Projects in Witham and Dunmow have been given prestigious Essex Environment Trust Awards in the millennium year. The Witham Lodge Greens community open space enhancement scheme and the restoration of the 17th century Dunmow Maltings for community uses
Flyer Dan Holford, a former student at Colchester Royal Grammar School, has become the youngest navigator in the RAF. Dan, 21, joined the RAF in 1998 and has just graduated as a fully-qualified navigator from No 3 Flying Training School at RAF College
A teenager from Witham is taking her protest about the high price of UK petrol straight to the Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown. Chris Jaye, 17, of Saul's Avenue, Witham, has organised a petition in protest at fuel prices which, she says, are
School pupils were given the chance to run one of Colchester's top hotels for the day. The 25 catering and home economics students were in charge of a variety of key tasks, cleaning the rooms, waiting on tables, manning reception and overseeing banqueting
Councillors are set for a cash boost if a proposed pay rise of more than 50 per cent goes ahead. Braintree Council wants to add £300 to each member's basic allowance over a six-month period. District councillors are currently given £1,000 a year as a
EVERSLEY PARK 246-7 ESSEX CARRIERS 165-9 (Eversley Park won by 81 runs) Essex Carriers crashed to their first Reefer 90 league defeat of the season at Eversley Park. The Basildon outfit were too tasty for their Hadleigh opponents who had Spicer to thank
The Essex girls and boys teams both competed in the final stages of the LTA 10 & under Inter County competitions, which were held at Bisham Abbey. By way of a treat for their successes so far the teams were taken to watch the Davis Cup match at Wimbledon
Southend United stepped up their pre-season campaign with a routine victory at Conference League outfit Kettering Town. The Shrimpers eased past the non-leaguers, thanks to goals from strikers Yemi Abiodun and Martin Carruthers, leaving Blues boss Alan
Clacton Town manager Steve Dowman has boosted his squad by signing AFC Sudbury centre-back Richard Codling. Codling started his career at Cornard United before moving to Sudbury where he played for 13 years. The 32-year-old said: "After seeing first hand
Glitterball will turn Chinnery's usual punters into disco divas and Travolta tigers when they play their wow-fab-groovy music on Friday night (July 14) - but they'll be doing it for the last time. Sad to say the ultimate 70s disco experience is splitting
A driver had to undergo six hours of surgery after being involved in a collision with a double decker bus. The 51-year-old, of Colchester, was airlifted to Colchester General Hospital with serious injuries by the Essex Air Ambulance following the crash
An armed robber has been jailed for six years for a terrifying raid on a Maldon holiday park. James Sheedy was part of a gang who armed themselves with machetes and a handgun when they burst into the Steeple Bay camp last summer. Staff were manhandled
Essex library users can now browse the web for books, audio tapes, videos, DVD or CDs any time of the day or night. The new service offers access to the complete ELAN (Essex Libraries Automated Network) catalogue with up to date information on three million
High visibility patrols are the latest tactic in the Wickford police battle against youth nuisance. But the town's vandalism and graffiti hot spots were surprisingly quiet when we beat with Community Liaison Officer PC Geoff Whiter. The extra patrols
Villages and towns in the Brentwood and Ongar area should be protected from heavier lorries, which will be allowed under new laws. That is the view of the Liberal Democrats' Parliamentary Spokesman for Brentwood and Ongar, borough councillor David Kendall
Firefighters were called out to free a hapless hound whose head got wedged in a wine rack. Samantha Cook, 28, of Malvern Flats, Coleman Street, Southend returned from work on Monday night to find her puppy Bonnie dragging the empty wire wine rack around
Thieves grabbed more than £10,000 worth of cigarettes in a raid at Wickford's Somerfield superstore. Now managers have launched an investigation to find out why the store's alarm was not triggered by the thieves. The High Street store was targeted in
Southend United are holding an open night for their matchday staff, both old and new, tonight (Wednesday). Current stewards, turnstile operators and other workers are asked to attend Roots Hall's Shrimpers bar at 7.30pm to prepare for the start of the
Two people were trapped after a bus and a car were in a collision in Wrabness yesterday (Tuesday). The accident happened near the junction of Harwich Road and Spinnels Lane, close to the former Wheatsheaf pub. The Essex Air Ambulance was called to the
Armed police officers were left red-faced when they set up a motorway road block only to find their gun-wielding villains were brandishing harmless toy laser guns. Rush-hour traffic on the M25 ground to a halt as seven teams of police officers in body
He should be so lucky! Kirby-le-Soken model James Gooding took celebrity girlfriend Kylie Minogue out. And the location for the romantic date - the bowling alley on Walton Pier. James, a former student at Tendring Technology College, is a successful model
