Colchester United head coach Hayden Mullins

A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build hundreds of new homes has been given the go-ahead.

The B1024 in Coggeshall is blocked this morning after a crash involving a lorry.

A Colchester GP surgery has closed for two days due to "staff shortages" - bosses have confirmed.

A MUSICIAN who has been performing for more than 20 years has organised his very own beach festival to “help cheer people up” following the pandemic.

A DEDICATED care home employee has made it through to the national final of the Great British Care Awards.

The opening dates of the B&Q, M&S and Aldi stores at the new £60 million Stane Retail Park in Stanway have bee revealed.

REAL ale fans can look forward to one of the region’s most popular beer festivals again after organisers gave it the green light to go ahead.

AN experienced vet is preparing to open her very own practice to provide the meticulous level of care “the pet-owning public has been waiting for.”

Sainsbury's has applied to install a new retail pod outside its store in Western Approach, Stanway.

A BURGLAR who forced his way into people’s homes as they slept to steal their valuables has been put behind bars.

A MUCH-LOVED animal charity is set to host a celebratory fundraising evening to commemorate its impressive milestone birthday.

ALMOST 200 incidents of drink spiking have been reported in Essex in recent years, an Gazette investigation has revealed in the wake of a teenager being hospitalised.

A DRIVER who killed a talented and popular musician when his car ploughed into a pub’s smoking area was caught driving without a licence or insurance while awaiting his court appearance.

Essex Police are launching a crackdown on booze fuelled antisocial behaviour in Colchester town centre this weekend - setting up a dispersal zone.

Parents and carers across Essex may be eligible to benefit from government funded holiday clubs for children and young people during the summer break!

Brits are hoping soaring temperatures can return once more this month.

Colchester United could add TWO more signings before Carlisle opener

AN air ambulance was called into action as part of a medical emergency in which a woman needed urgent assistance.

NEARLY two-thirds of Colcestrians have received both doses of a coronavirus vaccine, figures reveal.

Research from Moneybarn shows Essex has the fourth most dangerous roads in England and Wales.

A SALON owner says her hardworking team have been given the boost they deserve after winning an award following a testing 18 months for the business.

A MOTHER wept in court as she was sentenced for putting her young child’s life at risk with her “despicable” driving.

These Essex businesses have been named and shamed for failing to pay workers the minimum wage.

A COUPLE who grew 15 cannabis plants argued the drugs were only for medicinal use to tackle a health condition.

A CHEF who started his career training in Colchester is hoping his skills in the kitchen will help his lockdown-inspired dishes come out on top and see him crowed the best in the business.

A MUM has told of her terror after her car was set alight in the early hours of the morning while her young children slept just metres away in the house.

Colchester Council has been urged to buy the Defence Support Group – site from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation.

A RECYCLING centre has needed to close following an 'emergency incident'.

PARAMEDICS and police officers rushed to the aid of a man suffering a medical emergency before an air ambulance was called into action.

A PATIENT had to be helped by paramdeics and air ambulance personnel before being transported to a hospital’s emergency department after a trauma incident.

Colchester United made their Championship bow on this day in 2006

DRIVERS are being urged to avoid a busy road following an accident.

A POPULAR patient choir group for people looking to improve their health and well-being is back up and running after the lifting of lockdown restrictions.

The former home of Argos in Colchester town centre is being marketed on Rightmove for offers over £750,000.

A CARE company which runs a variety of homes in north east Essex has been shortlisted for two national catering awards.

FLIGHT fanatics coming to Clacton for the town's 150th anniversary flights later this month are being urged to plan their trip.

A MAN from Clacton must carry out 200 hours of unpaid work after admitting being involved in supplying Class A drugs.

Poundland has confirmed it is offering to help lorry drivers in Essex upgrade their skills to boost recruitment.

A UNIQUE carnival will return to Harwich this autumn after being cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Essex Police are implementing a dispersal order in Colchester town centre this weekend due to incidents of antisocial behaviour and alcohol related issues.

A FORMER Essex Police officer cheated on an exam by looking up answers beforehand.

New apartments could be built on land near the Willows Shopping Parade, off Mersea Road in Colchester.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of rape after a male victim reported being sexually assaulted at Abbey Field in Colchester.

Detectives are appealing for information following a serious assault which saw a woman hit in the head with a glass.

Almost 8,000 children were suspended from school in 2019 to 2020 – despite lockdown restrictions severely limiting numbers able to be taught in classrooms for a large part of the year.

DRINKERS raised a toast to the return of a popular beer festival based in an historic fort which saw more than 4,000 pints enjoyed.

A YOUNGSTER with learning difficulties has left people “astounded” after being taught to swim… and he’s now gearing up for a gruelling water-based fundraiser.

If variety is the spice of life, then the Summer Show at the West Cliff Theatre has it in buckets (& spades) full.

A MAN who exchanged telephone numbers with two children before messaging them on social media acted in breach of a court order.