents and public bodies. Concerns include additional traffic on the A130 and Canvey Way, effects on a Cadent Gas pipeline, insufficient fire-service funding, pressure on emergency services, and potential damage to protected Essex coastal habitats. Castle Point MP Dame Rebecca Harris urged residents to object, while Persimmon argued that the scheme is needed to address local housing demand and would provide a primary school, healthcare facilities and transport improvements.

A water-pump failure in Alliance Medical’s mobile PET-CT unit at Southend Hospital caused the loss of hot water needed for handwashing and toilet facilities, forcing the unit to close temporarily and disrupting urgent scans. Thirteen patients require rescheduled appointments, with some facing waits of more than a week. Alliance Medical expects engineers to complete repairs by about 9:30am the following morning and apologised for the inconvenience. The main hospital building was unaffected, and plans for a permanent PET-CT facility have been approved by Southend Council.

Dandara expects the first of 130 homes planned for land between London Road and Billericay Cricket Club to go on sale in spring, pending final approval from Basildon Council. The development received outline permission in May and will include two- to five-bedroom homes, with half designated as affordable housing, alongside green corridors, play areas, wildlife features and pedestrian and cycle routes. Dandara has pledged £402,200 for healthcare, bus services, employment and skills programmes, and bus-stop improvements. Concerns remain about the loss of green-belt land and pressure on the local road network, with Basildon Council leader Andy Barnes arguing that infrastructure improvements are insufficient.

Miranda Leigh, a 56-year-old disabled woman using a mobility scooter, says two masked youths on e-bikes chased her and tried to ram her off the scooter on Carnarvon Road in Southend. She called for a blanket ban on balaclavas, saying the masks and unregistered bikes made the youths difficult to identify. Councillor Ron Woodley warned about the dangers of illegal or modified e-bikes and called for measures such as licensing, insurance or identification. Essex Police said it is working with Southend City Council, using public-space protection and targeted dispersal orders, and can request the removal of face coverings.

Paige Gibbons, a Basildon mother of two, said a council repair mishap left her home without power while she was on holiday, causing her freezer to defrost and the property to become infested with rotting food, maggots and flies. She described the council’s handling of the situation as inhuman and said she had been unable to work while waiting for a deep clean and alternative accommodation. Her manager, Frankie Benedetti, also questioned whether the property was safe for a family and said she was supporting a campaign about repair problems in Craylands. Basildon Council said it would arrange a comprehensive deep clean, decontaminate affected surfaces and belongings, and assess compensation or replacements for items beyond restoration.

Planning officers have recommended approval of Thorpe Estate Limited’s outline scheme for 2,000 homes on green belt land north of Bournes Green Chase, despite 315 resident objections. The 15-year development would include at least 900 affordable homes, a school, nursery, health centre, shops, community facilities and more than 40 hectares of open space. Officers acknowledge substantial green-belt and agricultural-land impacts but conclude that the scheme’s contribution to Southend’s severe housing shortage outweighs those harms. Residents and local stakeholders remain concerned about traffic, school capacity, drainage, sewage, healthcare and the loss of TruGym. Proposed developer contributions exceed £20 million for education, with additional funding for health, ambulance, policing, transport and active travel, although Sport England retains concerns and local healthcare capacity is already under strain.

A three-vehicle collision on Luckyn Lane in Basildon left one car on its side and blocked the busy industrial-estate road. Firefighters made the scene safe by 8:53 a.m., while police and emergency medical crews remained at the scene. Two patients were assessed and discharged without being taken to hospital.

A crash on Luckyn Lane at Basildon’s Pipps Hill Industrial Estate left a car overturned on its side and blocked the road. Police, firefighters and paramedics attended, and the road was closed while emergency services worked to recover the vehicle. It was not yet known whether anyone was injured.

Business owners in Southend and Rochford warn that proposed local plans for up to 29,700 homes could overwhelm roads, particularly the A127, unless infrastructure is improved. They report costly traffic delays and fear that congestion could drive businesses away, although some acknowledge that new residents could bring more customers. Southend Council says development will be infrastructure-led and that it will work with employers, while Rochford Council argues that a local plan is essential for directing growth and securing better-planned infrastructure.

