An ex-firefighter slams the light switch-off after six cars are set ablaze, Dovercourt's beach gets a blue flag award, a shop owner is jailed after stolen goods are found hidden in popcorn and above suspended ceilings, and work begins on tidying a beach where dangerous spikes were uncovered last summer.

The Standard takes a look at why 12,000 homes are set to be built in the district in the next 15 years, and inside is your 8-page guide to summer in Harwich.

Plus all the latest news, sport and entertainment.