Braintree MP Alan Hurst voiced the concerns of district councils across the region as he brought the Essex Waste Plan into the spotlight at the House of Commons. Mr Hurst had secured an adjournment debate in Parliament and on Friday he highlighted fears
A Mistley parish councillor is thanking his lucky stars for his forethought to buy a smoke detector. Richard Horlock, who was alone in his Shrublands Road, Mistley home, was woken by the sound of an alarm in the early hours of Sunday morning. "At first
A driver has died and three other people were injured after his vehicle was involved in a three-car smash in Witham. The accident took place at the Chipping Hill Bridge in Powers Hall End involving a blue Honda, a white Peugeot 205 and a red Alfa Romeo
A sex offender has been told to stay away from a pub close to the home of his teenage victim. The 53-year-old man, from the High Woods area of Colchester, has been travelling four miles to drink at the pub in the New Town area. Now after the 15-year-old
A suicidal man was yesterday in hospital after covering himself in petrol and threatening to jump from a multi-storey car park. The Basildon man sparked a full-scale alert when he was spotted at the top of the car park in Chelmsford. He was spotted on
Former teen pop idol Jason Donovan still managed to draw the crowds as he attempted to relaunch his musical career in Chelmsford. The ex-Neighbours star was at the town's Club Zeus nightspot to give his first gig for almost six years on Saturday night
War has been declared on unsightly grass verges in Castle Point. The council's commercial services department has invested £40,000 in six specialist machines. A spokesman said: "Each one will be responsible for their own machine which will carry the drivers
Colchester troops were yesterday on stand-by for Kosovo. Fifty soldiers from 10 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, based at Roman Barracks, Roman Way, were on 72-hours notice to join the possible NATO peace implementation force. If deployed to
Four fugitive pigs - on the run for eight days - were finally lured back to captivity ... by jam doughnuts. The elusive porkers had police and RSPCA inspectors, including the appropriately named Braintree-based officer Chris Bacon - known as Crispy -
A horde of shoppers braved mounting queues to get their hands on a new delivery of the much sought-after Beanie Babies toy. More than 100 people lined up outside Colchester Co-op on Saturday morning, waiting for their chance to snap up one of the highly
Horses are thundering through Southend Central Library. However, readers need not jump clear of the front runners heading for the returned books counter with hooves flying and nostrils flaring. The magnificent steeds feature in dramatic action watercolour
Distraughty teacher margaret Turner is appealing to readers for the return of her dog Douglas. The 12-year-old miniature schnauzer went missing on Friday, February 19 from Mrs Turner's son David's home in Crown Road, Billericay. Mrs Turner, 55, head of
Police are appealing for witnesses to an accident on the M25 near Romford which killed a Southend man. An Essex Police spokesman said 32-year-old Ford Sierra driver David Martin was thrown from his car when it started to catch fire after leaving the carriageway
Police investigating a parcel bomb explosion at a home in Pitsea are still appealing for witnesses. The blast blew out the downstairs windows of the semi-detached house in Delhi Road at about 8.10am yesterday. The parcel had been brought inside and opened
Disgruntled shopkeepers were today counting the cost of a power cut which left them in the dark for hours. More than 200 businesses in Basildon were thrown into chaos from around midday when a main electricity cable was cut. The hospital, fire station
A man was today helping police with their inquiries in connection with yesterday's Pitsea bomb explosion. The 38-year-old, from Epping, was arrested last night and was being questioned at Basildon police station. It comes after an 18-year-old mum narrowly
Bad feeling between two families ended with a man being stabbed through the heart in a Southend street, a court heard. Malcolm Walsh died from a single knife wound after a dispute erupted between him and another family living in the road. Mr Walsh was
A family were left terrified after youths threw a firebomb at their home. Grandmother Eileen Hoy was with granddaughter Charmaine, six, at her home in Abdy Avenue, Dovercourt, when the arsonists struck. Mrs Hoy was sitting reading when there was an "almighty
When something needs doing, do it yourself. That was martial arts expert Peter Hutchins' thinking when he searched in vain for a judo club for his son. Now, 17 years later, his son Adam is a black belt - and 63-year-old Peter, a judo fourth dan, is still
Colchester United boss Mick Wadsworth will this week be pulling out all the stops to sign on-loan midfielder Warren Aspinall on a permanent basis. And a Friday afternoon call from struggling Division Two rivals Macclesfield seeking to sign Mark Sale has
