NEWS UPDATES

 A proposal has been submitted to redevelop a former car park site in Clacton-on-Sea into a mixed-use community featuring 26 new homes, 40% of which are designated as affordable housing. 

 Plans for a new community centre in Witham have received a significant boost with the approval of £4 million in funding, paving the way for enhanced local facilities.  

 Essex County Council has published its budget proposals and annual plan for the upcoming fiscal year, outlining financial strategies and priorities for the region.  

Work to construct the UK's largest artificial intelligence (AI) data centre could create up to 750 jobs in a town, it has been claimed.

Nscale pledged £2bn to build and open the pioneering facility in Loughton, Essex, by 2026.

 It came after the government announced plans to become a world leader in AI, using it to boost growth and deliver services more efficiently. 

 An Essex marshland nature reserve built with the help of more than three million tonnes of soil from the Crossrail scheme is to be expanded. RSPB Wallasea Island includes vast amounts of material excavated during the construction of tunnels beneath London for the Elizabeth Line. 

 TWO original TOWIE cast members will not be heading off on the show's Bali trip - as their fellow stars prepare to jet off on the "most luxurious getaway ever". 

 In a surprise move, TV favourites Lauren Goodger and Amy Childs have decided not to joining the rest of their co-stars on the sunkissed holiday. 

 Essex County Council has announced the return of the Love Essex Fund, offering £500 micro-grants to support waste-reducing projects across the county. 

 Community venues across Essex will be hosting Healthier Habits Hubs, serving as one-stop shops for health resources and teams to promote healthier lifestyles. 

 Commenting on this announcement, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, the King’s personal representative in the county, said: “It is tremendous to see once again, so many people living in our wonderful county having their contributions to society recognised by His Majesty.

 The RSPCA in Essex hopes to find a home for two older cats, Queenie and Duchess, who have been in the charity’s care for around five months. Have you opened a new location, redesigned your shop, or added a new product or service? Don't keep it to yourself, let folks know.

 A pet first aid training programme will be coming to Dovercourt  where owners can learn about CPR, injuries, wound care and bites. 

 The sessions will be delivered by Top Dog Training Academy trainers Bev Kimber, 38, and Kay Lillington, 39, based on Main Road in Harwich, and Fur-ever-Fit's Tanya Jewell, 56, based on Rectory Road in Harwich. 

POLICE are appealing for the public's help to find a 12-year-old boy missing from south Essex.

Alfie Cane has gone missing from Orsett and Essex Police want to make sure he's safe "as soon as possible".

The 12 districts of Essex, each with its unique charm and character, form the heart of this picturesque county in the southeast of England. From the bustling urban landscapes of Basildon and the historic riches of Colchester, Britain's oldest recorded town, to the tranquil countryside of Uttlesford and the coastal retreats of Tendring, Essex offers a diverse tapestry of experiences. Chelmsford, the county town, serves as a vibrant administrative and cultural hub, while districts like Brentwood and Epping Forest blend urban convenience with rural serenity, offering lush green spaces and outdoor activities. Braintree, Castle Point, Harlow, Maldon, and Rochford each contribute their unique heritage and landscapes, from maritime history to contemporary arts, making Essex a county of contrast and discovery.

The business landscape in Essex is diverse and dynamic, with support structures in place for new, established, and growing businesses. Essex County Council offers various services including advice, support, venues, workspaces for hire, and information on trading standards and business licenses​​.

The economy of Essex has shown signs of robust growth and profitability, especially highlighted in the Essex Limited 2014 survey. Despite static turnover at £7.0bn, operating profits rose by 48.3% across the top 100 companies, marking a significant upturn, particularly in the property and construction industries.  This increase in profitability indicates a returning confidence in the Essex business sector.  

 Essex has been the birthplace or home to a number of notable individuals who have made significant contributions in various fields. In the world of entertainment, Essex boasts the origins Jessie J, a globally recognized singer-songwriter renowned for her powerful vocals and hit songs. The county is also known for its reality TV personalities, particularly from the popular show "The Only Way is Essex," which has brought fame to individuals like Mark Wright and Gemma Collins, both of whom have become well-known UK television personalities. 

 Essex has contributed uniquely to various aspects of culture, innovation, and history. There are many things that have happened specifically due to Essex's influence or as a direct result of events in the county: 

For example:  Birth of Radio Broadcasting: Guglielmo Marconi opened the world's first wireless factory in Chelmsford, Essex, in 1899, leading to the first entertainment radio broadcast in 1920. This marked the beginning of modern radio broadcasting. 

Essex has experienced several notable criminal cases that have captured public attention, both nationally and internationally. 

For Example: The Rettendon Murders (1995): Also known as the 'Essex Boys' case, this crime involved the brutal murder of three drug dealers: Tony Tucker, Pat Tate, and Craig Rolfe. Their bodies were found in a Range Rover in Rettendon. The case was linked to the drug trade and gang warfare, and it inspired several films and books.