Local News

Echo | Basildon

Family shaken after yobs throw brick at windscreen on key south Essex route

A mother has described how her family were shaken up after a brick was thrown at her car windscreen by yobs on a key south Essex route

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Echo | Basildon

Three south Essex stations become first in the UK to offer designated 'safe spaces'

The initiative, which involves Southend Central, Basildon, and Grays stations, is part of a new partnership between c2c and WalkSafe.

Echo | Basildon

Reform plan to block vape and barber shops in south Essex town slammed

A proposal to limit the spread of vape and barber shops in council-owned units has sparked a row, with critics accusing Reform UK of targeting businesses.

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Echo | Basildon

NHS internship scheme helps young people into jobs across south Essex hospitals

Placements are delivered by Mid and South Essex NHS Trust in partnership with South Essex College and Chelmsford College.

Echo | Basildon

New council leader unveils six key priorities for 'building a better Basildon'

Conservative councillor Andy Barnes was elected leader of Basildon Council at the authority’s Annual Council meeting.

Echo | Basildon

Inside 'exceptional' £1.5m newly renovated luxury south Essex home

Located on Stacey Drive in Langdon Hills, the £1.5 million property combines modern comfort with timeless character and outstanding countryside views.

Echo | Basildon

Hundreds of south Essex hospital volunteers praised for their hard work

More than 830 volunteers gathered for an afternoon tea during Volunteers’ Week to celebrate their efforts across south Essex.

Echo | Basildon

Paedophile controlled south Essex schoolgirl's life, ordering her to skip school

A south Essex schoolgirl told Basildon Crown Court how paedophile Jack Kingsbury took control of every aspect of her life, turning her against her family.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon set to be transformed into giant interactive game to encourage exercise

Beat the Street will invite residents to walk, cycle, run or wheel their way around the borough.

Echo | Basildon

'Devious' south Essex paedophile got girl pregnant and forced her into abortion

Jack Kingsbury made weekly trips from Croydon to Basildon to sexually abuse a 14-year-old girl he groomed on Snapchat.

Echo | Basildon

Pupils 'progress very well' at 'welcoming' south Essex school praised by Ofsted

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, in Elsenham Crescent, has been praised by Ofsted following a recent inspection.

Echo | Basildon

Man suffers head injuries after incident at south Essex supermarket

A man in his 40s has been arrested on suspicion of GBH after an incident in the car park of Asda at Basildon's Pipps Hill Retail Park.

Echo | Basildon

Trial: South Essex kebab shop worker found GUILTY of raping OAP on A130

Kebab shop employee Rahim Ghasemi has been convicted at Basildon Crown Court of raping a pensioner on the A130 after offering her a lift home from Chelmsford.

Echo | Basildon

Construction underway on new £250k community sports facility in south Essex

The PlayZone will provide a small‑sided, multi‑use pitch designed for football and a range of other sports and activities.

Echo | Basildon

Residents asked to shape new animal welfare rules after 41 dog deaths in south Essex

Basildon Council has launched a consultation on its Animal Activity Licensing Policy and Animal Charter.

Echo | Basildon

Attendance issues remain at school in south Essex despite major improvements

The Basildon Lower Academy, in Timberlog Close, was visited by Ofsted inspectors earlier this year.

Echo | Basildon

Man pleads not guilty to possessing explosive substance with intent in south Essex

Ben Banham has pleaded not guilty to possessing an explosive substance with intent in Rokescroft, Pitsea, in March 2026.

Echo | Basildon

South Essex dealers who advertised crack cocaine and heroin 12,000 times jailed

Junior Brown and Joshua Mitchell were jailed at Basildon Crown Court for peddling crack cocaine and heroin in south Essex.

Echo | Basildon

South Essex council to sell £15m retail park in Stevenage at a loss to cut debt

Basildon Council has agreed terms to sell a retail park in Stevenage for £15million.

Echo | Basildon

Five shows to look forward to at Basildon's Towngate Theatre in the coming weeks

While there is plenty more to come, these five shows are among the key highlights of the programme in Basildon.