The public are risking their lives by walking on Army firing ranges whilst troops are practising their shooting skills. The Commandant of the East Anglian Training Areas Major (retired) Harry Waller said the public are ignoring warning signs and red flags
Thurrock will be missing key scrum-half Paul Dale as they travel to Harlow for their most vital final game of the season. Dale broke his leg in last weekend's 24-20 friendly defeat of Romford and Gidea Park and will miss the crunch clash at sixth-placed
Detectives investigating the killing of Bryan Hooley have received a limited response following the launch of a murder inquiry. The naked body of Mr Hooley, 28, from Roxwell, near Chelmsford, was found washed up on Kessingland Beach, near Lowestoft, Suffolk
Panfield residents this week lost their fight to stop a "hobby farm" being developed in the village. Over 250 villagers signed a protest petition in a bid to prevent parish councillor, Stephen Halls, building two barns on a five-acre plot on the former
Canvey Island soccer boss Jeff King has issued a "don't write off our season" warning. Gulls were hot on the tail of runaway Ryman League Premier Division leaders Dagenham and Redbridge a fortnight ago, but a bad run of just one point from three games
Great Wakering Rovers, who need just four points from their last six games to confirm first time Ryman League Division Three promotion, might have to wait a little longer to move closer to that honour. For tomorrow (Saturday) they visit the division's
Southend Manor's hopes of winning the Schweppes Essex Senior League title are fast fading, but will disappear completely if they fail to beat Sawbridgeworth at home tomorrow (Saturday). They are currently three points behind top dogs Saffron Walden, who
Police morale and staff cuts have been blamed for causing spiralling officer sick days which have soared by 10,000 over the past three years. In 1998/1999 the number of days lost through police sickness was 38,748 - compared with 28,399 in 1996/1997.
Colchester soldiers have been rocked by a bomb blast at their Northern Ireland garrison. And it is feared the attack on the Royal Anglians' military base in Londonderry is part of a build-up to an all-out offensive by dissident republicans Nobody was
Two care workers charged in connection with the death of a 95-year-old woman at a north Essex old people's home are to be re-interviewed by police. Kirsty Gibson, 20, of West Avenue, Clacton, and Philip Perkins, 35, of De Vere Estate, Great Bentley, are
A father who shopped his heroin addict son to the police has spoken of his relief after the youngster was locked up. However, Jeff Smith is distraught at the lengths he had to go to get his son the help he so desperately needed. The father, of Nelson
Sabres American football club are hoping their status as one of the game's true survivors will stand them in good stead during a make-or-break season for the sport in this country. The Southend-based team, who kick off the new League season at Norwich
Division One: Witham Amber 28, Chelmsford Eagles 46; Chelmsford Doves 37, Witham Amber 44; Christchurch/Ipswich 66, Kelvedon 44; Orion 62, Abercorn 56; Kea 38, Tegate 55. Division Two: Writtle Angels 48, Benfords 34; Tiptree Panthers Black 34, Reflections
The final eight matches of the 1999-2000 Braintree District Indoor Cricket League season were played at the Leisure Centre on Sunday and therefore the final two relegation and one remaining Championship crown places were decided. The first game of the
The Parachute Regiment flag is set to be raised in Colchester for the first time in the Paras' 60-year history. The ceremony, set to be held on Thursday, will mark the arrival of the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment into Colchester Garrison. The Paras
Shocked credit card staff have hit out at a decision to allow a cross-dressing man to use the women's loo. First Data Resources workers in Basildon said transsexual Clive Dawson should stick to the disabled toilets after female colleagues complained about
Shoppers looked on in horror as a 12-year-old attacked a nine-year-old boy with a craft knife in Colchester town centre. Passers-by in Sir Isaac's Walk came to the aid of the young victim, grabbing the blade-wielding youth and detaining him until police
Essex Police have some new recruits - only these are four-legged ones. Two of the dogs which passed out at the Essex Dog Training Centre at Sandon will be stationed at Laindon. German shepherds Ronnie and Jack are the latest canine constables after completing
Southend police station is so overcrowded, some officers are forced to work in the corridor. Essex Police have now won permission for a new temporary building in the station car park to ease the pressure. A report to Southend councillors said: "The unit
A Maldon boat-builder has called for open discussion about the future of a multi-million pound barrage across the River Blackwater. Arthur Keeble, director of Downs Road Boatyard, claimed his representatives and other concerned river users were "hustled
