Police and Commissioner Nick Alston admits that rural Essex...

THERE is unlikely to be a visible police presence across the Dengie, Essex's Police and Crime Commissioner admitted during a meeting at which high-ranking police officials were put under the spotlight.Attending a meeting of Maldon District Council's crime and disorder committee, Nick Alston joined Alan Cook, District Commander for Maldon and Chelmsford and Superintendent Steve Ditchburn, to discuss the extensive cuts required across the force.Across Maldon and Chelmsford, 31 PCSOs will be...

Flood alert issued for River Colne, Blackwater and Crouch...

A flood alert has been issued for the River Colne, Blackwater and Crouch estuaries.The alert, which was issued this afternoon by the Environment Agency, says that home and land owners in the area should 'be prepared' for the possibility of flooding in the early hours of the morning. A statement on the agency's website said: "We are expecting high tide levels on the Essex coast due to a combination of spring tides, a tidal surge and strong winds. "The forecast high water is due at...

Five sorts of people you'll see while out Christmas shopping in...

With just four Christmas shopping weekends to go before the big day, people begin to get a little crazy.But there are five definite sets of people that you'll see when out and about on any high street, be it in Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon or Witham. We've pulled them together in a list that we hope will raise a smile…1.The Dasher This one can't help but walk speedily from place to place in fear of missing out on that present for their spouse, child or dog – and their stress level...

Find the best shopping bargains for Black Friday

Each of us is set to spend an average of £110 this Black Friday, with all the big-name retailers offering seemingly excellent bargains to rake in an estimated £1.4 billion from UK shoppers today, according to the Money Advice Service.But which deals offer real bang for your buck, and how can you make sure Black Friday doesn't spell doom for your credit card?We've rounded up some of the best bargains on the High Street and online:SHOESOffice is doing a 20 percent discount with the...

Where to meet Santa: The best Christmas grottos in Essex

With Christmas just around the corner, we've put together the best places in Essex to take the kids (and big kids) to meet Father Christmas.From local grottos to charity meet and greets, there's something for everyone, wherever you are in Essex…Abercorn Plant & Garden CentreBeehive Lane, ChelmsfordSanta is available to see Children from the beginning of DecemberSaturday 5th December 12 - 4pmSunday 6th December 12 – 4pmSaturday 12th December 12- 4pmSunday 13th December 12 –...

Maldon's St Mary's church blesses laptop to herald arrival of new...

BLESSING a laptop with incense may be one of the stranger things that church-goers have seen, but hopes are high that the unusual ritual could spark a revival of one of England's forgotten traditions.To mark the launch of a new website to promote choral evensong, St Mary's in Maldon joined a host of other cathedrals and churches around the country in the unorthodox ceremony.Colin Baldy, who directs the choir at St Mary's, said: "I expected everyone at church to think that it was completely...

Essex Police issue fraudster warning to shoppers as con artists...

Essex Police have warned shoppers to be vigilant ahead of the discount buying day Black Friday tomorrow, as online fraudsters look to take advantage of bargain hunters.Sgt Julie Mackay from the Local Policing Support Unit has issued advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud, urging shoppers to be wary of "too good to be true" deals."Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer big opportunities for fraudsters and con-artists" said Sgt Mackay "The internet is always...