Many Southend children in care are to be placed back with their families in an effort to cut costs, it has been revealed Over the next three years social services bosses want to reduce the number of youngsters the authority looks after from around 250
Many Southend children in care are to be placed back with their families in an effort to cut costs, it has been revealed Over the next three years social services bosses want to reduce the number of youngsters the authority looks after from around 250
Bugmania hit Basildon at the weekend as the town heaved with creepy crawlies celebrating the release of Disney's new movie A Bug's Life. The film is not due to hit our screens until Friday but Robins Cinema in Basildon decided to get in on the fun early
Murder suspect Jason Bolger blacked out at the time he was allegedly involved in a killing at a South Ockendon pub, a jury heard. Bolger told Chelmsford Crown Court he became numb and - apart from fleeting memories of lights and black uniforms - remembered
Murder suspect Jason Bolger blacked out at the time he was allegedly involved in a killing at a South Ockendon pub, a jury heard. Bolger told Chelmsford Crown Court he became numb and - apart from fleeting memories of lights and black uniforms - remembered
A Tendring division police officer is being investigated over allegations of misconduct at a private Christmas party in Clacton. The officer - who has not been named by Essex Police - has not been suspended and is still on duty. An Essex Police spokeswoman
A private company could be drafted in to drag Southend's Palace Theatre into the next century, it was revealed today. The theatre board wants to hear from any groups or organisations interested in shaping the playhouse's future. Total management of the
A teenager was yesterday due to appear before Southend magistrates charged with attempted murder. Trevor Laing, of Palmerston Road, Westcliff, is accused of beating a 34-year-old man in a late night attack on Southend beach. His alleged victim was found
Hundreds of insurance workers in Colchester are facing an uncertain future after Guardian Royal Exchange was taken over. Axa, Sun Life and Provincial (SLP) paid £3.45 billion for the insurance giant, and has warned several hundred jobs could go. One of
The father who shopped his drug-smuggling daughter to police has said she had forgiven him and they were rebuilding bridges. Nigel Griffiths told police his daughter was planning to smuggle drugs across Europe but they took no action. As a result, Sally
People power has come to Great Holland. A residents' association has been formed in the village to give people a bigger say in what goes on. A meeting was held at the village hall and more than 80 people attended. It was agreed to form the association
A schoolgirl was fighting for her life today after being struck down with deadly meningitis. Amy Traynor, 13, of Greenstead, Colchester was rushed to Great Ormond Street Hospital, London, on Friday after showing symptoms of meningococcal septicaemia.
Police have launched a desperate plea for help in tracing a potentially lethal haul of rat poison stolen from a car in Southend. The four brands of poison, killers if swallowed, were taken from a Citroen 2CV parked in Alexandra Road overnight. They were
Thousands of pooper-scoopers have been delivered to Castle Point to encourage dog-owners to clean up after their pets. Tony Doveaston, parks warden for Castle Point Council, along with committee chairmen Dave Blackwell, Brian Weller and Joe Cooke, launched
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! It's a thought Copford cyclist David Flack will fix in his mind as he prepares to tackle the biggest challenge of his life. David, 53, of London Road, has signed up for September's Grand Canyon Bike Away
A hapless car thief found himself in handcuffs after enlisting the help of two undercover police officers to try and get a car started. The officers, who were working as part of an unrelated undercover operation, were only too happy to help out when the
Around 300 people packed out Harwich Amateur Boxing Club's first-ever show to make it an outstanding success. Already talk is of making it an annual event after organiser Martin Webb said: "It couldn't have gone better." In all 17 fights were held at
Police have launched a desperate plea for help in tracing a potentially lethal haul of rat poison stolen from a car in Southend. The four brands of poison, killers if swallowed, were taken from a Citroen 2CV parked in Alexandra Road overnight. They were
A teenager was yesterday studying at home after her plum-coloured hair landed her in hot water with her headmaster. Danielle Peacock, 14, of Ferndale Crescent, Canvey, was sent home from Furtherwick Park School because her new hair colour breached school
A classical music version of the V98 Festival is on the cards in Essex this month. The new event looks set to take place in Chelmsford at the end of February. Stravinsky and Beyond sees the Britten Sinfonia, teaming up with local groups for a weekend
A classical music version of the V98 Festival is on the cards in Essex this month. The new event looks set to take place in Chelmsford at the end of February. Stravinsky and Beyond sees the Britten Sinfonia, teaming up with local groups for a weekend
When the going gets tough, the tough get going! It's a thought Copford cyclist David Flack will fix in his mind as he prepares to tackle the biggest challenge of his life. David, 53, of London Road, has signed up for September's Grand Canyon Bike Away
Police in Leigh are out and about with a new piece of equipment as part of a county-wide survey on how officers spend their time. The officers have all be given a hand-held Psion organiser which bleeps every 15 minutes and requests information on exactly
A wonder-strike from Jamie Clapham gave Ipswich their first league points since Boxing Day. But the single goal victory only hides the painful truth that on these sort of performances Town are not Premiership material. Port Vale were ravaged by injury
Church leaders and residents groups are discussing plans for a permanent church to serve Great Notley. The Archdeacon of Colchester, Martin Wallace is chairing a steering group to lead plans for an ecumenical place of worship to serve the developing community
A much-awaited derby fulfilled all expectations as Rochford held off Basildon's stirring fightback in one of the best games seen at Magnolia Road for many years. A large and vocal crowd provided the perfect backdrop to a thrilling display of open rugby
The son of a video shop owner has been quizzed by police after alleged pornographic films and fake computer games were discovered in his car. Detectives and trading standards officials raided Hadleigh Videos in London Road but found nothing inside the
Supermarket giant Asda is waging a major price war against industry leaders by slashing the price of top-name perfumes. Stores in Shoebury and Basildon are undercutting official stockists by 50 per cent in the run-up to Valentine's Day. Around £1 million
Another mother and child statue is coming to Basildon town centre - this time with an African flavour. The welded piece of modern art was made by world famous Nigerian sculptress Sokari Douglas-Camp when she visited the town's Fryerns School in 1987.