Arran Markwick, 31, of Basildon, was sentenced at Southend Crown Court to 17 years and three months in prison for raping an adult woman, attempting to rape a child and committing other sexual and violent offences. The judge described him as dangerous and said his crimes had caused severe psychological and physical harm. Markwick also received a three-year extended licence period and a 20-year Sexual Harm Prevention Order. He pleaded guilty to several offences, although the judge declined to grant additional credit because the evidence left little room for dispute.

Southend Council is preparing a dedicated taskforce equipped with mobile CCTV cameras to target persistent fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour hotspots. The initiative follows a 2024 camera trial and a petition with more than 130 signatures calling for tougher action, including CCTV-enforced fines, education programmes and physical barriers. Campaigner Zhanelya Subebayeva says recurring rubbish attracts further dumping and nuisance behaviour, while Councillor Ron Woodley says resident reports and council data will guide enforcement in areas including Chalkwell and Prittlewell.

Fobbing Farm Shop in Essex has added three independent businesses—Dear Diary, Hearing Essex and The Root Cause—as part of its ongoing expansion. Its 53 Fobbing restaurant is also being extended to increase capacity, while the site prepares to host its Pumpkin Palace Halloween attraction and Christmas Party Nights. Owner Lewis Simmons says the developments are intended to provide visitors with more shopping, dining, health and entertainment options.

A train reportedly came off the rails near Salcott Crescent in Wickford at about 2:12 p.m., prompting a major response from police, firefighters, paramedics and Network Rail. Witnesses described a thunderous screech, shaking buildings and damaged overhead wires, while the train remained upright and the road was closed. Witnesses said the train appeared to have been evacuated and expressed hope that no one was injured.

Residents of Great Wakering are organizing a Yellow Fun Day at GOSSIP tearoom and gift shop to raise money for five-year-old Dorothy Vine, a Westcliff girl receiving treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital for rare and aggressive rhabdomyosarcoma. Proceeds will support Gold Geese and Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity, which have helped Dorothy’s family with emotional support and accommodation. Businesses and residents have donated prizes and supplies, with nearly £1,000 already raised through advance raffle-ticket sales.

Rayleigh runner Rob Rudlin says he broke an ankle and cracked a rib after tripping in an 8cm-deep pothole on Eastwood Road, leaving him unable to work, care for his family or run for several weeks. He accuses Essex Highways and Essex County Council of neglect after his complaint was rejected, with the council saying a January inspection found no actionable defect and that it cannot repair defects of which it was unaware. Essex Highways says it takes road safety seriously and operates a risk-based inspection and maintenance programme.

Firefighters and police responded to reports of a suspected chemical incident at Regent House in Basildon, closing The Gore at about 6:52pm. An investigation by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service found no hazardous incident and determined the report to be a false alarm.

A significant water leak has developed beside the Cranes Farm Road roundabout in Basildon, sending water into an underpass. No repair crews were visible when the site was photographed. The leak may be linked to underground pipes shifting and bursting during hot weather, as Essex faces an amber extreme-heat warning from the Met Office. Essex and Suffolk Water was contacted for comment.

A 16-year-old girl was arrested and later released on bail after roof tiles were allegedly thrown at cars during an incident on London Road near the Tarpots junction in Benfleet. Essex Police said she was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, causing actual bodily harm and a racially aggravated public order offence. The incident prompted a major emergency response, road closures and significant traffic disruption.

A fire that spread from burning garden waste to a fence on Rectory Road in Pitsea prompted warnings from Essex Fire and Rescue Service and Basildon Council. No injuries were reported, but officials stressed that bonfires and incinerators can quickly become dangerous in hot, dry conditions. Firefighters advised keeping such fires small, well away from buildings, and having water available. The warning follows 570 incidents attended by Essex Fire and Rescue between July 24 and July 30, with temperatures forecast to reach 36°C and little rainfall expected.

