This month, Oracle Publications is giving one lucky reader the chance to WIN a £100 voucher for Raynor Advanced Massage & Bodywork with specialist therapist Pam Donaldson.

An overview of Essex’s bathing water quality reveals successes and challenges, highlighting beaches with Excellent and Good ratings, pollution risks from storm overflows, and opportunities for Blue Flag recognition and improved coastal management.

Southend Council refused an application for 2,000 homes, backed by MP Bayo Alaba. The campaign urges protecting Green Belt land and exploring brownfield sites, with ongoing challenges and calls for community involvement.

Four children from Leigh took part in the historic Sir David Amess Children’s Parliament debate in the House of Commons, promoting the voices of children with disabilities and inspiring future young leaders.

Campaigners secured a Tree Preservation Order for Chester, a 150-year-old London plane tree, but delays in footway improvements continue. Legal advice highlights council errors, while the fight to protect green heritage and improve safety goes on.

It’s a question local residents living and working in Shoeburyness ward now have the opportunity to help answer, thanks to the Government’s Pride in Place programme, which has awarded £20 million over the next 10 years to support improvements across the ward.

This is a healthier version of a family favourite, Chilli con carne. If you use less mince and more beans and serve with brown rice it is a little healthier. However if I buy mince and it’s a 400g pack, I usually use it all and just one can of beans. Chipotle is a smokey chilli flavour and you can enrich it with a little dark chocolate. Enjoy!