A council leader has announced which firms are preparing to reopen this week in a bid to try and get the economy in south Essex moving.

Gavin Callaghan, Labour leader of Basildon Council posted a video on social media over the weekend.

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He says the New Holland tractor plant in Cranes Farm Road, Basildon is among the firms in the borough reopening this week.

He also said other firms that are reopening include takeaways, construction firms and hardware stores.

It comes as many businesses closed and others were shut after the coronavirus outbreak.

New Holland has been contacted for comment.