Basildon Council has opened a six-week consultation on a draft Local Plan providing for at least 27,918 homes across the borough by 2043. The plan allocates housing in Basildon, Billericay, Wickford and other settlements, including major developments south of Sunnymede, west of Southfields and around Wick Country Park, alongside further town-centre growth. Council leader Andy Barnes criticized the UK Government for ordering the plan to proceed more quickly, arguing that it bypassed local councillors and residents and failed to provide sufficient infrastructure. Residents, businesses and organizations can submit views before the plan is sent to government inspectors.

Southend Council has approved plans for a seven-bedroom boutique hotel above the Sands By The Sea restaurant at the entrance to Adventure Island. Proposed by SKArchitects for Adventure Island owner Stockvale Ltd, the scheme will convert vacant former office space without adding floors or extending the building. The hotel will include larger windows and private terraces overlooking the Thames Estuary, while guests will share the restaurant’s entrance and use nearby public transport and car parks instead of dedicated parking. Planning officers found no harmful effect on Southend Pier and said the project would support tourism in the city’s central seafront.

Basildon’s consultation on a local plan proposing 28,000 homes by 2043 has opened after government intervention required the council to publish it. MPs Mark Francois, James McMurdock and Richard Holden warned that roads, GP surgeries, hospitals, schools, sewage capacity and other services are already under pressure, while objecting to development on green belt land. Residents have until September 22 to submit views; Holden also backed selected developments, including Gardiners Lane South and completion of the Laindon Centre.

Lisa Kenevan, whose 13-year-old son Isaac died in 2022 after participating in an online choking challenge, is supporting the Hospital Toy Drop 2026 campaign in his memory. Founded by Atiq Rehman after meeting bereaved families connected to the Raise the Age UK campaign, the initiative will deliver toys to children’s wards at 15 UK hospitals. Kenevan will help distribute gifts at Basildon and Southend hospitals on August 22, including Basildon Hospital where Isaac was initially treated. The organizers aim to honor children lost to social media harms while making hospital stays less frightening for young patients and their families.

Anglian Water has withdrawn its objection to Taylor Wimpey’s proposal for 350 homes off Mount Bovers Lane in Hawkwell after updated three-year sewerage-capacity data showed improved network performance. The development had been rejected by Rochford District Council and is now under appeal to the Planning Inspectorate. Campaigners remain opposed, questioning the evidence behind Anglian Water’s change of position, while the council continues to cite green belt loss, inadequate transport infrastructure and harm to the Upper Roach Valley Special Landscape Area.

The Sadlers Farm car boot sale site near Basildon could be redeveloped for industrial or engineering use because it is designated for employment in the council’s local plan. Basildon Council leader Andy Barnes warned that the sale may have to relocate and criticized the UK Government’s intervention requiring the council to advance its plan, arguing that the move was premature and could force development through. The area is also linked to proposals for more than 3,000 homes, while local concerns focus on insufficient transport and other infrastructure.

Basildon Council’s local plan is moving to public consultation after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government directed the council to proceed, with inspection required by the end of the year. The plan accommodates a government requirement for about 28,000 homes by 2043 across Basildon, Billericay, Wickford and the wider borough. Council leader Andy Barnes warned that the target would worsen pressure on roads, schools, healthcare and other services, while Conservative MP Richard Holden called it disproportionate and urged ministers to revoke the intervention. Holden said official data indicated local housing need closer to 6,000 homes and criticized the potential loss of green belt land.

The Blue Boar pub on Victoria Avenue in Southend has applied to Southend Council to extend its alcohol licence from 1am to 6am daily. The pub would remain closed to customers during those hours and would instead operate a telephone-based delivery service, with drivers trained in age verification and required to follow a Challenge-25 policy. Its operators say the service would enable people to obtain drinks at home and reduce the temptation to drink and drive. Councillor Matt Dent described the proposal as unusual but said it should be considered if the business can operate responsibly. Residents can submit representations before September 1, after which the council will make a final licensing decision.

An Essex Police officer was reportedly struck from behind and injured in the head and knee while patrolling Gunners Park in Shoebury. The suspects fled toward Magazine Road, and Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and information. Southend councillor Ron Woodley condemned the attack and urged residents to support officers and help identify those responsible.

