Essex news

• Fox hit by car is 'much stronger' as Essex rescue centre struggles with costs

  16-02-2026 22:35
  
  A fox that was hit by a car and sustained a broken pelvis and spinal damage is “much stronger”, a rescue centre says.
  
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• Flood alert warning issued for parts of River Colne after recent rainfall

  16-02-2026 21:29
  
  High river levels may lead to flooding from a river between Great Yeldham and Colchester after recent rainfall.
  
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• Plans for retail park off A12 amended after McDonalds U-turn to add fun for kids

  16-02-2026 20:31
  
  Plans for a new retail park off the A12 have been amended to include a special treat for kids to enjoy.
  
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• Golding rejoins Southend on loan from Oxford United

  16-02-2026 20:15 via bbc.com
  Oxford United defender James Golding joins Southend United, having played 15 games for them during a loan spell last season.
  
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• Mrs Hinch launches surprise new homeware collection - here's what's in store

  16-02-2026 19:04
  
  AFTER her first homeware range for Home Bargains became a sell-out success, Mrs Hinch has thrilled fans everywhere by unveiling a new collection for kids’ rooms.
  
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• A12 London-bound: Police incident causing severe traffic congestion in rush hour

  16-02-2026 18:47
  
  Motorists are facing severe congestion on key routes near Colchester following a police incident close to the A12.
  
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• In Images: Beloved family-run Perrywood garden centre in Essex over 70 years

  16-02-2026 18:07
  
  For seven decades, Perrywood has grown from a modest smallholding into one of the region’s most cherished horticultural destinations.
  
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• Readers call for change at Colchester's Debenhams, old Odeon, and former post office

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  Debenhams, North Hill’s Former Post Office, and the old Odeon in Colchester are three major buildings in a derelict state with uncertain futures.
  
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• Plans finally submitted for much-loved Essex garden centre which closed last year

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  David Thompson, 63, of Aldham, bought Mill Race Garden Centre after it shut to the public last summer.
  
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• Marks Tey hosting free community picnic this half term

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  A picnic full of games, crafting, and bouncing for half term is free for families in Marks Tey this half term.
  
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• Formula One champion's autograph among 35 lots in auction for Colchester charity

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  The Tom Bowdidge Youth Cancer Foundation’s Silent Auction was launched last Friday.
  
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• Essex hospice receives £100k from group of novice cyclists

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  St Helena Hospice in Essex receives £100,000 donation from the Wrinkled Wheels cyclists after their Land’s End to John O’Groats ride.
  
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• Colchester environmental campaigners hold protest against grass cutting plans

  16-02-2026 18:00
  
  Friends of Middlewick supporters gathered after the MoD, which runs the former military site, confirmed it would start the work in the coming weeks.
  
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• River floods farmlands in Essex village - residents angry over council inaction

  16-02-2026 17:36
  
  “All the way through the village, anyone adjacent to the river is flooded,” he said.
  
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• Residents frustrated as repeated flooding hits lands near major Essex port

  16-02-2026 17:36
  
  “All the way through the village, anyone adjacent to the river is flooded,” he said.
  
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• 10 delicious Colchester spots to enjoy Pancake Day in 2026

  16-02-2026 16:52
  
  From slim French crêpes to full-blown American diner stacks, there are plenty of spots in Colchester to enjoy Pancake Day in 2026.
  
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• Essex firm contributes £108 million to UK economy after building 425 new homes

  16-02-2026 15:41
  
  Barratt and David Wilson Homes Eastern Counties boosted the East of England economy by £108m, delivering 425 new homes.
  
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• Blue plaque unveiled at Abberton Reservoir for role during Second World War

  16-02-2026 15:23
  
  Abberton Reservoir near Colchester has been awarded its own blue plaque for its service to RAF training in the Second World War.
  
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• Greater Anglia announces month-long engineering works along London line

  16-02-2026 15:04
  
  One month-long engineering works will see Greater Anglia trains to London Liverpool Street effected.
  
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• Emergency roadworks in major Essex city centre causing heavy traffic delays

  16-02-2026 14:19
  
  Chelmsford motorists are facing disruption after a section of Victoria Road has been closed due to emergency gas works.
  
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• Trial told XL bully dogs that killed pensioner held combined weight of 190kg

  16-02-2026 13:20
  
  Warren, 41, left Ms Martin with the two dogs, named Beauty and Bear, and eight puppies of the same breed, at his home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, on February 3 2024.
  
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• Trial told XL bully dogs that killed pensioner Annie held combined weight of 190kg

  16-02-2026 13:20
  
  Warren, 41, left Ms Martin with the two dogs, named Beauty and Bear, and eight puppies of the same breed, at his home on Hillman Avenue in Jaywick, on February 3 2024.
  
