A parish council has finally taken control of a car park and toilets after years of negotiations.

Earls Colne parish councillors felt they had no choice but to take over the running of the village car park, off Queens Road, from Braintree Council amid concerns over the district council’s proposal to introduce parking charges.

After as many as three years, the takeover has now been completed and villagers can still park in the car park for free.

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.