News in Maldon

An Essex-based company revolutionised window design and construction, provided windows for government housing schemes (and for the Titanic), built a whole village for its workers, and supplied the forces with munitions in both World Wars.

The company is, of course, Crittall. It is impeccably Essex in its history. Frances Berrington Crittall first bought an ironmongery in Braintree in 1849. His son Francis Henry Crittall began manufacturing metal windows in 1884, and in 1889 the Crittall Manufacturing Company Ltd was formed. It employed just 34 men in the 1890s.

Residents of coastal areas are being urged to take extra care with litter after a seal pup was rescued on Essex shores with horrific injuries caused by a black plastic sack.

Gnocchi, one of last year's grey pups, was rescued from Walton-on-the-Naze last month by rescuers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) who rushed him to the RSPCA's wildlife centre in Norfolk.

Maldon district residents are being reminded that they are running out of time to apply for a postal vote for the local elections - with the deadline for applications on 20 April.

Residents will be able to cast their votes at real-life polling stations on Thursday, 6 May, if that's their preference.

Police are appealing for witnesses after a crash on Main Road, Bicknacre, left a teenage driver with life-threatening injuries.

The accident happened before 5pm today (Wednesday, 7 April) and involved two cars - a Silver Fiesta travelling towards South Woodham Ferrers and a Corsa being driven in the opposite direction.

The Park and Ride bus service between Sandon and Chelmsford will begin again on Monday, 12 April, on the day non-essential retail shops can re-open.

Essex County Council has said that initially a reduced timetable will be in place.

POLICE officers and firefighters and support staff across both services across Essex have received a £100 bonus for their work in combating the coronavirus pandemic.

The bonus idea was put forward by Police and Fire Commissioner Roger Hirst and though it has been welcomed by the chiefs of both emergency services, it has attracted criticism in some quarters as Mr Hirst is due to stand for re-election to his office in May and the move is regarded by his critics as simple electioneering.

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.