Sophie England

Residents, community groups and businesses in Tendring are being urged to submit feedback before the Tarchon Interconnector Project’s non-statutory consultation closes on August 13. The proposed 760-kilometre electricity link would connect Essex with Niederlangen in Lower Saxony, enabling up to 1.8GW of power to flow between the UK and Germany and potentially supplying up to 1.9 million households. More than 160 people have attended consultation events and over 57 feedback forms have been submitted, with further engagement planned as the proposals develop.

Harwich’s High Lighthouse was illuminated yellow to mark the town’s RNLI open day and honour the lifeboat crew’s lifesaving work. The display was organised by Harwich Town Council in partnership with Tendring Council and The Harwich Society, under a licence allowing the historic lighthouse to be illuminated up to 12 times a year. Councillor Garry Calver said the tribute represented the community’s thanks and appreciation for current and former Harwich RNLI members.

The third annual Manningtree Earth Festival attracted 3,076 attendances across 65 events at 37 venues over 40 days, making it the festival’s largest edition. Organized by PACE Manningtree with support from 42 organizations and nearly 300 volunteer contributions, the program promoted nature, sustainability and practical responses to climate change. Organizers credited local residents, groups and venues for the event’s success, while fundraising generated £1,624. PACE Manningtree plans to continue community and environmental projects after the festival ends.

A major phase of Dovercourt’s regeneration has been completed through the Government-funded High Street Accelerator Green Spaces project. Improvements include resurfaced coastal paths, new wayfinding signs, seating, repainted railings and a deep clean of the Queen Victoria statue, which is expected to be illuminated soon. Unsafe cliff paths were permanently closed, while other routes between the town centre, beach and promenade remain open. The wider programme has also supported shopfront upgrades, CCTV, a town website, banners, a rent-free lease for TLC Dancewear and community planting. Further projects include public realm works in Kingsway, housing on Victoria Street and a proposed car park in Milton Road.