A reservoir in Essex will remain closed today, a wildlife trust has confirmed, after an "incident" was reported yesterday.

Essex has been treated to many rare bird sightings this year, including one that is believed to have been photographed for the first time in the UK.

Essex has been blessed to have welcomed many film and TV crews in recent years. Here are just some that have been shot in Essex.

CAMPAIGNERS trying to save a 150 year old oak tree have appealed to the High Court in effort to stop it from being cut down.

FOR law-abiding members of the public like you or me, it is hard to comprehend just how many people go through the criminal justice system in a day, let alone in an entire year.

Essex Police officers discovered a man in Lidl who had suffered serious stab injuries to his leg, and the store was evacuated while the incident was being dealt with.

Lexden Wood Gold Club in Colchester were not made aware of a road closure which could completely disrupt operations.

A group spokesperson said the council has also admitted it currently has no clear plans in place to mitigate the impact of new development on healthcare, education, transport or other vital services

Last year, Braintree felt the loss of Martyn Richardson, a kind, caring and loving young man who went missing in Bocking.

A kilo of ketamine has been seized and two men arrested after a routine car stop in Essex.

Wayne Lineker has thanked Essex hospital staff after “seven weeks of pure hell” battling severe pneumonia.

The new A120 dual carriageway from Braintree to Marks Tey would come with many benefits to Essex, not least economically.

THERE have been many exciting developments at Colchester Zoo throughout the year but there have also been some sad losses.

Dusty’s, in Magdalen Street, will reopen in early January 2026, owner Bryan Amey says.

Gus Newell, of Lexden, is the managing director of Newell Homes, the firm which bought the former Cavalry Barracks, in Butt Road, after it was put up for sale in September last year.

Defence secretary, John Healey visited Merville Barracks and spoke with personnel on duty over Christmas to protect the nation.

SENIOR councillors have shared their condolences after a man died on the beach in Shoebury on Christmas Day

More than 90 vehicles were stopped and three people were arrested in a single day of a road operation.

Former Newcastle and Liverpool striker, Andy Carroll, has been charged with breaching a non-molestation order and is set to appear at court on Tuesday.

A project has raised £500 to support Essex mental health patients with basic clothing needs.

Modern string, wind and brass instruments are invited to join if they can read concert-pitch notation and blend sensitively with the group.

A Lamborghini, Range Rover and Bentley were seized near Chelmsford after an evening of “downright reckless” driving on the A12.

A motorbike rider has been taken to hospital after coming off their vehicle in an Essex town High Street.

Customers are being forced to leave a Tesco store empty handed due to problems after a power cut.

Firefighters have tackled a blaze involving a caravan and an outbuilding in an Essex village this morning.

If you are looking to get out in the county and explore in 2026, here are 3 different Essex villages worth a visit.

The series aims to celebrate the positive changes when dogs find loving homes.

Stansted could become the second busiest airport in the UK after expansion plans were approved.

A retired aircraft engineer wants to boost young people’s interest and STEM skills.

Darius Laws was the city’s heritage chief councillor back in 2022 and was a leading force behind the discovery of the Red Lion Yard mosaic at the time.

Unfortunately, there have been some which have shut down for good in 2025 or are set at the end of the year.

Dusty’s, in Magdalen Street, will reopen in early January 2026, resident Bryan Amey says.

A cosy family home in the outskirts of Colchester is looking for new owners.

A family-run cafe in Colchester’s city centre is moving to a new home.

Nightlife boss Ozzie Rasih, the owner of Silk Road nightclub in St Botolph's Street, spoke to the Gazette about the night-time economy in Colchester.

A man died on Christmas Day after being found on the beach in south Essex, Shoeburyness.

More than 5,400 uninsured vehicles have been seized by police this year, about 1,000 more than last year.

Police are appealing for information after two burglaries in Colchester, 10 days before Christmas.

The father of a toddler in Essex has been sentenced for viewing “daddy-daughter” and child pornography.

All traffic is being temporarily held on the M25 due to an accident near Essex.

A man worked at a popular Essex holiday village years before he went on to plan what could have been the deadliest terrorist attack in UK history.

A 78-year-old woman stole quality jumpers from a small business’ stall in a historic Essex market town.

Forecasters are predicting a flurry of snow falling up to an inch per hour over a 700-mile strip of the UK – and Essex may be included.

The A120 is the only single-track road in the UK with a major international airport at one end and a major international seaport at the other.

With the continued rising costs, as well as all the other issues that can arise from running a venue, many places have been forced to shut this year.

An Essex family is thanking the community for helping to honour their 11-year-old boy who “lit up a room” with a funeral celebrating the years he should’ve had.

The barracks have been derelict for years and were originally part of the 2010 Quadriga estate development by housebuilder Vistry Group, where homes were built off Abbey Field.

The former Marks and Spencer in High Street is being turned into Minerva House by developers City and Country in a deal believed to be worth £2million.

One of Essex's longest-standing family-run businesses in the city, Franklins is revealing what has helped it thrive through changing times.

These are the Bank Holidays to look forward to in 2026