Canvey Island petition organiser Tracy Burry is calling for a new third road off the island before further housing is approved, arguing that existing routes are already severely congested and vulnerable to disruption. The petition has gathered more than 2,700 signatures amid plans for 3,275 homes near Sadlers Farm. Castle Point Council supports a route linking Canvey to The Manorway at Stanford-le-Hope, which would improve connections to the A13 and London Gateway, but says external government funding is required. Local councillors have pledged to continue lobbying for the project.

Plans for up to 3,275 homes around Sadlers Farm roundabout in south Essex have prompted strong opposition from residents and politicians. Critics, including Conservative MP Rebecca Harris, argue that national housing targets are undermining local planning decisions and that proposed development around the A13, A130 and Canvey Way would overwhelm already congested roads. Residents Jon and Polly Gill describe severe daily delays and warn that incidents on Canvey Way could bring traffic to a standstill. Former councillor Martin Terry says inadequate transport infrastructure could drive businesses away, cost jobs and damage the regional economy.

Rectory Road Surgery in Hadleigh, formerly The Hollies Surgery, has reopened after being closed for ten months following urgent regulatory action linked to concerns about former lead GP Dr Olusegun Omosini. NHS Essex Integrated Care Board maintained services through alternative premises and remote appointments during the closure. All GP services have now returned to the site, and existing patients do not need to re-register. NHS officials, local politicians and residents welcomed the reopening after a lengthy legal process to secure new management and the future of the premises.

Cycle King in Benfleet reported a surge in customers seeking affordable bicycles or repairs as the closure of the A13 Tarpots junction caused severe traffic disruption. The shop experienced some access problems but avoided the worst financial effects, while the closure reduced normal passing trade for nearby businesses. Cadent’s gas network improvement works were completed ahead of schedule, with the junction due to reopen at midnight.

Southend Council has approved major repair works at the Palace Theatre’s 100-seat Dixon Studio, where RAAC was discovered in 2023. The permanent programme will include roof repairs and other remedial work, with construction expected to begin in late summer 2026 and the studio temporarily closing during late summer and early autumn. The neighbouring Palace Theatre will remain open, while councillors and Southend Theatres emphasize the studio’s cultural importance and long-term preservation.

Cherry Orchard Jubilee County Park lake in Rochford has again nearly dried up during hot, dry weather, raising concerns about wildlife after fish died when water levels plunged last year. Rochford Council is working with the Environment Agency to improve an upstream sluice and divert excess winter water into the lake, with permissions being finalized ahead of winter. Residents and councillors have called for greater urgency, while the council warns that artificially adding water could damage the lake’s ecosystem and says most fish were relocated previously.

The A13 closure at the Tarpots junction in Benfleet is due to reopen by midnight after Cadent completed a stage of essential gas-network works nearly two weeks ahead of schedule. The closure had caused major delays around Sadlers Farm roundabout. A lane closure on Croft Road at the junction with High Road will remain until August 30 while the next phase continues. Cadent attributed the early completion to round-the-clock work and effective engineering methods, while Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris praised Cadent and contractor Forefront.

Four-year-old Freddie Law, who has non-verbal autism and PICA, is due to start school in September but has not secured a specialist SEND place. His mother, Natalie Law, blames Essex County Council for taking 40 weeks to issue his Education, Health and Care Plan instead of the required 20, leaving preferred schools without vacancies. The family has filed a formal complaint and begun a tribunal process, although a hearing may not take place until 2028, while also seeking alternative education funding. Essex County Council declined to comment on the individual case but said it was working to secure suitable placements amid national pressure on SEND services.

Essex Police are investigating reports that two teenage girls sprayed bleach into around six homes on Northlands Place in Basildon at approximately 1:45pm on Thursday, July 30. Residents said bleach was sprayed through open windows and letterboxes, narrowly missing a baby, leaving the community angry and concerned. Officers recovered a suspected bleach bottle and are conducting forensic and CCTV enquiries while appealing for witnesses and footage.