Plans to create a barrage across the River Blackwater have been sunk by Maldon district councillors. Following a long debate at last night's (Thursday's) full council meeting, the idea of a 500m tidal bar from the former tip on the Maldon side of the
A young family plagued by vandalism are being forced to abandon their new home amid fears for their safety. Robert Leggett, 23, and girlfriend Emma Franklin, 22, have reported attacks on their car to the police seven times since moving in last year. They
Concord Rangers are through to the final of the Schweppes Essex Senior League's Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy. Having won the home leg of their semi-final with Woodford Town 5-2 last week, Canvey-based Concord triumphed 3-1 in Saturday's second match for
This weekend's fixtures Senior Division One: Bishops Stortford Swifts v Shell Club; Ekco First Data v Kelvedon Hatch; Essex Police v Sandon Royals; Frenford Senior v Metpol Chigwell; Hatfield Peverel v Runwell Hospital; Takeley v Rayleigh Town. Senior
Two more snooker players have moved a step closer to taking on Big Break TV star John Virgo in special one-frame challenge matches. Lee Fairbrother won the latest senior competition qualifiers at Wickford Snooker Club, while the junior event went to Chris
Colchester United manager Steve Whitton has paid tribute to the club's Supporters Association for their "tremendous" generosity and backing. The U's boss, who scoffed at media speculation linking him with the Sheffield Wednesday manager's job, said: "
Colchester's crack indoor bowls duo Brenda Brown and Elizabeth Tunn have added another national title to their impressive collection. Brenda and Liz have scooped the British Women's Indoor Pairs Championship crown for the first time to complete the second
Chairman of the Essex Farmers' Union John Jolly somehow juggles the role with farming 400 acres and owning Mangapps Railway Museum, finds JILL MARINER The new chairman of Essex National Farmers' Union is a very well-known face in the mid Essex farming
Charles House, the new townhouse development in Billericay has had a varied existence as TOM KING discovers In one of the unlikeliest of romances, a modern, and very hard-headed building company fell in love with a decrepit Victorian workhouse. Laing
Martin Hogg assumed the mantle of Clacton's number one player in the finals of the Clacton and District Table Tennis League's Closed Championships. In a pulsating men's singles final, Hogg beat surprise finalist Keiran Lally 26-24, 21-12 to regain the
Back to the drawing board. That was the view of Southend councillors over plans to build 20 houses on the site of a former residential care home. The development control committee voted unanimously to reject the scheme proposed for the site of Blenheim
A fish and chip shop can open in a Colchester Post Office after councillors overturned officers' recommendations to refuse the plans. An application to open the takeaway in the Mile End Post Office was considered at a meeting of Colchester Council's planning
A former German soldier living in Braintree has recorded his memoirs in a new book. Karl-Werner Antrack recalls his experiences of the Second World War in Seventy-Five Years of Sunshine. Mr Antrack, who came to Cressing Road 34 years ago, served as a
You'd have to be a superwoman to run 26 miles. And Kelly Wootton is dressing as the superhuman hero herself to run the London Marathon on April 16. The David Lloyd leisure club fitness trainer was inspired to dress up and run her first marathon after
Sunday saw the Over 60s Double Fours rinks from the Jacks Centre Latchingdon, play for the second time in three years in the finals of the County competitions at Chigwell Indoor Bowling Club. In 1998, after a valiant struggle, they were beaten by Tye
A daily newspaper report that green belt in Essex could be used for a future all weather racecourse is far from a 'dead cert', according to a local council. The racecourse with parking for thousands of cars, nightclub, helipad and health and fitness centre
Having hit the top ten by pulling off two great away wins in the past week, Billericay Town hope to have the home fans singing by moving further up the Ryman League Premier Division charts at New Lodge tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon. Town host a Basingstoke
SATURDAY RYMAN LEAGUE Premier Division: Hitchin 3, Canvey Island 3; St Albans 1, Billericay Town 2. Division 3: Great Wakering Rovers 0, Egham 1. SCHWEPPES ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Bowers United 0, Brentwood 1; Hullbridge Sports 2, Eton Manor 3; Southend Manor
The tragic death of their "larger than life" son has left a Ramsden Bellhouse couple devastated. Scott Witton, 24, died in Sydney late last Friday night after falling from the sixth floor window of his harbour-side flat in what Australian police are treating