A member of a Colchester boy band who was attacked is determined to continue a singing career which hits out at thugs and bullies. Tim Boon, 20, was attacked in London Road, Copford, on Saturday after a night out with friends at Kings Nightclub. Tim is
The site of a Clacton convent and day nursery may be set to be sold off for housing. But those running St Clare's nursery - which has been in the town for about 30 years - have vowed to carry on from a new base. The Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the
Maldon Carnival Association has launched its search for this year's queen and princesses. Last year, This Is Essex partner paper the Essex Chronicle featured an 11th hour appeal -- and a bumper number of entrants turned up for the selection night. Now
A former bus driver who had pictures of naked children on his bedside cabinet and hidden in his bathroom received a suspended jail sentence on Wednesday. Kevin Seagood, 35, of Elderfield, Great Notley, Braintree, admitted keeping goods of an indecent
A scheme to help lone parents in Maldon and Burnham will be launched next week. The Employment Service project is aimed at helping single parents who have been isolated in rural areas to break into the job market. Surgeries will be held once a month on
Samba pulled off a giant-killing in the Sceptre League Colin Tyler Charity Cup when the First Division side danced into the quarter-finals with a 3-2 win over Arrow Sports, from the Premier Division. Shoebury Old Boys shot to the top of the Premier Division
Saturday saw Braintree able to field just five first choice players and the result reflects what effectively became a first XV v second XV fixture. As the season wears on Braintree's injury problems grow greater with yet another injury, this time to Billy
Southend United boss Alvin Martin has strengthened his side's Reading connection by splashing out £30,000 on 20-year-old striker Neville Roach. Roach has joined ex-Royals favourites Mick Gooding, Martyn Booty and loan defender Barry Hunter at the Third
Colchester United's legendary 1947-48 FA Cup fullback Albert "Digger" Kettle has died. The tigerish "Pocket Battleship", whose home was in Fordham died early yesterday morning after suffering a stroke. He was 76-years-old. A fearless tackler with a sizzling
Harwich Sports Centre's new singles and doubles leagues have now commenced. However, due to closure of the sports hall for a week in February, it has been decided to extend the deadline for February's league matches to the end of March. Any players wishing
Once again, Braintree's banana skin hoodoo struck and their promotion hopes took an unexpected blow with a surprise home defeat at the hands of bottom-of-the-table Wembley on Saturday. Just when they needed to recover from recent disappointing results
The brand new individual cross-country competitions at year seven and eight level, organised by Essex Schools Athletic Association, produced a great double for Southend High School for Girls. They took both crowns and they each had two members winning
With previous leaders Braintree suffering a shock 1-0 home defeat at the hands of lowly Wembley, Canvey Island took over at the top of the Ryman League First Division. It's the highest ever status Gulls have enjoyed since the club was formed, but ironically
A woman who was shot in the face with an airgun has lost the sight in her left eye, it was revealed today. But Terry Hall, who accidentally shot best pal Tracey Power with an airgun, said she has forgiven him. Speaking for the first time today about the
Crowds of autograph-hunters flocked to a charity shop in Braintree to meet veteran actor Bert Kwouk. Bert - currently starring in the Harry Hill comedy television show - appeared at the Cancer Research Campaign shop in Bank Street yesterday to help unveil
Plans are underway in Rayne to provide a skateboard ramp and meeting place for young people in a bid to cut down on vandalism and other nuisance in the village. At a packed meeting in the village hall last week, councillors met with young people, parents
Last year in Essex, more than 600,000 tonnes of waste was produced which had to be dumped at landfill sites which are reaching full capacity. Of this, 21,000 tonnes came from domestic households in Maldon. Now the district and county councils are encouraging
An off-licence manageress today told of her terror when she was threatened at knifepoint by a robber who ordered her to hand over cash from the till. As detectives stepped up their hunt for the thief, Valerie Holland revealed she is now worried about
Youngsters from a Canvey youth centre were today working hard on the island's seafront to repair damage caused by a gang of youths. Six members of Images in Furtherwick Road, spent time patching up a section of kerbing kicked out of place by vandals.