Four planning applications could deliver up to 3,275 homes around Sadlers Farm roundabout in south Essex. Basildon Council has approved 850 homes between Pitsea and Bowers Gifford, while proposals for a further 800 homes in the area, 675 homes at Jotmans Farm, and 950 homes between Bowers Gifford and North Benfleet remain at various stages of consideration. The developments include proposed schools, healthcare, care facilities, commercial space and new road access, amid government housing targets requiring Basildon and Castle Point councils to plan for tens of thousands of additional homes.

Castle Point Council leader Dave Blackwell says the council will continue lobbying the UK Government for funding to assess a third road linking Canvey Island with Stanford-le-Hope. The proposed route would connect to The Manorway, the A13 and London Gateway, while limiting additional through traffic on Canvey. A petition demanding new infrastructure before further housing development has attracted more than 1,700 signatures, amid severe delays caused by Cadent’s gas works closure at Tarpots junction. The closure is expected to remain until August 15, although Cadent says the work is ahead of schedule.

Rochford Council approved plans by Henry Boot Developments and Southend Council to expand Southend Airport Business Park with 10 commercial units totaling 6,587 square metres. The scheme is expected to create up to 183 permanent jobs, support up to 19 additional off-site roles, and provide construction employment and apprenticeships. Councillors and project representatives said the development would attract businesses, address demand for modern commercial space and strengthen the local economy.

Rochford Council’s development committee refused plans by Scott’s of Southend to build five padel courts at its Sutton Road garden centre, citing concerns about the permanence and urbanising effect of structures in the green belt. The proposal had been reduced from seven courts and amended to address planning objections. Some councillors supported the scheme because of its health and recreational benefits, but others considered it intrusive and inappropriate for a horticultural business. Scott’s said it was disappointed and would review the decision and consider its next steps.

Basildon Council has received an acceptable offer from an operator and is negotiating a lease for the former Morrisons Daily unit in Felmores End, raising hopes that a Post Office will reopen. Residents, particularly elderly people and young families, have struggled since the May closure because the nearest alternative is on Rectory Road. Community campaigner Maz Salih welcomed the development, while the council said further details would remain confidential until the legal process is complete.

Southend Council is consulting residents on introducing permanent 20mph speed limits on Kensington Road, Shaftesbury Avenue, Lifstan Way and Northumberland Crescent near Greenways School. Resident Dave Lee argues the changes would increase emissions, hinder travel and fail to deter drivers who already ignore the 30mph limit. Councillor Ron Woodley supports the proposals, citing strong consultation backing, improved safety for children and pedestrians, and evidence that lower-speed areas can reduce crash-related deaths. The plans follow new 20mph zones on Wyatts Drive, Colbert Avenue and Burges Road.

A three-week full closure at the A13’s Tarpots junction in Benfleet, undertaken by Cadent to replace 800 metres of ageing gas pipes, has caused severe delays across the A13, A130 and A127, worsened by a crash at Fairglen Interchange. Conservative MP Rebecca Harris says the disruption exposes the fragility of south Essex’s road network and has requested an urgent resilience assessment ahead of examination of Castle Point’s local plan and proposed housing developments. Cadent says the full closure and round-the-clock work will complete the project faster, while Essex Highways says it must allow utility works under Cadent’s statutory rights and has coordinated measures to limit disruption.

Barleylands farm in Billericay is preparing to welcome five independent businesses to its craft village during the summer. Named additions include Well & Truly Travel, Clink Club, The Dream Makers Events and Formally Suited, with a fifth business yet to be announced. The village will also host a free summer trail featuring 19 superheroes and princesses, alongside a daily foam party and pottery sessions, as Barleylands promotes independent retail, family activities and face-to-face experiences.

A 12-year-old boy suffered severe facial injuries after crashing on bike ramps at Shoebury Park, following another serious accident earlier in the year. The volunteer group that builds and maintains the ramps says it is seeking to make the area safer by filling drops with dirt, removing hazardous features and installing safety signs. Southend Council’s investigation remains ongoing, and the council has invited the group to discuss its proposed modifications.

A flag-raising ceremony at Porters Civic House and the Mayor’s Parlour in Southend marked South Asian Heritage Month. Community members, councillors and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex Sidra Naeem attended, while councillor Matt Dent praised the event for celebrating diversity, encouraging participation and strengthening bonds between communities.

