Local News

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.

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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.

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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

Drug dealer caught with machete in south Essex claimed he was forced into it

Donovan Tumber was jailed at Basildon Crown Court after being caught with crack cocaine and a machete while already serving a suspended drug dealing sentence.

Echo | Basildon

‘A historic day’ as south Essex primary school unveils four new playgrounds

Cherry Tree Primary School in Basildon opened four new playgrounds and the unveiling was attended by newly-appointed mayor Sam Journet

Echo | Basildon

Mum opens south Essex spud business ‘cheaper and healthier than McDonalds’

A mother has proudly launched a spud business in south Essex promising to be ‘cheaper and healthier than McDonalds'

Echo | Basildon

Emergency services on scene of incident in south Essex

Emergency services are on the scene of an incident in Gaywood, Basildon, Essex.

Echo | Basildon

'Downgrading ambition' - Boxpark-style venue scrapped for old south Essex M&S

THE new Tory leadership of Basildon Council has been accused of “downgrading ambition” after it scrapped plans for a “Boxpark-style” venue for former M&S.

Echo | Basildon

Couple's business celebrates year of success - including visit from ex-Hammer

A married couple have excelled since opening their Basildon food business and their outstanding reputation was sealed by a visit from Anton Ferdinand

Echo | Basildon

Six ‘wasteful’ committees are to be axed in shake-up at south Essex council

The leader of Basildon Council has announced he will be scrapping local committees, which he called "wasteful and bureaucratic"

Echo | Basildon

Details of Armed Forces celebrations and parade announced across Basildon

The programme of celebrations, announced by Basildon Council, will run throughout June, concluding with Armed Forces Day.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon Council confirms Crunch events will continue with new dates announced

Basildon Council has confirmed the next round of “Crunch” events, allowing people to dispose of large household waste items responsibly.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon Hospital suite renamed in tribute to long‑serving consultant

The Colposcopy Suite, used for further testing after abnormal cervical screening results, has been renamed The Mike Ekong Suite.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon woman shares secret to long life as she celebrates turning 100

A Basildon centenarian has celebrated her 100th birthday milestone and revealed that dancing with her husband is the secret to her long and happy life.

Echo | Basildon

Photos: Albanian gang's £560k drugs stash found in quiet south Essex street

Essex Police found drugs worth more than £560,000 - plus £20,000 in cash - hidden in a quiet street in Lee Chapel South, Basildon.