It may only be open for a few days - but champion charity fundraiser Joyce Long is hoping her latest venture will bring the quids rolling in. She has opened a new charity shop in Church Road, Thundersley, and will be trading until Saturday. The shop is
News that former Southend United boss David Webb wants to return to Roots Hall has sparked hearty response from readers. One Southend High School for Boy's pupil phoned to say that the whole school thought David Webb should go back to Southend United.
The Greensward School is preparing to host the Nike-sponsored under-14 girls national basketball finals at its magnificent new £500,000 sports hall this weekend. The Hockley school came second in last year's competition, which was held in Harrogate, and
Bowers United's visit to Sawbridgeworth in the Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy tops tonight's Schweppes Essex Senior League programme. Victory tonight would keep Tony Cross's Pitsea-based Bowers outfit's outside hopes of a clean sweep of the domestic trophies
Southend will be going for goals in this evening's Essex Thameside Challenge Trophy Second Round match at Great Wakering Rovers. Blues will be sending a strong line-up to the Schweppes Essex Senior League side's Burroughs Park home for the cup clash which
A serious accident is waiting to happen if boy racers continue driving on grass verges just yards from residents' doorsteps, it has been claimed. Irresponsible drivers are causing trouble at four roads on the Avon Road council estate in West Chelmsford
A number of bus services in rural mid Essex are under threat. County councillors are being asked to agree to proposals to axe up to 13 subsidised routes across the county and revise others in an attempt to save £141,000 in a year. Although the council
A support group for families of children with disabilities or special needs held its first meeting in Braintree this week. Chelmsford-based charity Infocus already provides a range of support services across mid-Essex and is planning to set up a weekly
Parents with children at Templars County Junior School in Witham were invited to a workshop about drugs last week. Other schools in Braintree and Witham have also taken part in the project which aims to give parents information on drugs. It also shows
Council tax bills are set to rise by at least 7.2 per cent despite a councillor's admission it could "land us in hot water" with the people of Essex. County councillors today flew in the face of Government advice which said the average rise should be
A footballer who lashed out at an opponent after a bad tackle was today facing a jail term. The vicious brawl on the Astroturf pitch at Waterside Sports Centre, Canvey, left defendant David Thomson with a fractured shoulder and his victim with cuts, bruises
Pensioners in Southend could soon be means tested for services such as transport and day centres - and many elderly residents can expect to pay more as a result. Council bosses are looking at charging the elderly "what they can afford" rather than a fixed
A state-of-the-art £1 million library is planned to bring new life into Laindon. The cash has been set aside in Essex County Council's budget for a new building in the area. But the Laindon Centre would be the loser under the plans, with the present library
It was an era when actress Betty Grable was known as "the legs" ... but these two women gave her a run for her money at a special party night. The Choo Choo 1940s Club, which meets once a month for a fun-packed dance, moved to a new venue this weekend
One of Southend's largest private schools is planning a major £1m expansion of facilities which will be opened to the community. A sixth-form centre, 300-seater theatre and sports pavilion are all planned for Thorpe Hall School. The school, in Wakering
An army of green-fingered volunteers armed themselves with spades and wellies to create an environmental haven in Thorpe Bay. Young and old dug deep in Bournes Green Chase to create a green corridor by planting young trees and native wildflowers in abundance
Imagine trusting your friends so much that you will allow them to lead you blindfold through a wood. Or relying on each other to scale a climbing wall or launch a boat for the first time. Think about redecorating a youth club when you've never picked
They don't make 'em like this any more -- not the bricks, nor the men. These photographs, dating from the 1930s, are among many treasured possessions of Bill Caten, a collector of memorabilia. That's him, stripped to the waist and trundling with skill
A £76,000 renovation of a Leigh church has reached its midway point. Work on the second phase of the project to give St Clements Church a facelift is expected to be complete in a fortnight. Builders have been replacing the stones on the church's turret
A £76,000 renovation of a Leigh church has reached its midway point. Work on the second phase of the project to give St Clements Church a facelift is expected to be complete in a fortnight. Builders have been replacing the stones on the church's turret
