Local News

Echo | Basildon

Drug dealer chopped schoolboy's arm 'to the bone' in Southend with Rambo knife

Basildon drug dealer Fletcher Darnell has been jailed after chopping a 15-year-old schoolboy's arm to the bone in a case of mistaken identity.

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Echo | Basildon

Popular south Essex garage opens second location after 40 years of success

A popular garage in south Essex has opened its second location, building on a more than 40-year reputation

Echo | Basildon

Community spirit shines as families enjoy garden party at south Essex hospice

St. Luke’s Hospice hosted its annual garden party on Saturday at its Thurrock site.

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Echo | Basildon

South Essex council to tackle 'hostile environment' on social media

A council in south Essex is planning to tackle a "hostile environment" on social media with new guidelines

Echo | Basildon

Developer's appeal after Basildon Council refuse application for 300 new homes

A housing scheme for hundreds of new homes is at the centre of a developer appeal after Basildon Council refused an application

Echo | Basildon

In pictures: South Essex mum torched council flat in drug-fuelled arson attack

South Essex mum-of-four Mara Ricci set fire to her own council flat amid a years-long addiction to alcohol and crack cocaine, Southend Crown Court heard.

Echo | Basildon

Fly-tipper caught dumping sofa in south Essex ordered to pay more than £1,000

Samantha Byrne was sentenced at Basildon Magistrates' Court on June 17, after admitting responsibility for illegally dumping waste.

Echo | Basildon

Former officer found guilty of misconduct at hearing

A former Essex Police officer has been found guilty of misconduct during a hearing.

Echo | Basildon

South Essex council's plan for political assistants costing £86k each slammed

A south Essex council's plan to hire political assistants on £86,000 salaries has been slammed by the opposition

Echo | Basildon

South Essex council wants 'urgent' action on rescue centres after 41 dog deaths

Basildon Council has agreed to push for "urgent" action to close a loophole in the law for animal rescue centres

Echo | Basildon

Sam Bennett wins his first UK title with outstanding performance in 110m hurdles

The 110m hurdler ran a devastatingly efficient race to beat reigning champion and top-ranked atjlete Tade Ojora, who was pre-race favourite.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon charity confirms 98-year-old fundraiser reaches £10,000 target

A record-breaking fundraiser has now reached an incredible £10,000 milestone for a children’s cancer charity in in Basildon.

Echo | Basildon

Basildon Hospital introduces new insulin pump therapy for maternity care

Basildon Hospital has launched a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump system to support patients with type 1 diabetes during pregnancy.

Echo | Basildon

Sport scheme at south Essex hospitals helps patients with recovery

The programme is running across Basildon, Southend and Broomfield hospitals over a six-week period.

Echo | Basildon

Car damaged after branch thrown from bridge in south Essex

A car was damaged after a branch was thrown from a bridge on Broadmayne in Basildon. Police have issued an appeal.

Echo | Basildon

Pupil crowned 'Student of the Year' at celebratory south Essex college awards

Thomas Cauchi received the top honour at South Essex Colleges Group’s Celebrating Success awards.

Echo | Basildon

Rape accused and alleged Chinese restaurant burglar among Basildon pleas entered

Pleas were entered at Basildon Crown Court on Friday from across Southend, Castle Point and Thurrock, for charges including rape, GBH and burglary.

Echo | Basildon

Life-changing treatment at Basildon Hospital helps transform sickle cell care

The red cell exchange transfusion service launched in January 2026 at Basildon Hospital, supported by NHS Blood and Transplant.

Echo | Basildon

£40,000 funding boost helps upgrade maternity monitoring at Basildon Hospital

The investment, funded by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity, has supported a major upgrade at Basildon Hospital’s maternity unit.

Echo | Basildon

Thurrock sprinter sets new 100m personal best at UK Championships

The 23-year-old hurdler-turned-sprinter got off to a brilliant start to take a shock win and qualify for the semi-final from lane eight.