Landlords in South Essex cautiously welcome a planned 20 per cent business-rates cut for eligible pubs, bars and clubs, funded partly by reducing relief for businesses such as gambling arcades and vape shops. Operators in Southend and Basildon say the measure is a positive first step but will not be enough to halt rising costs, falling consumer spending and pub closures. They are calling for a hospitality VAT reduction, which they argue would have a more significant effect on jobs and business viability.

Eighteen-year-old Southchurch powerlifter William Thorogood has been selected to represent England in the 105kg Sub-Junior Classic category at the Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Winnipeg, Canada. A two-time All England Sub-Junior Champion, he began the sport through rugby teammates at Southchurch High School. His family and supporters are raising £3,000 to cover travel, accommodation, specialist kit and competition fees, with more than £1,400 collected so far. Strong performances could lead to opportunities at the British Championships and eventually for Great Britain.

Basildon Council’s new Conservative administration says it will accelerate regeneration across Basildon, Wickford, Laindon and Pitsea. The Market Pavement scheme, including 492 flats and retail units, is among the most advanced projects, while the former Co-op site in Wickford lacks an operator and the Laindon Centre’s 205-home development has faced repeated delays. The council is also advancing healthcare projects, including a health centre in the former Debenhams building and the Pitsea Community Diagnostic Centre, while acknowledging residents’ frustration over the slow pace of regeneration.

A Leigh mother is raising funds and awareness after her daughter Scarlett was diagnosed with the rare degenerative condition BPAN. Local charities, family members and the community have provided key support as fundraising aims to reach £2.3 million for Action for BPAN to back University College London’s gene therapy research. Great Ormond Street Hospital and local groups, including Little Havens and Scarlett’s school, are credited with significantly helping the family during the child’s early-stage treatment and ongoing care.

Essex Police launched a witness appeal after a man died from head and chest injuries sustained in a serious assault in Westcliff. A 46‑year‑old woman was arrested and later bailed, while councillors urged residents in the London Road area to review any available footage that could aid the investigation. Police called for anyone with information or dashcam recordings from June 12 to come forward through official reporting channels.

Key roads in Southend’s city centre, including Sutton Road and Southchurch Road, are scheduled to fully reopen on August 10 following progress on the Better Queensway project. Highway works are expected to be completed by next summer, with upgrades including road widening, a new mini roundabout and essential pipe replacement by Essex & Suffolk Water. Southend Council leader Daniel Cowan said traffic issues have been minimal due to careful management and acknowledged residents’ cooperation during the disruption.

A Westcliff resident expressed gratitude to staff at the Hamlet Court Road Post Office and Wimpy after collapsing due to a medical condition. Employees assisted her until an ambulance arrived, safeguarded her belongings, and ensured her mobility scooter was returned home. Their actions were commended for exceptional care and support.

Two friends, Charlotte Worton and Zoe Warren, have taken over the Owl and Pussycat pub in Kingswood and are working to restore its reputation through refurbishment, strict standards for behavior, and community‑focused events such as live music nights. They report positive feedback from regulars and growing interest from new visitors as improvements continue both inside and outside the pub.

An 18‑year‑old woman, Tallulah Bradford, died on June 19 after suffering severe injuries in an incident involving a vehicle reportedly driven without permission in Chalkwell Park. Two youths were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving and bailed until September. Her family and friends shared emotional tributes describing her as caring, fun and deeply loved. Essex Police are appealing for witnesses and evidence, including CCTV or dash‑cam footage, with information also accepted anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Police and ambulance crews placed a cordon around the Grampian tower block on Salisbury Avenue in Westcliff following an incident early in the morning. Emergency services remain at the scene, and authorities have been contacted for further information as the situation develops.

Government approval allows Essex pubs to remain open late for England’s 1 a.m. World Cup match against Mexico, bypassing the usual requirement for individual licensing extensions by councils. Ministers and industry groups urge local authorities to support pubs seeking temporary event notices to show the match, while concerns remain that some venues may be unable to secure approval. Officials encourage public enjoyment of the game, though normal school and work schedules are acknowledged.