Robust action to tackle a car park gridlock has been called for to stop people being put off visiting Colchester. Politicians want the problems which have led to long jams at the NCP car park in Osborne Street solved urgently. The plea came at a a meeting
Graffiti has blighted a newly-refurbished set of toilets within days of them being reopened. More than £55,000 was spent on the public lavatories in the George Yard Shopping Centre in Braintree, and the men's was finally opened on July 7. But just days
A motorist who drove his car dangerously along the A414 near Ongar "needed to be taught a lesson", a Chelmsford Crown Court recorder said on Monday. Bodie Mead, 21, of Mill Lane, High Ongar, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and was sentenced to three
There really is no stopping Jean Blackwell. Just six years ago at the age of 60 she started a new career as a care assistant. Last year the Wivenhoe woman cycled miles across the burning terrain of Morocco, raising £3,000 for charity in the process. Now
Chris Goodfellow and his wife, Jackie, just missed out on a top-three placing at the Squib National Championships at Abersoch, North Wales. The Goodfellows, from Royal Corinthian Yacht Club, and sailing Trophoblast, finished overall fifth and were the
The Environment Agency has backed "robust plans" developed by Anglia region water companies to help manage supplies in drought. The region experienced severe drought in the 1990s. The period between April 1995 and October 1997 was the driest of the century
The owners of Clacton's premier hotel have been refused permission to use it as a hostel for asylum seekers. The Royal Hotel in Marine Parade East has been used to house refugees for more than a year - but has only just put in for planning permission
The Chelmsford Bowling Club is again organising the popular 'Coronation Shield' Pairs competition. This competition was started by the Club as a result of a request from the Chelmsford Borough Council for bowls to celebrate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth
Former West Ham defender Paul Hilton has joined Heybridge Swifts as their Eastern Alliance Under 18 Manager. Hilton was at the Hammers for 12 years from 1984 as an uncompromising centre half, and latterly as youth and then reserve team coach. Already
Parents will be meeting tonight to discuss the future of their village school. St Nicholas Primary, Church Road, Rawreth, is set to move to a new purpose built site after Essex County Council decided the current facilities were unsuitable. However, some
Southend United have announced a double shirt sponsorship deal which will boost the Third Division club's empty coffers by a desperately needed six-figure sum. Blues revealed they will have two separate backers this term, with software and services supplier
As part of Play Tennis 2000, an initiative run by the Lawn Tennis Association, members of Braintree Lawn tennis Club were generating interest in the sport at George Yard on Saturday. Children were given the challenge of serving a ball through the gap
There were thrills galore at Southend's Priory Park as five finals were staged to bring the 69th Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament to a tremendous climax. During the second finals afternoon, no fewer than five trophies were contested - and an extra
More than 40 youngsters were put through their paces at an official launch designed to raise awareness of netball in the north Essex area. Girls from primary schools around Colchester were in action at Netball 2000 and took part in a host of training
Memories of cricketing matches past were the order of the day last week as Harold Park Cricket Club staged a reunion of players who have represented the club over its 75 year history. Harold Park's Derek Fenton, who was born in the year that the club
Worcestershire's Glenn McGrath, widely acknowledged as the world's best fast bowler, will provide Essex batsmen with a severe test at Chelmsford today. The 30-year-old Aussie is the major reason why Worcestershire will go into action today (Wednesday)
Elmwood Colts proved to be the mini-marvels when the soccer competition was the central attraction of Rochford Festival of Sports finals day at King George's Playing Field, Rayleigh. Elmwood won both the under-seven and under-eight events, beating Rayleigh
Fyfield's Ross Zerafa was in fine form at the All England Schools Track and Field Championships in Sheffield last week. Ross, 14, who attends Brentwood County High School, was representing Essex County Schools in the Junior Boys Under 15 Shot, and against
The highlight of the weekend for the Shaftesbury Cycling Club was the 20 miles time trial, held north of Bishop's Stortford and all 20 members who entered faced the timekeeper for the start. The weather was mild but windy and so rapid times were not expected
The Sirco Southend Evening Cricket League was again decimated by bad weather and only two matches were played. League chiefs reckon it is now going to be hard to fit all of the remaining fixtures in unless the weather improves. Brad Everett played his
Claus Jensen was today locked in talks with Ipswich Town manager George Burley to discuss a £4 million move to Portman Road. Bolton Wanderers have accepted Town's improved offer for the Dane although Charlton Athletic have also tabled a bid for the 23
