Essex news

• A120 remains shut hours on from earlier crash with police said to be on the scene

  22-01-2026 19:53
  
  Essex Police are reportedly on the scene of a crash which has closed the A120 hours ago with the incident still ongoing.
  
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• New rhino and giraffe keeper needed at Colchester Zoo

  22-01-2026 18:49
  
  Colchester Zoo has a number of roles currently available - one of which is the opportunity to become the new rhino and giraffe keeper.
  
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• Essex businesses gather for successful Newsquest AI event at Stratstone Ferrari

  22-01-2026 18:43
  
  Leading businesses from across Suffolk and north Essex attended an exclusive marketing event tonight hosted by the Gazette’s publisher Newsquest.
  
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• A120 closed in both directions due to crash with delays building

  22-01-2026 18:19
  
  The A120 is currently closed in both directions near Wix due to a crash which is causing delays to build.
  
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• Colchester pupils visit University of Essex for AI conference

  22-01-2026 18:18
  
  Pupils from St Mary's School in Colchester explored the future of technology at an AI conference at the University of Essex.
  
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• Strong public support for new lions enclosure at Jimmy's Wildlife Park

  22-01-2026 18:09
  
  The proposal of a new lion enclosure at Jimmy's Farm has been heavily backed by the public.
  
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• West Mersea voyeur filmed naked teenager through window while she showered

  22-01-2026 18:00
  
  Matthew Healy stood in the teenager’s garden and positioned his mobile phone at a window to film her, Ipswich Crown Court heard.
  
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• Trespasser damaged intercoms at historic Essex abbey during 'impulsive' night visit

  22-01-2026 18:00
  
  On November 25 at around 10.30pm, a tenant of Beeleigh Abbey noticed a person wandering around the 13th century building.
  
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• Latest bid for homes and cemetery in Tiptree submitted after multiple rejections

  22-01-2026 18:00
  
  An unnamed developer is yet again attempting to build a development behind a builder’s yard at Highlands, in Kelvedon Road, Tiptree.
  
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• Escape Hunt to open in city centre later this year with immersive escape rooms

  22-01-2026 18:00
  
  Escape Hunt announced plans to open five immersive escape rooms in addition to three outdoor experiences.
  
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• Popular Colchester nightspot to take part in Independent Venue Week

  22-01-2026 15:56
  
  Three Wise Monkeys will take part in Independent Venue Week from Monday until Sunday, February 1.
  
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• The Essex council elections which will go ahead this year despite postponements

  22-01-2026 15:18
  
  TWO authorities are remaining committed to holding their local elections this year whilst others are set to be postponed.
  
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• Essex hospital trust norovirus patient numbers has nearly doubled in a week

  22-01-2026 14:48
  
  The number of norovirus patients at hospitals run by ESNEFT has nearly doubled in a week according to new data.
  
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• Businesses lose out on day's trading after electrical fault on High Street

  22-01-2026 14:11
  
  Staff at Snappy Snaps, Robert Dyas, and Bill’s restaurant realised they had no power on Wednesday morning and later called in UK Power Networks.
  
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• 5 Colchester venues named winners at Wedding Awards 2026

  22-01-2026 14:07
  
  Five venues across Colchester have been named winners at the 2026 Wedding Awards - recognised as great places to tie the knot.
  
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• Essex hospital trust issues update after critical incident was declared

  22-01-2026 13:29
  
  A critical incident which was declared at hospitals run by ESNEFT has now been downgraded following improvements.
  
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• Black Books and Shaun Of The Dead actor returning to Colchester for comedy show

  22-01-2026 13:27
  
  Black Books star Dylan Moran will perform a comedy show alongside guest stand-up comics at Colchester Arts Centre in March.
  
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• In Images: Keep Colchester Cool Awards celebrate 'talents in theatre and arts'

  22-01-2026 13:00
  
  Colchester’s amateur and community theatre scene was firmly in the spotlight at the Keep Colchester Cool Theatre Awards.
  
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• Free preloved clothes and more being distributed at Colchester winter community event

  22-01-2026 13:00
  
  The community event is welcome to all with information, advice, and support being offered from a range of staff, volunteers, and individuals from partner organisations.
  
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• Essex rescue centre saves sparrowhawk trapped in brewery

  22-01-2026 13:00
  
  Colchester Owl Rescue received a call about a sparrowhawk that had flown into a brewery warehouse.
  
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• Essex Police boss sees 'outrageous' speeding behaviour - why is it important?

  22-01-2026 13:00
  
  A roads policing boss has said “speed does kill” as the force recorded almost 100,000 speeding incidents in Essex in 2025.
  
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• The AI robots helping to speed up an Essex pharmacy

  22-01-2026 12:57 via bbc.co.uk
  Cross Chemist in Essex sees 30 people a day and prescribes 11,000 medications a month.
  
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• East of England 'not over last year's drought'

  22-01-2026 12:55 via bbc.com
  Anglian Water's planner warns we need more rain and says the risk of more serious droughts is growing.
  
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• Essex makes Carbon Disclosure Project list for efforts to protect the planet

  22-01-2026 12:54
  
  Essex County Council has been given a top rating for protecting the environment from the Carbon Disclosure Project.
  
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• Southend United to introduce new female mascot

  22-01-2026 12:30 via bbc.com
  Children can submit design ideas for the new mascot, who will appear alongside Sammy the Shrimp.
  
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• More snow could hit Essex as soon as next week according to forecaster

  22-01-2026 12:22
  
  According to weather forecaster, WX Charts more snow could hit Essex before the end of January.
  
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• Trust downgrades critical status at hospitals

  22-01-2026 12:20 via bbc.com
  The trust has been facing "significant pressure" this year, but says improvements are being seen.
  
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• Patient died after fall through gap in Essex hospital fire escape stairwell

  22-01-2026 11:53
  
  A Prevention of Future Deaths report has been issued following the death of Warren Green
  
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• Police appeal after boy grabbed by man on road

  22-01-2026 08:31 via bbc.com
  Essex Police are investigating after a boy was reportedly grabbed on the arm in Aveley.
  
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• New health hub on former Debenhams site 'exciting'

  22-01-2026 07:24 via bbc.com
  When it opens later this year, the health hub will offer diagnostics and outpatient services.
  
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• How AI and robots help ease pressure on pharmacies

  22-01-2026 07:22 via bbc.com
  Hema Patel says pharmacies are “on our knees” and need more funding from central government.
  
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