Braintree is “safe” says district council following death of neighbours

BRAINTREE District Council has moved to reassure residents following the deaths of two neighbours.

Alan Taylor, 59, and Richard Wight, 55, were found dead at their homes in Eagle Lane on Sunday January 15. A post mortem examination showed Mr Taylor died of natural caused and Mr Wright was stabbed to death.

Despite a number of deaths in Braintree recently, Cllr Joanne Beavis, cabinet member for communities said the district remains a safe place to live.

“At this time our thoughts are with the family and friends of these two men and the residents of Eagle Lane. We have worked closely with the police on this most recent incident and I have every confidence in the police’s work and that this incident and others have been dealt with quickly and effectively.

“I would like to reassure people that, whilst there have been a number of deaths in the town over the last few weeks, these are isolated incidents which have no connection to each other.

“I would also like to reassure our residents that whilst we have all been shocked at the recent events, Braintree town and district continues to be a safe place to live and work.

“We know from a recent survey that keeping levels of crime low is an important aspect in making our district a good place to live and I work closely with the police and communities to try to achieve this. Crime rates in the district have decreased and I hope that people feel reassured by this.”

Braintree District Council continues to assist Essex Police with their enquiries into the recent tragic events at Eagle Lane.