East Colchester will end up a "mess" unless a complete design framework is created for the dock area, it is claimed. Colchester Council consulted widely before drawing up its community assessment for the Hythe. The aim was to collect business's and residents
A mystery messenger claiming to be Victoria Beckham joined hundreds of Essex FM listeners in urging firemen who kidnapped DJ Martin Day for charity to keep him for good. Posh is believed to have sent the following message entitled At Last Revenge to the
Robust action to tackle a car park gridlock has been called for to stop people being put off visiting Colchester. Politicians want the problems which have led to long jams at the NCP car park in Osborne Street solved urgently. The plea came at a a meeting
Ernest Whitehouse, husband of morals campaigner Mary Whitehouse, has died aged 85. Mr Whitehouse died on Saturday at Abberton Manor Nursing Home, near Colchester, where the couple recently lived. The couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary
An arsonist is thought to have been responsible for two blazes which ripped though an industrial estate on Canvey within hours of each other. Detectives probing the fires - last night and today (Tuesday and Wednesday) - believe there could be a link and
Plans for a multi-million pound village bypass between Braintree and Chelmsford have moved a step nearer. Building work on the new A131 Great Leighs bypass, which will provide a loop between Braintree and Chelmsford, is due to start in October. Highways
A Harold Hill Infant School has a received a £65,000 grant from the Government to help fund its new nursery project. St Ursula's Roman Catholic school, Straight Road has been awarded £65,000 that will contribute to the project with work set to begin during
The swimming pool in the grounds of Manningtree High School could close unless extensive repairs are carried out. But the work is expected to cost about £33,000 - some £8,000 more than the original cost of the open air pool which was opened 22 years ago
Plans for a controversial housing estate have been dealt a bizarre blow - by a colony of rare lizards. The 54-home Nether Court development in Halstead suffered a setback after endangered amphibians were spotted at the site. Planning experts say an investigation
Airgun-wielding yobs could face police marksmen in the street if they continue to flout the law, Basildon police have warned. Officers will not take a soft line on anyone found misusing an airgun following a spate of dangerous and frightening incidents
Basildon's top policeman has insisted the town has a lot to be proud of - despite national figures which reveal an increase in reported crime. The comparison between the April 1998 to March 1999 figures and for the same period the following year shows
An electronics firm is to shut in a major blow to business in a small town. Bosses of Brightlingsea-based Osec say increased foreign competition has led to its demise with the loss of 34 jobs. The Chapel Road firm has been based in the town since the
An arsonist is thought to have been responsible for two blazes which ripped though an industrial estate on Canvey within hours of each other. Detectives probing the fires - last night and today (Tuesday and Wednesday) - believe there could be a link and
Former British Windsurfing Champion Guy Cribb passed on tips to members of West Mersea Windsurfers and Ardleigh Watersports Centre during a visit to Essex. Cribb runs coaching sessions across the UK and was on hand to put ten enthusiasts - ranging in
Stock Brook Manor Golf Club Seniors section has achieved further success in reaching the semi-finals of the Essex Seniors Team Trophy. The composition of the Team Trophy is that clubs affiliated to the Essex County Amateur Golf Union can enter teams of
A Colchester trader has joined in the St Botolph's bus lane controversy - blaming it for a drop in customers and profit. Andy Robinson, 29, who owns Smith's Butchers in Priory Walk, said the new road layout had damaged his business. And he predicted shoppers
As part of Play Tennis 2000, an initiative run by the Lawn Tennis Association, members of Braintree Lawn tennis Club were generating interest in the sport at George Yard on Saturday. Children were given the challenge of serving a ball through the gap
Traders and Chelmsford Borough Council officers got together to celebrate a prestigious award for the recent major facelift of the historic Baddow Road area. The council has been awarded Highly Commended in the Local Government News Street Design Awards
A boss of the Wethersfield-based Ministry of Defence Police went on armed patrol with the police constable who challenged him to "see how we do the job." Deputy Chief Constable Tony Comben answered the challenge from PC David Retallack, who later became
Wickford Angling Centre squad member Peter Steward chalked up yet another match win to take first place at last week's Gloucester Park Evening Match. Peter fished a peg to the right of tench point to take a 24lb 11oz mixed catch during the three hour
Wivenhoe Town kick off their pre-season campaign with an attractive friendly with Nationwide League division one club Norwich City at Broad Lane tonight. A healthy crowd is expected at the Dragons' home for the clash, which kicks off at 7.30pm. New signing
