News in Maldon

Latest data shows that on 5 January there were 1,024 beds occupied by Covid-19 patients across all Essex hospitals - an increase of seven per cent in the past week, though figures show a decrease in the last two days, as illustrated.

This means that more than a third - 34 per cent - of total hospital bed capacity is taken up by Covid-19 patients in the county. This is seven per cent higher compared to the previous week - so on 29 December.

Tonight we're going back to the future with a new community event to show thanks to those who matter to you.

On the strike of 8pm on Thursdays in the first lockdown, residents stepped outside their homes with pots, pans and anything they could make a racket with in a show of appreciation for health workers.

Where reasoned conversation has not been successful Essex Police will take enforcement action against people flouting Covid-19 rules, the force has said.

The position comes amidst warnings from the Metropolitan Police which has instructed officers to enforce lockdown laws more "quickly" and accept fewer "reasonable excuses" in an effort to save lives.

Maldon and Tiptree Football Club has paid tribute to Honorary Vice-President Bob Baker, who died on Monday (4 January) at the age of 93.

A statement issued by the club, based in Park Drive, read: "The club are saddened to announce the passing of Honorary Vice-President Bob Baker.

If you are thinking of popping into the McDonald's in Maldon for a walk-in takeaway - don't.

Like every other McDonald's in the land, the restaurant in Fullbridge Road will not be allowing customers to collect in-store. Instead, the chain will offer drive-through and delivery options for the time being.

A brave victim of rape has spoken up about her ordeal in the hope it will encourage others who have suffered sexual attacks to speak up.

The woman was one of two victims of Albanian sex predator Altin Bushati who subjected the women to prolonged and violent attacks, forcing them to have sex with him.

New Essex Police figures show that more motorists were arrested for drug driving than for being over the limit for alcohol this Christmas.

More than 280 Essex drivers were arrested for drink and drug driving offences over the Christmas and New Year campaign.

Maldon MP John Whittingdale has blamed the current surge in Covid-19 cases across Essex on the new variant of the disease - and those who break restrictions.

In a statement released this evening (Tuesday, 5 January) on the start of a new lockdown today, Mr Whittingdale also spoke of the critical situation in local hospitals, with more than 250 Covid patients now in Broomfield.

The following contributor article on the housing market and stamp duty is from Tiptree Homes Estate Agents:

Big savings coming to an end for anyone looking to buy a home

The principal of Maldon's Plume Academy has reached out to reassure students in exam years in the midst of uncertainty over what will happen now.

Principal Carl Wakefield said: "Sadly, and again, I have to say, very frustratingly, we now know this is a time of real angst and worry for our 396 Year 11 and Year 13 students with the additional announcement of this summer's public