News in Basildon

A BASILDON man has been jailed for seven years for the manslaughter of "gentle" Matthew Bion.

Dennie Griffiths, 28 of Paynters Mead, was sentenced for the manslaughter of Matthew Bion at Basildon Crown Court today (Wednesday 19 January).

POLICE are appealing for witnesses following a robbery in Basildon.

It was reported that at around 6.30pm on Tuesday, 11 January two men attended a property in Ghyllgrove Close claiming to be delivering a parcel. Once the occupier opened the door to them, they pushed past. They searched the property, taking a quantity of money and jewellery.

POLICe have asked the public for help as they see to identify a man in connection with the theft of a car in Basildon.

A grey Kia Picanto was taken from an address in Lynstede at around 1.20am on 31 December.

WORK by specialist detectives has ensured two men have been jailed for a total of almost 30 years for using explosives to steal and try to steal cash machines in Essex and London - including a raid in Wickford.

Between 27 November 2019 and 14 January 2020, Anthony Crowley and James Whitlock targeted eight cash machines.

A BASILDON student is one of the latest winners of a Jack Petchey Achievement Award.

Adetola Tanimowo, 17, who attends The Basildon Upper Academy received the honour for being a highly ambitious and hardworking student. She is hoping to pursue a career in medicine and has a real passion to succeed. She takes every opportunity with both hands and ensures she makes the most of it.

RESIDENTS in Basildon are reminded that this coming week is the last with revised waste collection days before they return to normal from Monday, 24 January.

Services were amended to cover Christmas and the new Year and over the following weeks to catch up on any backlog.

TWO men have been charged in connection with an investigation into the supply of Class A drugs in Basildon.

Specialist officers from Essex Police's anti drugs crime Op Raptor South team executed two warrants in the town on Wednesday morning (12 January) and arrested three people.

BASILDON taxi fares could rise in response to rising fuel costs, inflation and loss of business due to coronavirus restrictions.

The Basildon Borough Hackney Carriage Association has made a request to the Basildon Borough Council, asking it to approve an increase in tariffs, including the initial charge for a journey to £3.20.

POLICE officers carrying out a search for Gary Billings, who had been missing from his home in Basildon, have located the body of a man that has now been identified as Mr Billings.

A statement from Essex police says: "Mr Billings' family members are now being supported by officers.

THE efforts of a Basildon community champion have been recognised by a national awards scheme.

The Points of Light award rewards outstanding individual volunteers - people who are making a change in their community.