Matthew Critchell

5 days ago | yellowad.co.uk | Matthew Critchell

Straw will help prevent “toxic” algae from forming at a popular lake on Canvey Island, after the harmful organisms killed dozens of fish. Canvey Town Council has laid barley straw in Canvey Island Lake, off Denham Road, after the algae was linked to the death of many fish. The council says it “should help to control any potential algae growth.”There have been various incidents and issues with the algae at the lake.

6 days ago | yellowad.co.uk | Matthew Critchell

A community charity has said it will close down after decades of supporting suffering and vulnerable residents in Basildon. Basildon, Billericay and Wickford Council for Voluntary Service (BBW CVS), which is based at The George Hurd Centre, Audley Way, Basildon, says demand for their help “has never been higher” and without new investment, they would not be able to continue the work it does.

6 days ago | yellowad.co.uk | Matthew Critchell

Various south Essex towns could merge under proposals for more than 3,000 new homes, raising concerns about “absolute carnage for businesses and residents.”Land to the west of the A130, running from Wickford down to Benfleet, is earmarked for around 3,100 new homes under two separate plans. Bloor Homes is proposing 1,300 homes at Dollymans Farm, on the outskirts of Wickford and Croudace Homes has plans for 1,800 homes on land known as North Benfleet Hall, on the edges of Basildon.

6 days ago | saffronwaldenreporter.co.uk | Matthew Critchell

Some allotment plots in Saffron Walden are reportedly in a "disgraceful state" with Uttlesford District Council saying it has serious concerns over how some are being kept. The council is also set to charge up to £40 more a year for the plots, some of which it described as "pitiful". At a council meeting on April 22, Neil Hargreaves, Residents for Uttlesford deputy council leader, outlined the new changes.

1 week ago | dunmowbroadcast.co.uk | Matthew Critchell

Uttlesford District Council (Image: Charlie Ridler) The full cost of shutting down an Essex council, which could cost the taxpayer millions, is allegedly "being kept secret" – a meeting has heard. A Liberal Democrat councillor has raised concerns over the cost of scrapping Uttlesford Council as part of Labour’s major reorganisation of local government in Essex. The council leader has insisted that "nothing is secret".