THIS week's Braintree and Witham Times features a special eight-page pull out of youngsters who started school for the first time in September.

The school starters section has pictures from a number of infant schools from across the district, including Elm Hall, St Francis Primary School, Cressing Primary School and many more.

Elsewhere in this week's paper we bring you a special report on plans to close down the ophthalmology (eye surgery) department at Braintree Hospital and the subsequent backlash which has seen a petition set up online.

There are also other stories including

  • 'Why isn't something being done about our terrible High Street?'
  • Funding approved to widen A12.... but scheme could be held up by Garden Communities
  • Meet the Doctor Who fanatics who are in need of a real life Tardis
  • State of the art construction centre will create 130 new jobs
  • Unique painting sheds light on Second World War secret
  • Town centre bus service facing the chop
  • Fresh calls to halt Garden Communities as latest consultation ends
  • Ram-raid gang who terrorised homeowners and businesses are put behind bars