Bugmania hit Basildon at the weekend as the town heaved with creepy crawlies celebrating the release of Disney's new movie A Bug's Life. The film is not due to hit our screens until Friday but Robins Cinema in Basildon decided to get in on the fun early
When a footballing legend like Bert Barlow says you're good, then it's not a bad accolade. The 1939 FA Cup-winning keeper for Portsmouth keeps his finger on the footballing pulse and has seen some good youngsters in his time. Nine-year-old Jamie Wright
A teenager was yesterday due to appear before Southend magistrates charged with attempted murder. Trevor Laing, of Palmerston Road, Westcliff, is accused of beating a 34-year-old man in a late night attack on Southend beach. His alleged victim was found
A hapless car thief found himself in handcuffs after enlisting the help of two undercover police officers to try and get a car started. The officers, who were working as part of an unrelated undercover operation, were only too happy to help out when the
It takes balls to tell soccer hard man Vinnie Jones where to go. Gazza should know: his tingled for a while following his famous scrape with the Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels star after Jones put the squeeze on the then Newcastle player. "I just
A section of the M25 on the Essex border had to be closed this morning after a horse was spotted running free on the carriageway. An Essex Police spokesman said the loose animal was spotted by a passing motorist at about 6.20am today on the anticlockwise
Two young men are recovering after being sprayed in the face with a dangerous chemical, then kicked and punched. Nothing was taken from the 19 and 20-year-old victims who were attacked as they walked home from a night out at the Kursaal in Southend. As
The supergrass who helped nail the Rettendon murderers has spoken for the first time about his secret life under police protection. Darren Nicholls, 33, who formerly lived in Braintree but who has now been given a new identity under the witness protection
A man was being quizzed by detectives today in connection with the death of Clacton doorman Gary Chick. Police arrested a 27-year-old man at around 6am today in Clacton. The man was arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Chick in November 1996. He was
When washing machine engineer Roy Rex took his dog for a walk on Southend seafront he had no idea his van would be going for a sea rinse. Mr Rex ran into trouble when he parked his van opposite the Halfway House pub on Eastern Esplanade to walk his dog
Crime-busting walkie-talkies could be used to combat crooks and troublemakers in Braintree. The hi-tech radios are being hailed as the way ahead in the fight against shoplifters and town centre crime. But crime-prevention officer Geoff Butler says he
Villagers launched a bizarre hunt for a woman's rhea after it vanished without trace. The cheeky rhea - a five feet tall ostrich-like bird which originates from South America - escaped from Wendy Chalkley's home in Colchester Road, Wix. A search ensued
Detectives investigating an £11.5 million cocaine seizure in Belgium have swooped on addresses in south Essex. They arrested one person during a late night search of a Runwell farm and an unknown address in nearby Wickford. In all five men and one woman
Crime-busting walkie-talkies could be used to combat crooks and troublemakers in Braintree. The hi-tech radios are being hailed as the way ahead in the fight against shoplifters and town centre crime. But crime-prevention officer Geoff Butler says he
Villagers launched a bizarre hunt for a woman's rhea after it vanished without trace. The cheeky rhea - a five feet tall ostrich-like bird which originates from South America - escaped from Wendy Chalkley's home in Colchester Road, Wix. A search ensued
Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore were today feeling a bit lonely - after thieves made off with their best pal. An 8in Winnie the Pooh garden ornament, worth £20, was stolen from the front courtyard of a home in Beambridge Mews, Basildon. Pooh's owner, who did
Tigger, Piglet and Eeyore were today feeling a bit lonely - after thieves made off with their best pal. An 8in Winnie the Pooh garden ornament, worth £20, was stolen from the front courtyard of a home in Beambridge Mews, Basildon. Pooh's owner, who did
A teenager was yesterday studying at home after her plum-coloured hair landed her in hot water with her headmaster. Danielle Peacock, 14, of Ferndale Crescent, Canvey, was sent home from Furtherwick Park School because her new hair colour breached school
Detectives investigating an £11.5 million cocaine seizure in Belgium have swooped on addresses in south Essex. They arrested one person during a late night search of a Runwell farm and an unknown address in nearby Wickford. In all five men and one woman
Some might say it's what Essex man was born for. Head in the clouds, plenty of freedom, loads of birds around. Yet the county has just two clubs for it - gliding, that is. Maurice Quire, 69, Essex Gliding Club secretary, took up the sport less than two
