IT'S been seven days of big news stories in Maldon, from all the latest local information on the current pandemic crisis to a controversy over a tree and the end to a tragic tale that shook the town.

Here at Maldon Nub News we like to make your life easier so if you've missed any of the local news this week, don't worry.

We have you covered with 10 of the top stories right here.

1. A warning about Covid vaccine text scams was issued by NHS leaders at Mid Essex CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group).

Some fraudsters have set out to target the vulnerable at this challenging time. Find out more about it and how to avoid being caught out here.

2. On the day that the seven-day Covid-19 infection rate for Maldon district passed 900 per 100,000 people, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced a new national lockdown and the closure of schools for most students until at least mid-February

You can read the full story with a link to the Government website here.

3. The business community learned that new lockdown grants would be available to help keep firms afloat until the spring.

Find out more here.

4. Anyone looking for something beautiful this week could have found it in the fabulous photos showcasing our beautiful locality in Limebrook u3a's 2021 calendar.

You can see the pictures, read all about it and even find out more about joining the group here.

5. Maldon District Council leader, Councillor Wendy Stamp, spoke out about the failure of some to keep up social distancing guidelines.

You can find out more here.

6. Maldon MP John Whittingdale made a statement on the lockdown measures, the new variant and – following a busy New Year's Eve for Essex Police – the rule breakers, too.

Read Mr Whittingdale's thoughts on the situation here.

7. Essex Police reported on the outcome of their Christmas and New Year drink and drug driving campaign.

You can find out more about that here.

8. Leylandii trees often prove a controversial topic and that's certainly been the case in our next story.

Get the full picture here.

9. Maldon district's residents who do not qualify for the self-isolation grant can now apply to a new local fund.

Find out more here.

10. A thug was sentenced to three years in prison for the manslaughter of Maldon man Daryl Bunn, who died following a single punch.

Read the full story here.