News in Maldon

The new parish council that has had to wait a year for its first full election had its last pre-election meeting yesterday (Tuesday, 6 April) with the chair called in to look after it telling how he hopes it will go on to "continue with improving the quality of life in Heybridge Basin".

Heybridge Basin Parish Council was formed after local residents petitioned Maldon District Council (MDC), leading to a review of the need for a new parish and the subsequent decision of MDC to approve the formation of the new council in February, 2019.

The Maldon and Witham Conservative Associations have announced their candidates for the Heybridge East and Tollesbury by-elections for Maldon District Council taking place on Thursday, 6 May.

A spokesperson for the associations said: "As Conservatives we promise to promote the economy, protect the environment, efficiency and services.

In the following reader's letter, Maldon district historian Stephen Nunn makes an appeal in a bid to find any surviving veterans of RAF Bradwell Bay.

Dear Editor,

The chair of Maldon's Business Board has told how the High Street's shops are looking forward to welcoming the town's shoppers back - and how they are already planning a return of Fiver fest in June.

A number of Maldon's businesses have also given their reaction to confirmation from Prime Minister Boris Johnson yesterday evening (Monday, 5 April) that his 'roadmap' out of lockdown remains on track, with non-essential retail, hairdressers and beauty salons able to re-open on 12 April.

Tickets have gone on sale for a three-day festival on Osea Island.

The event is planned for 3 to 5 September on the privately-owned tidal island in the Blackwater Estuary.

The Maeldune Heritage Centre has announced it will be re-opening on Tuesday, 13 April – and as well as hosting art exhibitions and selling a large range of local artwork, crafts and produce, will now also be the new home for Maldon's Visitor Information Centre.

A team of Maldon ambassadors will join the existing team of dedicated volunteers at the centre at the corner of Market Hill and the High Street to help visitors to the town find out about local events, other heritage venues and places of interest, as well as travel information and tide times.

Essex Police's Operational Support Group - tasked with providing extra foot patrols over the Easter weekend - were able to provide help on the ground in the search for a missing nine-year-old in Burnham-on-Crouch today (Sunday, 4 April).

Essex Police announced just after 5.30pm that the boy - who had been reported missing earlier in the afternoon - had been found.

A burglary which saw tens of thousands of pounds worth of horse riding gear stolen has led to police launching an appeal for information and releasing photos of some of the stolen saddles.

The theft took place at an address in High Easter near Chelmsford at around 5.20am on 20 March. Equipment including six saddles were taken.

The following is a news update from Maldon Wycke Women's Institute (WI):

As for many groups, the last year has been a challenge for us at Maldon Wycke Women's Institute WI), but our members have thankfully stuck by our group and we go into the new WI year with all members re-joining and even some new members signing up.

A second round of the Government's Culture Recovery fund announced today (Friday, 2 April) has seen grants go to cultural and heritage organisations across Maldon district.

On the list this time were both Maldon's Combined Military Services Museum, receiving £26,200, and the Museum of Power in Langford, receiving £31,386. Both grants came from Arts Council England.