Rowers from Essex join incredible challenge of quad paraplegic across the country
A heroic was joined by Essex rowers in an attempt of an incredible challenge across the country.
Brave firefighters save Great Dane stuck in mud after jumping off a boat
Brave rescuers saved a Great Dane in Maldon which got stuck in the mud.
'It's 2024 and my child is still left out' - parents criticise plans for playground
Parents are calling for more inclusivity as Maldon Council announces new plans for play equipment at Promenade Park. The Galleon play ship, a popular open air playground for children in and around Maldon, will be replaced by a newer version, the council has announced after plans received the green light. The plans for the new playground show an updated version with a new structure of 19.5 metres in width, 17.6 metres in depth and a maximum height to the top of the mast of 6.6 metres, taller than the existing ship. Both the pirate ship and the lighhouse will include slides, climbing ladders and ropes, as well as zip lines and climbing walls. But the plans have been criticised by parents of children with disabilites, as they are deemed inaccessible. Rachel Mower’s daughter Imelda, 7, needs a wheelchair and walker to get around and the new playground seems more like an obstacle than a fun play opportunity. The Braintree mother said: “We like to visit Maldon, it has an accessible toilet and changing place and my son loves to cycle and scoot along the prom. “But I can’t have one child playing, while the other one is forced to watch. My daughter knows that she is missing out, and it breaks my heart to see it. “Its 2024, and my child is still left out. Kids have a right to play together and it would have been a great chance to create a space for all children to play. It can’t be an afterthought.” Just like her, many parents have asked the council to share accessibility details, but without a response yet. “We are more than happy to sit down at a table and help,” said Rachel, who emailed a list of accessible playgrounds in Essex to Maldon Council to make bosses aware of the difference design can make. “Turning off Facebook comments on your announcement about the new Galleon ship play park will not silence our community. You have an opportunity here to provide an accessible park that will bring amazing publicity and improve footfall for purely doing the right thing.” Maldon Council has been approached for comment.
Historic barge anchored near Maldon stars in new series on ITV
A wooden Thames sailing barge built in 1906 at Greenhithe, Kent, found a new home at the Blackwater Marina in Maylandsea.
Woman on crutches suffers injuries in hit and run as appeal for witnesses launched
A woman was left in hospital following a collision with a car in South Woodham Ferrers.
Here's why emergency services were called to Heybridge this evening
Emergency services shut down rumours of an assault after a medical incident sparked an emergency operation.
New recruits are welcomed by Essex County Fire and Rescue Service
Five new firefighters have started with Essex Fire and Rescue.
Grim Reaper attends woman's funeral as part of her wish for her memorial
A woman had her friend dress as the Grim Reaper and attend her funeral as part of her final wishes.
Robbers with hatchet and crowbar rob Essex supermarket
Three suspects robbed an Essex supermarket, armed with a hatchet and a crowbar.
Burnham adventurer takes rare opportunity to travel on forgotten canal
A Burnham adventurer travelled a long-forgotten canal in Essex for the first time in 140 years.
