News in Basildon

A SENIOR firefighter in Basildon is among 25 officers and staff honoured with a special award for service to the Essex Fire and Rescue Service.

Craig McLellan, station manager at Basildon, Billericay & Wickford was recognised along with colleagues at a special awards presentation.

A WOMAN arrested in Basildon who took over running a drugs line from her boyfriend has been sentenced.

Officers raided Jade Stevens's home in in Casino Court, Canvey, last year and found a large package of drugs hidden behind a kitchen kickboard. The drugs could have been sold on the streets for between £5,000 and £10,000. They also seized designer clothes worth around £2,750, plus £650 in cash and a phone containing text messages about drugs supply.

A WOMAN has been taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries following a collision in Uppermayne, Basildon, at about 9.30pm last night (Wednesday, 3 February).

The pedestrian, who is aged in her 30s, was in collision with a red Ford Galaxy.

A WICKFORD man hauled in by police in connection with a burglary ended up £10,000 out of pocket when it was found he was one of those behind the illegal party at East Horndon Church on New Year's Eve.

The 32-year-old man from Wickford was arrested on suspicion of burglary at Heathrow Airport yesterday (Tuesday 2 February). During the investigation he admitted being an organiser of the unlicensed music event at a disused church in East Horndon on New Year's Eve.

MORE than £50,000 in grants has been issued by Basildon Council to support mental health services across the borough

In October the council launched a mental health fund, and the council has now selected and awarded grants to 12 organisations offering mental health services in the Basildon borough.

STAFF and volunteers at Basildon & Thurrock Hospital have been congratulated after health minister Matt Hancock flagged up their efforts in the battle against Covid-19.

Mr Hancock, who visited the hospital last week, wrote to Thurrock MP Jackie Doyle-Price today (Wednesday, 3 February) to say: "I am writing to update you on the fantastic efforts of your local Covid vaccination teams. I am delighted to inform you that Basildon Hospital is one of the the highest performing Covid vaccination sites in the country.

SOUTH Essex College is holding a virtual open event for its brand new Centre for Digital Technologies in Basildon town centre.

The event will take place on Tuesday, 9 February from 5 to 8pm. It will include live talks from course leaders and a virtual tour of the building, giving attendees the first look of the high tech campus.

BASILDON Nub News is about to launch an additional service to keep you informed about what's going on in the borough.

Starting next Friday, 12 February on Fridays we will be bringing hyperlocal news straight to your e-mail inbox. That way you won't miss out on any of the top local news stories that touch your life.

THE declaration of Essex as being subject to a 'major incident' caused by Coviod-19 has been revoked.

The Essex Resilience Forum, a group that comprises the NHS, police, fire and ambulance services and local authorities including Basildon Council had declared the county was in crisis on 29 December.

BASILDON Police will be hosting an online question and answer session for residents later this week.

It will take place on Friday (5 February) between 7 and 8pm. Details can be viewed here.