Your views: mid Essex readers react to latest news reports

Readers of the Braintree & Witham Times have shared their thoughts after we reported Coggeshall voters have elected the town's first Reform councillor in the latest by-election.

Reform UK's Nathan Robins won the election with 554 votes, ahead of independent candidate Colin Riches. 

Ellen WIlliscroft commented: "Great just to see young blood with a perspective that perhaps older people don’t see. It also encourages the younger generation to vote."

Braintree - Reform UK's Nathan Robins (Image: PR)

Michelle Elizabeth Lee said: "Well done Nathan, he's an extremely intelligent and articulate young man. He's had the drive and ambition to stand up to make change in Coggeshall."

Emily Morgan commented: "Awesome news!"

Halstead Gazette shared their thoughts after we reported two new businesses have launched in Halstead High Street.

Dessert shop, Sweet As, at The Causeway, and Double Pistachio cafe in the High Street opened last week to the community.

Halstead - Double Pistachio cafe and Sweet As have recently opened (Image: NQ)

Nikki Willis commented: "Wonderful. We tried double pistachio on Saturday – great food and coffee! Looking forward to trying the sweet shop."

Sheri Hall said: "My Grandsons enjoyed the sweets on Saturday, looking forward to visiting pistachio Cafe."

Halstead business, Nature on the Go commented: "Good luck to both of them. Congratulations."

Maldon & Burnham Standard readers left their views after we reported an independent business owner is encouraging residents to support the declining high street.

Maldon - One of Burnham's oldest independent shops is urging shoppers o support the high street (Image: NQ)

Ebony-Jane Kierman commented: "I work down Burnham high street and it's tough for a lot of us at the moment! Completely agree that people that visit head straight for the sea wall and completely miss the high street directly backing on to it. Local people wander up but think we need more visitors in! I've seen so many businesses go lately."

Krissy Morgan said: "Lovely shop & Helen makes beautiful curtains and blinds too."

Tang Lucy commented: "The Lovliest present shop especially with partially great novelty gifts."