The clocks go back at a Basildon pub on Sunday when 50 pristine classic and vintage cars will be on show. It is all part of celebrations at the Honeypot on the Festival Leisure Park, Cranes Farm Road, Basildon, for the town's 50th anniversary. The vehicles
A teenage girl was viciously attacked on her way to school today. The 14-year-old was walking along Greenstead Road in Colchester when a skinhead set on her and tore her bag from her arm. Another man pushed her to the floor, leaving her with cuts, bruises
Taxi driver Keith Lynn has been cleared of indecently assaulting a 13-year-old blind schoolgirl. A Basildon Crown Court jury unanimously found him not guilty of one charge and returned a majority verdict of not guilty on a second. Mr Lynn, 65, nodded
An historic part of Southend's heritage was yesterday back in its rightful home on the pier. Thanks to the sterling efforts of volunteers and the Pier Museum Foundation, the town was able to welcome home a "toast rack" tram after 50 years away. The carriage
Angry residents have slammed hospital bosses after their no-show at a public meeting to discuss plans for a home for the mentally ill in north Benfleet. The meeting, organised by the action group set up through Bowers Gifford and north Benfleet community
Education chiefs in Essex have hit out at claims they are not doing enough to tackle racism in schools. A report from the Children's Legal Centre said schools are not promoting race relations and teachers are unsure what racism is or how to teach about
Twin towers that have been a landmark for more than 25 years have been demolished by a seven-year-old boy. Luke Taylor won a school painting competition to press the button to raze the Felsted silos to make way for 650 airport-related homes. The silos
Senior police chiefs have yet to decide whether to discipline the Essex officers who gave evidence in the dog cruelty trial and appeal, a court heard. A Chelmsford Crown Court judge was told Deputy Chief Constable Charles Clark had "made no decision"
Regulars at a Rayleigh pub have no doubt over what should be inside their own version of the Millennium Dome. They are petitioning the Football Association to honour the genius of soccer legend Sir Alf Ramsey with a statue. Landlord of the Traveller's
One of the key figures behind Southend's annual carnival has spoken of his shock resignation. Barry Godwin, 59, stepped down as chairman of the trustees of the carnival at a stormy meeting. He told This Is Essex yesterday: "It was a sad day for Southend
The goal Mark Hampshire scored after 87 minutes to give Great Wakering Rovers a 2-1 home win over title rivals Ilford may prove one of the most important of his career. Former Basildon United favourite Tommy Dalgarno had given Wakering the lead at Burroughs
John Gorman has been named as the new first team coach at Ipswich Town. Gorman, who was recently assistant to England manager Glenn Hoddle, takes over from Stewart Houston. Gorman was yesterday introduced to the players and took part in his first training
Treble-seeking Billericay have clinched the Eastern Counties Two crown with four games to spare after an solid, eight-try win. They were helped by a 3-3 draw for their two closest rivals, Old Cooperians and South Woodham. Billericay, with 23 straight
A traffic-busting slip road was officially open to drivers today - two weeks ahead of schedule. EJ Taylor and Sons has completed the £400,000 project earlier than expected and a ceremony was staged at the Sadler's Farm roundabout. Motorists, who had long
Campaigners are stepping up their fight for safety improvements at an unmanned railway crossing. Parish councillors in White Notley called for emergency talks with Railtrack after a major safety scare - sparked by a rat. The rodent was burned when it
Hairstylists at a Braintree beauty salon just can't stop having babies! Mum really is the word at Gemini where more than half the salon's snippers have given birth within a year of each other. Owner Sarah Parsons sparked off the mini baby boom when she
Friday night saw two of the region's printing companies battle it out at Colchester Superbowl, with 24 competitors on each side! Newsquest have been around the bowling lanes before, while for Herons this was their first time. Mark Ponder got Herons off
John Gorman gets his first taste of Ipswich in action tonight when they face Watford at Portman Road. The former assistant to England manager Glenn Hoddle replaced Stewart Houston as first team coach and will stay at least until the end of the season.
The future of Colchester United striker Mark Sale was still in the balance today. U's boss Mick Wadsworth said both Hartlepool and Macclesfield were keen to sign the player and everyone was now awaiting the outcome. A deal believed to in the region of
At half-time on Saturday, all looked well for Witham as they had dominated the first period and were holding a 1-0 lead. Adam Morrish gave Town the lead when he lobbed the ball over Police goalkeeper, Peter Lane and into the net. They twice again had
For 20 minutes, Burnham dominated their championship rivals, but they could not sustain this and ended with only a point to leave their title hopes fading. Ramblers began so impressively. Basildon's recent changes saw them looking ragged and square at
Burnham travelled a long distance for an important league game to come away disappointed but not disenchanted, as once again they put in some fine attacks which just lacked that last few yards. The first score went to Sawston with a penalty kick and shortly
Olympic gold medal winner Tessa Sanderson paid a visit to White Notley Primary School last week. Pupils and staff chatted with the champion javelin thrower who struck gold in 1984. Tessa was visiting the school as part of the BT Top Sports scheme, which
Music teaching at schools across south Essex is set to be boosted by around £350,000 of extra funding. The cash is part of a £41 million Government scheme to improve music services nationwide. Southend Council will be allowed to spend more than £113,000
Education bosses today revealed they never planned to build a new school at Turner Rise in Colchester. Essex County Council has come under fire after a delay signing papers meant it was no longer entitled to a free parcel of land on the site worth £1.4
The family of a youngster killed in a supermarket car park were today planning to campaign for better facilities at the site. Leon Beal, 12, was killed after being hit by a vehicle as he rode his BMX through Somerfield supermarket's car park in Corringham
They're off! Work has begun on building a new £1 million primary school on the Wick estate in Wickford. The town's county councillor, Iris Pummell, was on hand to formally start the construction work. Six youngsters, from the Top Tots play school based
Two Essex bishops have urged all residents in the county to re-examine their attitudes to racism in the wake of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry. The report into the handling of the inve stigation by the Metropolitan Police criticised "a long-term institutional
In the summer of 1952, on a day when the sun was out and the River Thames looked about as good as it gets, young Dennis Jones joined the crew of the Tilbury Ferry as a deckhand. Half a century on he has a river master's certificate and is now captain