Thousands of pooper-scoopers have been delivered to Castle Point to encourage dog-owners to clean up after their pets. Tony Doveaston, parks warden for Castle Point Council, along with committee chairmen Dave Blackwell, Brian Weller and Joe Cooke, launched
Police in Leigh are out and about with a new piece of equipment as part of a county-wide survey on how officers spend their time. The officers have all be given a hand-held Psion organiser which bleeps every 15 minutes and requests information on exactly
Maths matters! That's the message from pupils at Grove Infants School in Rayleigh who are in the middle of a month-long project dedicated to the much-maligned subject. The aim is to make maths interesting and exciting for young and old - with parents
Cruel thieves have stolen photographs of children from their father. The burglars took dozens of pictures, which showed the children growing up, from a garage in Litchfield Close, Clacton. Paul Tarten is now separated from his wife and his children live
A burst water main was causing traffic hold-ups in Colchester today. Maldon Road was closed off from the roundabout at Colchester Police Station and work was expected to continue until at least the end of this week. The road is closed from the roundabout
Canvey Island go into tonight's Ryman League First Division clash at Leatherhead knowing that victory will carry them into the much-coveted top three placings. There's no doubt that anything other than a Canvey victory tonight will be a big surprise as
A disabled referee has slammed disgraced England manager Glenn Hoddle and called for him to quit. Richard Saunders, of East Bergholt, who has officiated at top games across the country, including a cup tie between Manchester United and Arsenal, has misshapen
Colchester United manager Mick Wadsworth was yesterday still waiting to hear if Steve Whitton is ready to become his official right-hand man. Whitton, who played a big part as player, coach and then assistant manager to former boss Steve Wignall as the
Billericay finally achieved their first win of 1999 in their final game in January - but they left it very late. The second-half action had reached the 50th minute before Jon Hooker's effort from the left caught a deflection and brought all three points
Chelmsford Canoe Club's Slade Warne and Paul Anderson are off across the world to represent Great Britain in the World Whitewater Championships which start this week in New Zealand. Paul flies out tomorrow and Slade follows three days later to take on
Swifts were denied victory in controversial circumstances against Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. With 10 minutes remaining and the sides locked at 1-1, Heybridge were pressing forward looking for the victory their second-half dominance had deserved
A village church near Maldon is set to have its most extensive changes for more than 400 years. All Saints' Church in Church Hill, Purleigh, has submitted plans to have a new meeting room, toilets and kitchen. The church was built in the 1300s and has
A bogus water official has tricked pensioners out of £3,000. The thief tricked six residents - mainly in their 80s and 90s - out of cash after getting into their homes by saying there was a water leak. Homes in Clacton, Frinton and Thorpe were struck
Creativity clearly runs in the Albarn family. Damon practically invented Britpop with his band Blur. Five years ago his dad Keith won the Colchester Arts for All Award, partly in recognition of his work as head of art and design at Colchester Institute
A Maldon church is aiming to provide support for married or engaged couples as part of National Marriage Week celebrations. The town's Salvation Army is running a Celebrating Christian Marriage Weekend to coincide with the national week. Britain has the
Schoolchildren in the Maldon area can now claim a free CD-Rom, entitled Exploring Radioactivity, to accompany visits to Bradwell Power Station. BNFL Magnox Generation, operator of the power station, has produced an interactive CD-Rom which is designed
A rural estate outside Maldon, with more than 1,000 acres of land, is on the market this week. With a price tag of more than £1.25 million, the 1,304-acre Mundon Hall Estate is the first 1,000-acre single tenanted estate to come to the open market in
Safety on the railways is being jeopardised - by rats. The rodents have been blamed for damaging cables at a controversial level crossing on the Braintree to Witham line. They have caused the automatic barriers and warning lights to stop working, leaving
TOM KING meets ex-docker Les Reynolds, MBE, honoured for many achievements - but not all of them... The walls of Les Reynolds home in Chadwell St Mary are lined with pictures of Sir Winston Churchill. "A giant of a man," says Les. It takes one to know
What can Trevor Taylor be talking about when he says: "It's a computerised, button-pressing world." Banking, car design, museum archives, maybe even journalism? No. Sadly, it's music he has in mind. He would much rather not feel this way. After all, he