An epileptic council tenant is recovering after a pile of plaster fell on her head from above a window in her bedroom at home. Shocked Sue Sutheran, 34, of Sutton Road, Southend, told how she rang Southend Council's housing department to warn them cracks
A teacher has been suspended from Shenfield High School after a report in a national newspaper claimed that he was a "witch". Ralph Morse, who has been appointed youth manager of the Pagan Federation, is now awaiting the results of an investigation into
Fire prevention officers have spoken to Chelmsford Odeon staff after 15 filmgoers were ushered through a fire exit into choking smoke. It happened on Tuesday evening as hundreds of people were being shepherded from around the blazing The restaurant and
Leigh and Westcliff LTA is celebrating its golden anniversary this year. The highlight of the festivities will be a dinner and dance on Saturday, October 28, where former British Davis Cup captain David Lloyd will be the guest of honour. The association
Members of the Chelmsford & District Sub Aqua Club are busy preparing for the forthcoming diving season. Last weekend the club's Boat Officer took a small team of volunteers to Eastbourne to service the club's RIB which is now fully serviceable. Six
Two hooded robbers punched a wine merchant's proprietor in the face and stole money from his till. The robbers went in to Budget Wines in Ravensdale, Great Clacton, at 10.15pm yesterday (Thursday). They punched Colin Grant twice in the face leaving him
Chelmsford Borough Council's entire housing stock of 7,300 homes could be transferred to a new, not-for-profit social landlord in a deal believed to be worth about £89 million. The council said that the move was being put forward as it could not, as an
Former bailiff Leslie Bibby is celebrating after winning a £2,500 payout for being unlawfully arrested by Essex Police. Mr Bibby, 56, a senior partner at Bibby and Co, in Rawreth Lane, Rayleigh, was delighted with the result at London Appeal Court which
A teacher is leaving the profession to launch a crusade to cut youth crime. Simon Taylor, 26, wants to stop youngsters hanging around on the streets and give them somewhere safe to go. Mr Taylor will leave Hazelmere Junior School, Greenstead, at the end
A police officer is recovering at home after being attacked. The officer needed 12 stitches to his face following the incident at a house in Wickford. The terrified officer, who is stationed at Wickford police station, was forced to call for back-up after
Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott has been asked to attend a crisis meeting over his plans to build nearly a million new homes across the south east over the next 20 years. Town hall leaders want to ask him about Government proposals unveiled last month
Sam Morris may not be a household name at the moment but that could all change with the screening of a new BBC comedy drama. For the 11-year-old actor from Benton Close, Braintree, has a lead role in the two-part series alongside Men Behaving Badly star
A pensioner was making his tea when his cooker caught alight. The blaze started at a bungalow in Bockings Grove, Clacton, at about 6pm on Wednesday night. Leading fireman Ray Pocock said an 82-year-old man had been cooking his tea when his cooker caught
A pedestrian was left with a suspected broken nose after a "nasty" street robbery. The man was walking from Brook Street across a railway bridge towards Magdalen Street in Colchester. He was followed across the bridge by three "scruffy looking" men who
A pensioner has died after falling from his bike and into bushes. Police said the 65-year-old man, who may have died from a heart attack, was cycling along a footpath in Valley Road, Clacton, at 3.15pm on Wednesday. A spokesman said: "He fell into some
Steve Whitton wants his Colchester United squad to don their new millennium celebration hats tomorrow to end the season as they started the New Year. It was against Blackpool, Saturday's relegation haunted visitors, that Whitton and the U's launched a
Motorcycling prospect Andy Blueman is facing a race against time to get his machine ready for the biggest day of his sporting life. Andy has been specially invited by organisers to race in the British Championships at Donington Park tomorrow (Saturday
Southend United boss Alan Little has demanded a positive response from his players at Third Division leaders Rotherham United. Little's troops have been savaged this week by Blues chairman John Main, who has condemned his team of highly-paid underachievers
One of the largest employers in the Witham area has announced it is to create 60 new jobs. Bosses at CEGO Frameware planned to transfer staff from their Brighton plant to the premises in Western Road, Silver End. But workers on the south coast are reluctant
A pensioner was attacked by two robbers in his own home. The OAP struggled with a raider after disturbing two men at his home in Hatfield Peverel at about 7pm yesterday (Thursday). Rather than flee after they were disturbed, they stayed at the house and
