Local News

Braintree Village confirms its full Christmas opening hours with extended late-night shopping and important updates for visitors. Some stores may vary their times, so here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Starmer fires back after accusations explode over last week’s Budget here’s what he says really happened.

Braintree Police to Deploy Extra Patrols Across the District This December
A major month-long operation is about to begin, with officers set to carry out intensified checks and targeted stops across Braintree. Residents can expect to see more police on the roads and in key areas.

A stepfather and stepson have been sentenced after choking two Essex police officers unconscious during a violent late-night rampage in Colchester. Residents are now asking whether the punishment goes far enough…

A major developer is once again looking at building up to 400 new homes on land north of Western Road in Silver End, even though the site has already been rejected for future housing in Braintree District Council’s emerging Local Plan.

Braintree residents are about to learn exactly what bins they’ll receive under the new waste system including the move to black-bin collections once every 3 weeks. Letters are being sent this month confirming each property’s set-up as the district prepares for major changes from June 2026.

An 11-year-old Braintree boy passed away suddenly just hours after being told he “just had a virus”. His shocked family now wait for answers.

Essex could be hit by a sudden winter blast this weekend as new weather maps turn purple. Here’s what the Met Office says about the incoming blizzard.

A major high-street brand has confirmed it will close three Essex stores and Braintree is one of them. Here’s what we know, why the closures are happening, and how locals are reacting.

Why are our high streets suddenly filled with vape shops, barbers and empty units? It’s not the reason most people think. This deep-dive uncovers the real truth behind Braintree’s changing high street and the comments from locals who say they’ve seen it coming for years.

A beloved brand is returning to UK high streets, with more than 100 new stores already open. The latest launch was right here in Essex… so should Braintree be next? Read the full story and join the discussion.

The proposal to introduce paid on-street parking across Braintree, Witham and Halstead has moved to its next stage as the public consultation officially closes. What happens now and how could this impact our high streets? Read the full update.

Police are appealing for information after jewellery, bank cards, and £400 in cash were stolen from a home in Lammas Drive, Braintree. Officers have released CCTV images of two men they’d like to speak to in connection with the burglary.

New housing plans have resurfaced for land off Courtauld Road just a year after a larger proposal was rejected and dismissed on appeal. The developer says the latest design is “more sensitive,” but will it be enough to win local support this time?

Braintree drivers say they’ve had enough of endless diversions and temporary lights. With more works cropping up across town, locals are asking why the roads are constantly being dug up and where all the money’s going.

The free Braintree Village shuttle could return - but the new proposal has been sent back by councillors who say it’s “not enough.” Here’s what was said and what happens next.

A family in Braintree was left terrified after a group of masked youths smashed their car window in the middle of the night. Police are investigating but residents say it’s another sign that crime and anti-social behaviour are rising in local neighbourhoods.

A man was stabbed in a targeted robbery in Braintree after travelling to the area to sell his watch. Police say it was a planned meeting that turned violent - but residents are now questioning whether Braintree still feels like a safe place to live.

A man was stabbed in a violent attempted robbery — now locals are questioning whether Braintree is still a safe place to live. Police are investigating, but residents say they want to see stronger action to stop attacks like this.

After 34 years of serving the community, one of Braintree’s most loved department stores has closed its doors for good - and locals aren’t happy. When asked what should replace it, one shopper summed up the mood perfectly: “Not another vape shop.”

Experts calling the A120 one of Essex’s most dangerously outdated roads.
Thousands of drivers use it daily - but with crumbling lanes, endless traffic, and years of broken promises… how much longer can it cope? 🤔

Letting your child use your e-scooter account could land you with a £300 fine and 6 points on your licence. Here’s what every parent needs to know.

£515,805 has been secured to boost Braintree’s parks, businesses, and wellbeing — and local residents could help shape where it goes.

Basildon pulls the plug on its e-scooter trial over safety concerns. Should Braintree do the same? Let us know what you think.