Shock revelations that will have a serious impact on libraries in Essex have come to light and county councillors Barry Aspinell and David Kendall have challenged the Conservatives at Essex County Council (ECC) to come clean.

These revelations suggest that extensive cuts in staffing are being proposed along with a major cull of books.

Dedicated and experienced councillor Karen Chilvers is to stand in her beloved Brentwood West ward on 7 May 2020, having first won it in 2007. Karen has worked tirelessley with residents since then and has a strong record of action and achievement.

Karen, 48, a marketing manager turned children's author, said

Cllr Karen Chilvers will table the following motion, seconded by Cllr Vicky Davies

"Fireworks cause considerable distress to our pets, wildlife and livestock. In addition, they cause distress to the sick, vulnerable and those with mental health issues. There are also concerns over their environmental impact.

Cllr Andy Fryd will table the following, seconded by Cllr Alison Fulcher:

"This Council resolves to increase public awareness of Brentwood's rich and vibrant, cultural and social history. Brentwood can proudly claim to be not just a participant in, but a wholehearted mover of social reform, education and cultural achievements that are sadly lacking in promotion.

Cllr Barry Aspinell will table the following motion on Five Acres Farm, seconded by Cllr David Kendall:

"This Council pledges to support the residents of Warley in committing the full weight of Brentwood's available resources, officer's time, legal/financial requirements with the objective of returning Five Acre Farm to its original green belt, green field condition and furthermore, this Council will not cease in that objective until this has been achieved".

U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson wants to "unleash Britain's potential." First the economy has to catch back up with the rest of the world.

Research by Bloomberg Economics estimates that the economic cost of Brexit has already hit 130 billion pounds ($170 billion), with a further 70 billion pounds set to be added by the end of this year. That's based on the damage caused by the U.K. untethering from its Group of Seven peers over the past three years.

A BUMPER £47m cash injection will be spent on a package of projects to improve roads, schools, car parks and Southend Pier as part of new council budget plans revealed today.

Projects could include new multi-storey car parks at Tylers Avenue, Southend and two other possible sites in Leigh, due to be unveiled in March.

Babies in Southend could be at risk of catching potentially deadly illnesses as uptake rates for important jabs fall below safe levels, new figures have revealed.

Young children should get the so-called six-in-one jab, which protects against six serious infections including polio, whooping cough and diphtheria, in the first few months of their lives.

The Essex Energy Switch is about residents coming together to save money on their gas and electricity bills. The more people that register as interested in switching provider, the bigger the potential saving per household. Residents could save as much as £250 a year on their energy bills.

Registering for the Energy Switch is quick, easy and helps avoid searching for the best deals as all the hard work is done for you. Once the registration window closes, energy companies will bid at an auction to see who can offer the lowest energy tariff.

Cllr Karen Chilvers has tabled the following motion, aimed at assisting Brentwood residents to recycle pet food packaging. It will be seconded by Cllr Jay Laplain:

Brentwood residents are excellent recyclers and make a superb effort to recycle as much as they can. However, a number of items are not easily recyclable and, no doubt, this weighs heavily on their consciences. One item type that isn't commonly recyclable is pet food packaging.