Reader gives their take on the situation in the town centre

ON a blustery Saturday afternoon, the retail parks in Tollgate are bustling with people as shoppers flock to the shops and superstores on the west side of town.

A police officer who was just eight weeks into the job when talking an autistic woman down from the top of a multi-storey car park after a four-hour stand-off, has been awarded.

St Helena School opened in Colchester in 1938, and was originally two separate schools - one for boys and another for girls.

Colchester Council considers hundreds of planning applications every year.

The continued rise of petrol prices could hit people hard as the cost of living increases.

NEW restrictions are set to be introduced in several streets this month.

WITH Valentine’s Day now just days away, love is truly starting to pepper the air and send tingles through the hearts of our Gazette readers.

Colchester United host struggling Carlisle United this afternoon

The unit is currently vacant but was formerly used as a financial advisor’s office

There are a fair few KFC restaurants in Essex, but how do they fare on the food hygiene front?

THE priciest – and cheapest – Colchester neighbourhoods to buy a house in have been revealed.

A MEDICAL centre has announced two of its doctors will be leaving the practice.

FROM a predator who squeezed a woman's ankle on a train to a man who set fire to his own home, the crown courts have dealt with some harrowing and unusual cases this week.

Essex Police has received numerous reports of UFO sighting over the years.

Here is everything you need to know about the UK clock changes in 2022.

Further pressure has been piled on families after Ofgem announced a 54% increase in the energy price cap last week. 

Olly Murs will front a new talent show for ITV this weekend

For those who managed to stick with their New Year's fitness resolutions, there's no better way to thank yourself than upgrading your headphones.

The luxurious blend of alcohol, double cream and red velvet cake flavours costs just £7.25.

Fans can’t get enough of Holly Willoughby’s new spring/summer interiors range at Dunelm – here are the key pieces to look out for.

Here are the best deals on the market for the new Samsung Galaxy S22, S22+ and Ultra deals from EE, O2, Sky Mobile and more.

Wayne Brown believes Colchester United's fans can help them collect some vital points

IT was back to winning ways for our TV Apprentice hopeful Brittany Carter.

A BURGLAR who forced his way into a business’ property to steal thousands of pounds worth of tools and equipment has been spared prison.

A WANTED man who bragged “you’re not gonna catch me” remains at large more than two weeks after officers appealed for the public’s help in tracking him down.

HUNDREDS of student flats are set to be approved despite fears from residents it could “overwhelm” the town.

Colchester United will play in front of the live Sky Sports cameras next month

RESTORATION works underway at Harwich's historic Treadwheel Crane have revealed it is unique in the UK.

A MUCH-LOVED community centre in Frinton has been saved from closure.

A brand new zoo will fling open its doors for the first time to families in just hours.

Carlisle United boss Keith Millen on vital Colchester United clash

A BUS company has launched a unique and humorous Valentine’s Day campaign in a bid to attract new drivers to the industry.

DRIVERS travelling to and from Colchester were caught up in traffic chaos for hours after a serious smash completely closed down a main road.

HERE is an early look at the new Tim Hortons restaurant coming to Essex.

REAL ale fans will be raising a glass at the announcement the Chappel Winter Beer Festival is back for 2022.

Banter with Burns with CUSA chairman Jon Burns

THE niece of a well-known businessman and much-loved father is preparing to tackle a mountain climb in his memory and to raise awareness of mental health.

A JEALOUS man has been warned he faces jail after slamming his partner’s leg in a car door and kneeling on her neck at Brightlingsea Marina.

EIGHT police officers operating in Essex and one staff member have been investigated for misconduct since the formation of a governing body.

A TEENAGER stabbed a young man through the heart before shouting “this is a f****** warning”, a court heard.

A MAN has been threatened by the bailiffs over a £750 fine after a car he had sold was parked in a bus lane five days in a row.

INVESTMENT into infrastructure in two areas of Colchester will better connect them with the town centre as funding arrives this year.

AN elderly woman has been left disconnected from her friends and family for more than three months after her phone line was cut off by mistake.

Tommy Smith has welcomed the competition for places in the Colchester United squad

“Couples could be sitting on a tax relief worth up to £1,220 that could provide vital financial support at a time they need it most."

The new Samsung Galaxy S22 Series is available to pre-order from Sky Mobile. Here's how you can get yours.

We’ve listed the places where you can get the luxurious Lay-Z-Spa hot tub at a reduced price ready for summer

A problem has arisen with a number of users of EE's services.

Kelle, from Eternal admitted she lost a fortune and had her heart broken as the panel discussed the Netflix documentary