Crews filming the Essex Boys blockbuster took their production to heart when they allegedly shot scenes at a Southend nightclub without permission. The film, starring Sean Bean and due for release on July 14, features a gang of criminals involved in the
Four people were taken to hospital in the early hours of this morning (Friday) after a car drove the wrong way down the A127. Police are appealing for witnesses after a VW Golf, driven by a 19-year-old Bulphan woman going the wrong way collided with an
A row has erupted over a council decision to axe floral displays in Colchester. Each year since 1984, town centre streets have been made more attractive with 120 council-funded hanging baskets as part of Colchester in Bloom. But budget cuts of £9,000
Midfielder Jim Magilton is Ipswich Town's big injury worry ahead of tomorrow's (Saturday's) big clash with Port Vale at Portman Road. Magilton injured an ankle in the 1-1 midweek draw at West Bromwich Albion and is rated as only 50/50 to start the match
Internet shopping and 24-hour opening is coming to High Woods in Colchester. From Monday Tesco's High Woods store will be joining the Hythe branch by opening its doors to shoppers at 8am Monday until 10pm Saturdays. Sunday opening hours will be 10am to
Chart-topping poppers Steps will be performing at this year's Chelmsford Spectacular. The band will be appearing at the annual event at Hylands Park on Saturday, August 26 with special guests. Artists for the Spectacular 2000's other concerts over the
Southend's council leader could be set for a 100 per cent increase in allowances under new recommendations revealed yesterday. Annual payment for the top job could jump from £10,000 to between £15,000 and £20,000, according to a new report from an independent
Canvey may not be the centre of the universe but to lovers of pub rock music it is the Holy Land. One man who recognises the importance of Canvey and the surrounding area to the wider musical world is songwriter and drummer with Southend band the Kursaal
Colchester United are among a number of Football League clubs who have been recommended to provide more accomodation for visiting fans. U's secretary Marie Partner said: "To avoid turning away visiting fans, The Football League and the police have made
It may have been April 1, but Mike Hutchinson's winning time of 18 minutes 52 seconds in the St. Ives "10" was no joke. This new record for the F1 course, so early in the season, compares favourably with Graham Obree's national record of 18 minutes 27
Leigh Ramblers, beaten 4-0 the previous week by the same opposition, quickly recovered when they took on Northleigh Colts in the Southend Junior League Under-14 B Division and pulled off a 6-2 success. Tom Green grabbed a hat-trick with Chris Drake, Ryan
Gosfield villagers are furious after the parish council used poisonous chemicals to gas rabbits in a public nature reserve - and then proposed to reopen it two days later. The council closed the reserve, a popular beauty spot where villagers walk their
Campaigners are claiming victory today after an apparent last-minute change of heart by banking giant Barclays. The bank today closed 172 rural branches - including Dedham, Hatfield Peverel, Sible Hedingham, Coggeshall and Thaxted - because of the changing
Cameras rolled on Clacton Pier - and the results are due to be screened at the National Film Theatre in London. The Purple Orange Film Company were in the town shooting the 15-minute short film Holiday with George. Writer director Linus Lindell said everyone
Millions of pounds are being spent on more than doubling the number of speed cameras in Essex in the biggest fight ever against drivers who break speed limits and jump red traffic lights. Rosemary Welch, county council road safety manager, said: "The
THURROCK 24 ROMFORD & GIDEA PARK 20 Back row man Dwayne Bishop bagged two tries as Thurrock came from behind to win a dour end-of-season friendly. London One side Thurrock gave debuts to forwards John Stapley and Christian Rate but were unable to
BASILDON 23 BILLERICAY 17 Basildon beat their neighbours to win the Essex Senior Cup final in front of up to 2,000 fans at Ilford - but Billericay were kicking themselves after a late gamble went spectacularly wrong. New towners were leading 20-17 towards
Southend United (Score) won 2-1 at Canvey in the top of the table clash in the Eastern Section. Also closing in on Southend Manor, the leaders of the (Seatex Design) Eastern Junior Alliance) are Hullbridge Sports, who recorded a 7-0 win over Maldon Town
Southend United's Combination League fixture against Colchester United may have ended in defeat, but it certainly gave Blues some optimism for the future. The Shrimpers fielded an under-21 side at Roots Hall on Wednesday afternoon, who put on a spirited
