News in Maldon

Essex County Council (ECC) has launched a new, quicker process for residents to renew Blue Badges that are due to expire.

The new online system will take residents less than 15 minutes to complete, compared to as much as 60 minutes previously.

LATEST police figures for Maldon show that last month (August) the area had a low crime rate when compared to other areas of the county.

In the CM9 postcode area there were a total of 30 miscellaneous offences, 29 reported cases of harassment and 26 violent crimes during the month. This is equal to five crimes per 1,000 people.

As many as 50 new ambulance staff in the East of England service - which covers Maldon - have been unable to start work and drive an ambulance because of hold-ups in the testing centres.

But this number is likely to grow if there is further delay, as more of the 200 recruits brought in by the East of East of England Ambulance Service to help during the pandemic enter the final stage of their preparation before being sent out.

TRAFFIC is heavy and slow moving through Maldon and Heybridge this afternoon (Friday, 25 September) following a diesel spill.

The A414 Heybridge Approach road was closed at around 1pm.

MALDON gardens have bloomed once more this year and some green-fingered residents have won awards for their efforts.

The Covid-19 pandemic couldn't stop the flowers, fruit and vegetables growing – and during the lockdown, more people have taken to gardening.

MALDON and district's community volunteer service has given an update for residents in the wake of the rise in Covid-19 cases nationally.

Sarah Troop, Director of Maldon and District Community Voluntary Service (CVS) said: "There has been a lot of change in the last few weeks as the Government responds to the increase in the coronavirus infection rate.

HIGH winds are forecast for the Maldon district area almost all day tomorrow (Friday, 25 September).

Gusts of between 44 to 55mph are expected to hit from 9am until midnight. Winds could reach 60 to 65mph in coastal areas.

A SCHEME to close Maldon High Street to cars – making it accessible only to buses, cyclists and pedestrians – has been proposed by council officers.

The proposed scheme will be put to public consultation next month. Maldon District Council's (MDC's) full council meeting on Thursday, October 1, will discuss the plans laid out in a report prepared by officers for the meeting.

A new radio station for Maldon and the surrounding towns and villages will launch in October.

Caroline Community Radio 94.7 FM will provide a 24-hour, daily mix of music and community programming.

An NHS trust that provides mental health services for Maldon expects the numbers of people needing them to increase hugely following the pandemic.

The demand for people needing access to psychological therapies in order to treat anxiety disorders and depression may increase by as much as 60 per cent, it is believed.