Taxes to rise to fund police

The chairman of the Essex Police Authority says taxpayers are likely to pay around 30 pence more per week for policing.

Chairman Robert Chambers told BBC Radio Essex that the additional cash from the public will be spent wisely.

He said the government is to provide £155m toward costs, but council taxes will make up the rest.

The authority will soon finalise its budget levels for county services.

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New trains to roll into Essex

Plans to launch the next generation of passenger trains have come closer with the arrival of new rolling stock in North Essex.

The units are being tested at First Great Eastern's Clacton depot, and should be in service by the summer.

Gill Casswell, from First Great Eastern, said the company believes passengers will appreciate the new trains.

In total, 21 new trains have been commissioned at a cost of £70m.