BARS and pubs will be welcoming guests indoors form Monday after months of restrictions.

We've all been enjoying a lot more time outdoors over the last 12 months.

LIKE those riding the town’s new big wheel, we were left on a real high after receiving these archive photos from Clacton Pavilion.

The single-use carrier bag charge will increase from 5p to 10p and extend to all businesses in England from Friday May 21, the Government has confirmed.

HERE are the death notices published in the Gazette this week:

The changes will come into effect from January 1, 2022 and will affect whether a person qualifies for state pension or not.

FOLLOWING a Government announcement, it looks like, if everything goes to plan, lockdown rules will again be easing from May 17.

A COLCHESTER gym has been transformed during lockdown, adding new facility for Covid survivors and those with Multiple Sclerosis.

AN iconic former hotel made headlines this week after it was announced the building was to return from the rubble and open its doors once more.

THE roads where the new e-scooters are being ridden most in Colchester have been revealed by the firm behind the trial.

HAVING conversations about dying, death and bereavement are be no means easy - but they are ever so important.

This week's round-up of cases to come before magistrates include a fraudster who used his victim's bank card to withdraw £12,000.

Food allergies, salmonella poisoning, Hepatitis A and chocking hazards are just some of the reasons behind a number of urgent product recalls

A NURSE who spent five days in hospital after he caught Covid-19 bounced back to help lead Colchester Hospital's vaccine programme.

A dreams expert has revealed what the most likely reasons are behind the 10 most common nightmares.

As the weather gets warmer, more and more of us are likely to be out and about for walks with friends and family.

Tickets are still available to enjoy a special day-trip and luxurious train journey to the south coast.

Here is a list of the pubs in Colchester and the surrounding areas which are reopening from Monday as lockdown is eased.

The plans to make St Nicholas Street in Colchester town centre one-way as part of the revamp of a public square have been revealed.

A POPULAR discount store is set to be demolished and replaced with nine flats and two new retail units.

Several Debenhams stores across Essex will close their doors for the final time today.

Police have thanked the public after a 78-year-old man who went missing from his home in Benfleet was found safe.

More and more drivers are returning to the road after lockdown, but do you know what is considered a driving offence?

IT goes without saying that climate change is important now more than ever.

AS summer begins to descend on us and more freedoms await, many people will be flocking to the beaches to enjoy the better weather.

LOOK out for road closures because of this weekend’s Colchester Zoo Stampede event.

A COUPLE have followed their passion for food to launch their own mobile food van.

Ready-made Cow & Gate and Aptamil formula milk are both in short supply due to “an issue with an ingredient used to prevent foaming”.

Two roads in Essex have been placed in the UK’s 20 most dangerous roads.

CINEMAS are finally re-opening next week, and we're all really looking forward to crunching through some popcorn during your favourite film.

THE number of children arrested for drug crimes in Essex since 2015 has been revealed.

With staycations rising in popularity, road trips are on the cards for many this summer while we await for international travel to return.

Matt also confirmed he will be working with Little Britain and Come Fly With Me co-star David Walliams again soon.

A raft of new brands are opening at Bond Street in Chelmsford.

Boris Johnson has warned the Indian Covid variant could delay the future lifting of lockdown restrictions.

Ronnie Tudilo has appeared in court charged with drugs offences.

PLANS for doors to open at popular Essex pubs have been revealed ahead of the long-awaited reopening on Monday.

A VILE rapist who subjected child victims to years of “serious, systematic and sustained” abuse hid behind the “mask” of his community standing.

A THUG who left a vulnerable partially-sighted woman scarred for life after he smashed a glass into her face has been locked up for six years.

Eco Colchester, which aims to make the town a greener place to live, has launched a new website with tips for residents.

Essex Police's colchester team have urged residents to keep their dogs on leads near livestock.

THE new owner of a bridal shop has said she cannot wait to “make brides’ dreams come true” as she herself prepares to fulfil a life-long goal.

Tributes have been paid to an Essex dad with "a heart of gold" who died after being hit by car.

A SEAFRONT hotel’s trendy new dining experience will finally open following the easing of the lockdown.

ZOOKEEPERS are overjoyed to announce the long-awaited arrival of Bornean orangutans Mali and Tatau at Colchester Zoo.

A man who sexually assaulted two women has been ordered to sign the sex offenders’ register.

MILLIONS of pounds is being injected into the trust which runs Colchester Hospital to try and speed up the recovery of NHS services.

There were delays on the A12 at Colchester after a boat came off the back of a trailer into the carriageway.

REALITY TV star Stephen Bear has been charged in connection with revenge porn allegations.

Essex Police have charged a man with attempted murder after a woman sustained serious injuries during an incident in Baddow Road, Chelmsford.