A motorcyclist was taken to Southend University Hospital with a shoulder injury after a collision with a car on Dinant Avenue in Canvey Island. Police and ambulance crews responded, with Essex Police confirming that enquiries are ongoing and no other injuries were reported. The East of England Ambulance Service sent two ambulances, transporting one patient to hospital for further treatment.

A proposal by Bloor Homes to build 1,300 houses at Dollymans Farm near the A130 is projected by the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust to increase annual emergency calls by 953 percent, adding 658 additional callouts to an already strained service. The trust is requesting £442,000 in mitigation funding, along with defibrillators and emergency landing provisions. Local MP Mark Francois and many residents argue the plan is unsustainable due to pressure on NHS and ambulance capacity. The trust warns that without mitigation, operational resilience and response performance could decline.

Southend has begun installing large underground flood‑relief tanks, each comparable in size to a London Underground tunnel, as part of the Better Queensway regeneration project. The system will hold up to 750,000 litres of storm water and release it gradually to prevent flash‑flood surges along the seafront. Council leader Daniel Cowan says the project will significantly reduce flood damage to seafront businesses and contribute to wider city regeneration, including future housing and investment.

Two major roads around the Southend Queensway redevelopment will reopen on August 10 as part of a multi‑million‑pound project set for completion next summer. Installation of large underground flood‑storage tanks is underway, aimed at preventing seafront flash flooding. Council leader Daniel Cowan highlighted steady progress and effective traffic management, while councillor Kevin Robinson reported active discussions to integrate new housing into the scheme following the withdrawal of Sanctuary Housing. Interest from multiple potential development partners has been received, with further updates expected by autumn.

Local officials report constructive discussions to secure a new supermarket operator for the long-vacant former Co‑Op site in Wickford. Multiple previous deals involving potential operators, including Morrisons and Asda, have collapsed, disappointing residents seeking renewed services in the area. Basildon Council leaders say negotiations with the site owner, Heriot UK, and private-sector parties are progressing, though no announcement will be made until an agreement is finalized. The council is also developing broader plans to support regeneration of Wickford town centre.

South Essex Homes is investing £1.5 million to upgrade door entry systems in Southend high‑rise blocks, replacing audio intercoms with video‑enabled IPGUARD units intended to improve safety and accessibility. The upgrades aim to reduce drug use and loitering in communal areas, though some residents report ongoing issues caused by unauthorised entry through tailgating. The new system provides visual verification of visitors and logs entry activity to support incident investigations, while residents are urged to avoid allowing unknown individuals to follow them into buildings.

Basildon Council faces a £1.4 million general fund overspend driven mainly by rising homelessness and increased spending on temporary accommodation, repairs, and disrepair claims. The Housing Revenue Account is projected to show a £3.6 million deficit in 2025–26, with the council planning to cover current overspends through reserves despite associated risks. Additional income from planning, grants, and business rates softened the impact, though overall reserves have still declined. Officers recommend close monitoring and reassessment of service delivery, including externally contracted repairs.

A Basildon couple expecting a baby saw their position on the social housing waiting list fall from 14th to 194th within a week, prompting concerns about how queue rankings are determined. They initially suspected a link to the closure of local asylum accommodation, but Basildon Council stated that queue positions change routinely under its allocation scheme and are unrelated to Home Office asylum arrangements. The council emphasised that displayed bid rankings are only indicative and updated continually throughout the bidding cycle.

Southend United outlines progress and delays in its major redevelopment of Roots Hall, with approved plans for the West Stand but insufficient time to complete all work before the new season. Additional upgrades to other stands, training facilities at Fossetts and new community-focused infrastructure are moving through planning or early design stages, supported in part by a Football Foundation grant.

Plans have been submitted for a new 330‑square‑metre sports and assembly hall at Ryedene Primary School in Basildon, intended to replace an undersized existing facility and provide space for sports, assemblies and community events. Local MP James McMurdock supports the project, calling it a valuable investment in pupils and the wider community. Surveyors Munday & Cramer describe the proposed site as underused due to uneven ground, with the new hall set to include two sports courts, storage areas and a stage.