Braintree and Witham Times

Greater Anglia is launching the First Step Into Rail scheme to help young people gain skills in the workplace.

London Liverpool Street station’s only passenger lift will close on November 22 for refurbishment until mid-February 2027, with step-free alternatives.

M25 delays after a reported vehicle fire at J2 Darenth Interchange, with recovery work, congestion back to J4 Orpington and average speeds of 20mph.

Essex police ARV driver stops safely after an unsecured load smashes its windscreen on the A120 on December 19. Audi driver Glen Lillie banned for 12 months.

Hedingham Castle unveils The Knight Before Christmas, a festive Essex event with theatre, lights and soundscapes running from December 6 to 20.

Southend dad Tom Fieldhouse wins £777,000 in Magic Radio’s Make Me A Winner competition, planning a Disney trip and mortgage payoff for his family’s future.

Holidaymakers will soon be able to fly direct from Essex to a beautiful Mediterranean island.

Herts Police warn residents about phone scammers posing as Essex Police detectives, urging people to protect bank details.

Aldi will open a new Basildon store at Westgate Shopping Centre on November 12, creating jobs and boosting Christmas shopping in Basildon town centre.

Basildon house fire caused by an electrical fault left one man treated for smoke inhalation. Essex firefighters urgently warn homes need working smoke alarms.

Perrywood Garden Centre Tiptree unveils autumn and winter menus, featuring Sunday roasts, fish and chips, afternoon tea and festive dining across its sites.

Essex’s former Debenhams stores have mixed futures: Basildon gets a health centre, while Chelmsford and Lakeside thrive; Southend and Colchester remain empty.

Essex man faces no further action after arrest over Linas Buta’s death in Rhos, near Wrexham, on March 27. Police probe now closed and report sent to coroner.

Paula Mathews, beloved Clacton County High School English and Drama teacher, has died. Her funeral will take place in Frinton at 1pm on November 5.

Inditex-owned Lefties opens its second UK store at Lakeside Shopping Centre, West Thurrock, on October 29, offering budget fashion, homeware and new jobs.

Essex rail passengers face November disruption as GBR Anglia engineering works affect Bures, Marks Tey and routes, with replacement buses on key weekends.

Essex Police search for missing 94-year-old Mercia Styles from Ingatestone, who has not been in contact since October 25. Call 999 with information.

Drivers are facing delays after a crash blocked a road close to one of the area's major junctions.

Essex shoppers warned not to eat recalled Arla Protein Puddings over possible glass contamination. Three flavours should be returned to shops for a full refund.

David Williams, 80, was driving a Volkswagen Passat in heavy rain when he struck the 16-year-old in Hatfield Road, Witham, last September.