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• Independent Essex coffee chain TOAST expands with eighth café opening soon

  16-02-2026 13:19
  
  The opening follows continued growth for the brand, including a new store in Clacton-on-Sea that is set to open in March this year.
  
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• Rainy day rescue: Indoor activities to do with the kids in Essex this half term

  16-02-2026 13:18
  
  Here are six indoor activities to do with the kids this half-term week in Essex
  
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• 'Your donation is potentially saving three lives,' says UK top 10 blood donor

  16-02-2026 13:00
  
  Tim Sargeant, 58, is one of the UK’s top 10 ‘super donors’ having completed his 157th blood donation.
  
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• See the 8 reasons to visit the Essex town crowned best place to live in UK

  16-02-2026 13:00
  
  Crowned the best place to live in the UK in prestigious guides, Wivenhoe is one of the county’s most loved gems.
  
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• NHS needs more young people to donate blood and save up to 3 lives per visit

  16-02-2026 13:00
  
  The NHS needs more young people who are eligible to donate blood to come forward.
  
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• Newsquest staff to sleep out for youth homelessness charity

  16-02-2026 12:10
  
  Staff at Newsquest - publisher of the Gazette - are taking part in a sponsored sleepout to help end youth homelessness.
  
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• Met Office issue yellow “ice” weather warning for Essex - here's what it means

  16-02-2026 12:08
  
  The warning is in effect from today evening, and highlights the likelihood of icy patches forming after rain, sleet, and hill snow clear from the region.
  
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• Met Office issue yellow 'ice' weather warning for Essex - here's what it means

  16-02-2026 12:08
  
  The warning is in effect from today evening, and highlights the likelihood of icy patches forming after rain, sleet, and hill snow clear from the region.
  
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• Incredible vintage images of Colchester Zoo show how it has changed over time

  16-02-2026 12:07
  
  These vintage images were taken during the 80s and 90s and show the Maldon Road attraction
  
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• Breast surgeon in Essex set to feature in new Channel 5 documentary

  16-02-2026 11:44
  
  Sascha Dua, a consultant breast surgeon at Broomfield Hospital, will appear in the second episode of Channel 5’s "The Surgeon".
  
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• Essex museum launching new gallery exhibit dedicated to Royal Flying Corps pilot

  16-02-2026 11:25
  
  Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome in Essex has unveiled a new First World War pilot exhibition for 2026.
  
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• Live: Fatal XL bully dog attack final statements

  16-02-2026 11:12
  
  The prosecution and defence in the trial of Ashley Warren are presenting their summaries to the jury. Warren is standing trial for being the owner and being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death following the death of Esther Martin.
  
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• Live: Fatal XL bully dog attack closing arguments read

  16-02-2026 11:12
  
  The prosecution and defence in the trial of Ashley Warren are presenting their summaries to the jury. Warren is standing trial for being the owner and being in charge of a dangerously out of control dog causing injury resulting in death following the death of Esther Martin.
  
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• Nationwide staff don 1950s attire to celebrate 70 years in Colchester

  16-02-2026 11:00
  
  Nationwide staffed donned clothes from the 1950s to celebrate 70 years of serving the Colchester community.
  
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• Damon Albarn has awkward encounter with TV host on a popular talk show

  16-02-2026 09:54
  
  Damon Albarn, who grew up in Colchester, appeared on The Graham Norton Show last Friday to promote his new album and tour for his other band the Gorillaz.
  
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• Passport warning issued to Brits over lesser-known rule that could stop travelling

  16-02-2026 08:58
  
  When going on holiday, a passport is crucial. And while it is important for it to be in date and in good condition, you also need blank pages.
  
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• Amazon delivery van stranded on mud flats after following sat-nav to Essex address

  16-02-2026 08:58
  
  Amazon have set up a plan with a farmer to extract the vehicle
  
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• Libraries campaigners question council u-turn to fund services across Essex

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  Save Our Libraries Essex (SOLE) campaigners have responded to a council's u-turn, saying the proposed funds do not compensate the original cuts.
  
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• I tried to park Colchester Hospital’s busy car park - here's how long it took me

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  Councillor Dave Harris said he and residents from Berechurch ward have complained of not being able to find a parking space at Colchester Hospital.
  
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• Girls at Colchester school pour their heart and soul into hit musical

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  More than 130 talented pupils worked for many months to prepare their version of the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical.
  
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• Fresh calls from readers and MP for change at Colchester Hospital's visitor car park

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  Colchester Hospital’s main visitor car park, in Turner Road, has been driving people mad several years.
  
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• End of era as popular Colchester bar closes - new venue takes its spot in city

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  The venue at 19 Head Street, which has housed several concepts over the years, is now home to Hooray Henry.
  
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• Colchester school set to get free breakfast club saving parents £450 a year

  16-02-2026 06:00
  
  Unity Primary School has been selected as part of the government’s Best Start scheme.
  
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