Never mind the goals from their teams - footy fans are showing they can score in the style stakes. While West Ham United supporters are the most stylish in Britain, according to a new report, Southend's are tops in Essex. A survey for Burton Menswear
Colchester's MP says he is worried about a setback in the multi-million pound deal to develop health authority land for housing, jobs and roads. After some delays, contracts were expected to be signed by the Department of Health this spring to sell land
Cocaine addict Adrian Lawrence turned to dealing when he got deep into debt because of his habit, a court heard. Lawrence was today paying the price for his dealing by starting a five-year prison sentence after admitting possession and supply of a number
These two businessmen will be swapping their suits for shorts and T-shirts when they take part in this year's London Marathon. Stephen Golder of Western Road, Thundersley, and Graham Robinson of St James Gardens, Westcliff, are both running to raise money
Talented actors from Thorpe Hall School, Wakering Road, Thorpe Bay, have won national and local awards for their production of Set in Stone. The play was written especially for the upper school pupils by their drama teacher, Vivienne Cunningham. They
FA qualified coach Kevin Beadell, who runs the Premier Soccer School, is looking for coaches to help out not only with his football activities but also his new venture, multi-sports, for the summer months. On the soccer front FA qualified coaches are
Chelmsford Swifts Basketball Club have been invited to represent England in the Scania Cup 2000 Basketball Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden over the Easter weekend. There are 142 boys and girls teams taking part in five different age groups with teams
The future of Chelmsford Chieftains looks rosy as the club looks towards a new season - but doubts surround which league the team will be playing in. It is no secret that the sport is very much a finance-driven one, with the clubs with the biggest income
Corringham Cosmos stage a ten-team tournament for under-9s at Corringham Recreation Ground tomorrow (Saturday). Plays starts from 9.30am and is expected to finish at 4pm. Basildon Sunday League are taking applications for clubs wishing to join for next
"It's still possible and we have a chance so we shall fight on with confidence until it is mathematically impossible for us to gain promotion." This was the defiant message yesterday from Chelmsford City manager Gary Bellamy, who has to make several enforced
The head of planning services at Rochford District Council has left his post after only eight months in the job, it has been revealed. Steve Heading left his office last Friday, and his departure from the authority has been confirmed by chief executive
Two "dangerous" bullocks caused havoc today when they escaped from a livestock market and made a run for freedom towards the A120. After evading capture for nearly two hours police marksmen were forced to shoot both animals. The two bullocks broke out
Disabled rower Andrew Halsey has abandoned his epic attempt to row across the Pacific Ocean. Epileptic Mr Halsey, 42, from Clacton, was picked up by a Korean fishing boat yesterday after sending an emergency signal, the Ocean Rowing Society said. Colleagues
Brentwood residents both young and old will gather in the heart of the town today to mourn the three young brothers killed in the Hutton blaze tragedy. At 4pm St Thomas' Church in St Thomas Road plays host to a public service of thanksgiving for the short
David Johnson will not be disclipined for his petulant shove on Ipswich Town team-mate Jim Magilton. The Town striker has been widely condemned after pushing his hand into the face of the Northern Ireland international midfielder during Tuesday night's
Essex Police have been told they will receive no help from the Home Office in meeting the estimated £343,000 costs of the Korean Airlines plane crash. The force - currently locked in talks with the airline's insurers following December's crash at Stansted
Essex County Cricket Club captain Ronnie Irani concludes his three part pre-season article this week, and looks ahead to the new campaign with confidence. Ronnie joined Essex for the 1994 season and was immediately welcomed and made to feel at home by
A Colchester soldier has been praised for quickly raising the alarm after he was knocked off his feet by a bomb attack in Northern Ireland. Private Andrew Welch, 20, of the 1st Battalion, the Royal Anglian Regiment, was on duty in a guardroom at the barracks
A fearful family have claimed they will be forced to move off Canvey if a peanut factory moves onto their doorstep. Lynn and Vic Day say that having peanut firm Percy Dalton as a neighbour would be tantamount to living next to an unmonitored and unrestricted
A couple had a lucky escape after the newly thatched roof at their Little Sampford home caught fire. More than 50 firefighters from Thaxted, Wethersfield, Dunmow, Saffron Walden, Stansted, Harlow, Newport and Brentwood attended the blaze at 5.45pm last
