The countdown is on for Colchester's annual Christmas Light Switch On at Lion Walk Shopping Centre.

Dartford Crossing closures: National Highways warns drivers of overnight QE2 Bridge and tunnel maintenance, plus A282 lane closures through late November.

East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) has launched a new festive gift range which is available across Essex.

A new Deposit Return Scheme is set to be introduced across the UK to encourage people to recycle empty plastic bottles and cans.

Find Evri's Christmas 2026 last-send dates, plus Royal Mail and Parcelforce UK posting deadlines

A12 crash near Colchester causes severe delays after multi-vehicle crash between Ardleigh and Stratford St Mary, despite all lanes reopening.

Colchester MP Pam Cox denied behaving “unhinged” towards a Conservative councillor before the city’s Remembrance Sunday parade.

The A12 is partially blocked after a multiple vehicle crash near Colchester with congestion back to junction 29.

Multi-vehicle crash closes the northbound A12 near Colchester between junctions 29 and 30, with National Highways warning of delays exceeding 60 minutes.

Battery fire in a Latchingdon cupboard prompts Burnham firefighters to warn Essex residents about safe storage, smoke alarms and evacuation on November 9.

A crash caused long queues on the M25 and QEII Bridge near Lakeside during the morning rush hour.

Jez Kelly, 57, got behind the wheel of his Ford Fiesta in October when he was over the drink drive limit.

A Colchester United fan has been banned from football after admitting he used threatening language during a League Two match against Bromley.

Essex County Council called its fourth Local Transport Plan “A Better Connected Essex”.

Plans to turn a bakery into Manningtree’s fourth pub - the Little Bear Bar - have divided residents, with 42 objections and 136 supporters. Tendring Council will decide.

Colchester has marked the transfer of grounds maintenance services to Amphora, with 40 staff moving over from Idverde.

Community360's collapse has axed vital transport for elderly and vulnerable Essex residents in Colchester, Chelmsford and Maldon, threatening hospital trips.

Essex organisations are reacting to the UK and EU's draft deal on removing post-Brexit checks from food and agriculture exports.

Amanuel Mebrahtu, 34, was reported to the police by two women in April last year after he committed the offence in Lion Walk.

Nestlé has confirmed that Quality Street's paper tubs will not be returning to shelves this year.

Millions of workers are in line for a £910 pay rise next April, with Andy Burnham's Government confirming a 3.9% increase to the National Living Wage.

Facade Group, which says it worked on The Shard and Fulham FC's stadium, has been ordered to be wound up by the High Court.

UK petrol prices have fallen by 5p a litre, according to the AA, which says lower wholesale costs could lead to further reductions.

Latest Postcode Lottery results reveal £1,000 wins for Essex in Colchester and Rainham, Thurrock, plus a £377,224 Millionaire Street Prize elsewhere in the UK.

National ambulance guidelines are set to be revised after an Essex coroner raised concerns following the death of a 60-year-old woman.

Former New Courthouse pub in Stanford-le-Hope, Essex, goes on sale as a freehold 0.63-acre town-centre site with potential for redevelopment or alternative uses.

Chelmsford traffic delays follow a multi-vehicle crash partially blocking the A1016 Westway northbound between Britvic Roundabout and Writtle Road.

Crash partially blocks Fourth Avenue near Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, causing delays in both directions. Drivers advised to allow extra time.

Russell Brand’s father calls him a “victim” after the comedian’s 10-and-a-half-year prison sentence for rape and sexual assault; police probe two allegations.

Homeless people in Essex can now get free flu vaccinations this winter under expanded NHS rules.

Essex criminals jailed for sexual offences, attempted murder, domestic abuse, violence, drug dealing and child cruelty throughout October 2026.

A prominent arts venue has defended its cultural offer after being ranked among Essex’s lowest-rated attractions

The Punch Bowl in Paglesham has been named Essex’s best restaurant by OpenTable diners, earning top spot with a 4.8-star rating and two AA Rosettes.

Manningtree Station pub in Essex is named the East of England’s best railway station pub, ranking 11th nationally among 46 across Great Britain.

A 12-year-old boy from Colchester has been awarded the British Citizen Youth Award for his outstanding contributions to youth leadership.

Essex Police receives £57,721 to tackle rural crime, funding an off-road vehicle, mobile ANPR, trail cameras and action against hare coursing, poaching and theft.

First Bus is launching a new network in Colchester.

The man, known locally as Elvis Omosfe Idehen, is understood to have suffered a heart attack in the NRG Gym in Grange Way last Sunday.

A former Frinton apprentice has returned to Colchester Institute to inspire the next generation of tradespeople.

Essex Police appeal for witnesses after boy hit by car on Bergholt Road, Colchester, on November 9, suffering an arm injury. Road reopened.

Witham-born former Tottenham goalkeeper Barry Daines has died aged 75. The Spurs loyal servant made 173 appearances during a 12-year career at the club.

A parking operator is facing mounting criticism after hospital visitors claimed they were fined despite trying to pay

Christopher Flomo, 19, was on the Greenstead estate when he encountered the woman on May 4 this year.

Former teacher Kieran Kyle jailed for 20 weeks after racist death threats against Kemi Badenoch and her husband; court imposes five-year restraining order.

Essex Police seized 5,507 uninsured vehicles between January and October 2026, as nationwide Operation Drive Insured targets illegal driving from November 9.

Essex Police appeal for missing Chelmsford man William “Billy” Thompson, 29, last seen nearly a week ago and possibly using crutches. Welfare concerns.

Mount Bures incident on November 8: man airlifted and woman taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital after two people fell on Thatchers Road.

Tommy Walsh, who became a household name through the BBC garden makeover show Ground Force, has died peacefully after a long illness.

Cadent is replacing 870 metres of gas pipes in Brightlingsea, Essex, with road closures on Waterside, New Street and Colne Road during seven-week works.

Stanford-le-Hope’s Inn on the Green has reopened after a six-figure refurbishment, with expanded outdoor seating, heaters and new sports TV screens.