In this week’s Halstead Gazette we cover the announcement made by Essex County Council earlier this week that all of the county’s libraries will no longer face the threat of closure.

The decision means community hubs in Sible Hedingham and Earls Colne, as well as 23 others that faced uncertainty, will remain open and also receive a cut of the proposed £3million the council has promised to invest in libraries.

Elsewhere in tomorrow’s edition:

Braintree District Council has now said they are against Parkland Developments’ proposal to build 73 new homes just east of Halstead High Street.

Speedy Swimmer Rose helps team to smash world record.

Essex Highways has vowed to improve roads.

The Empire Theatre is set to start streaming live concerts from around the world in a bid to vary its programme.

Essex Police appeal for three men who broke into a social club in Sible Hedingham and stole money from the fruit machines and pool tables.

Danaher Animal Home is hosting a fundraiser to raise vital funds.

A tennis club in Earls Colne is holding an Indian-themed evening featuring traditional dancers and exotic cuisine with hope of raising enough money to fund a new clubhouse.

We also have prom photos from Hedingham School’s glitzy bash and of school leavers from across Halstead.

Pick up you copy of the Halstead Gazette from tomorrow.