Two-time defending champion Rod Harrington has a tough first round draw for the PDC World Matchplay. Fourth in the world rankings, Rod is set to face Dutchman, Roland Scholten in the last week of July - a man who has a multitude of titles under his belt
Canvey Island began their pre-season build-up in winning style at Park Lane last night by capturing the notable scalp of Nationwide League Division Two club Colchester United. A 20th-minute headed goal by Steve Parmenter following a corner settled the
Ross and Gavin Johnson were drafted into Colchester United's squad for last night's (Tuesday's) pre-season friendly at Canvey Island. The pair were sidelined when the U's started their build-up with a 4-0 triumph at Cornard United on Saturday. But Andy
Ross and Gavin Johnson were drafted into Colchester United's squad for last night's (Tuesday's) pre-season friendly at Canvey Island. The pair were sidelined when the U's started their build-up with a 4-0 triumph at Cornard United on Saturday. But Andy
A hole in the roof gang broke into a Canvey firm and made off with a £134,000 haul. The burglars entered the warehouse belonging to the Games and Prints Services in Sandhurst through the roof. They then used a forklift truck in the building to remove
Local talent shone through at the National Rollerskating Championships 2000 when Rollerworld team members scooped top awards. About 100 top-class skaters from around the UK travelled to Rollerworld in Colchester for the prestigious championships. Kym
More tests have been ordered on the effect of explosions from a firing range on coastal homes. It follows talks between MPs, a Government minister and Ministry of Defence officials over blasts at the Defence Evaluation and Research Agency in Shoeburyness
St Clare's Hospice at Heybridge is meeting its financial targets but is not complacent said chairman, Chris Thorby. He was speaking after Farleigh Hospice at Chelmsford announced it had been hit by a drop in general donations of about £6,000 a month.
The contribution of women who kept the agricultural life of Essex up and running during the Second World War has been recognised. Countless women worked in the fields, farms and orchards of Britain while the men of the country were away fighting. A diamond-shaped
A Colchester postman has been suspended after more than 120 items went missing. A Royal Mail investigation has been launched after it emerged items addressed to residents in one area of Colchester had not been delivered. About 100 households will receive
The Brentwood Schools Athletics Championships were held on Wednesday at Gloucester Park, Basildon, and the Ursuline School were in superb form. All the schools were there except the Anglo European School, who were unable to compete except for a small
This couple are set to go to court to battle for the right to stay in their beloved Laindon home. Eighty-year-old Eric Cox has lived in his detached bungalow for 25 years with his wife, Margaret, 75, and daughter Antoinette. He said he would be devastated
The "forgotten war" of Korea will be remembered this weekend on the 50th anniversary of a conflict which saw 1,200 British troops lose their lives. Members of the Southend and District Korean War Veterans' Association will march to the town's cenotaph
As the 10th anniversary of the Gulf War approaches, RAY BRADLEY talks to former hostage Jim Payne When Jim Payne drives to work in Woodham Ferrers every morning he counts his blessings for precious gifts like health, family and freedom. Almost exactly
Eco-warriors who were at the centre of two protest camps now face another eviction after squatting on land in Hockley. Camper vans and caravans are currently being lived in on green belt land at Creek View in Beckney Avenue. A local resident, who wishes
A headteacher in charge of a school found to have serious weaknesses in its last inspection is celebrating after pupils achieved a bumper crop of exam results. Mike Blant, headteacher of Winter Gardens Junior School on Canvey, vowed to turn around the
West Chelmsford Tory MP Simon Burns backed the government last Thursday in the vote on the planned new emergency powers to combat football hooliganism. The other Tory MPs, with the exception of Sir Norman Fowler who joined Mr Burns in voting with the
New arrangements for enforcing parking restrictions in Essex are under consideration. The transfer of powers from police to Essex County Council is the subject of a consultation document. Under the new proposals, parking attendants would be employed by
The delights of the natural world should be available to everyone. That's the view of the hard working pupils from a Thundersley school who have designed a route suitable for wheelchairs through the Little Haven Nature Reserve in Thundersley. The project
Plans for a multi-million pound village bypass between Braintree and Chelmsford have moved a step nearer. Building work on the new A131 Great Leighs bypass, which will provide a loop between Braintree and Chelmsford, is due to start in October. Highways
Seafront traders and police have reacted angrily to a violent game - involving shooting "grasses" outside a fictitious Southend nightclub - which can be found on the Essex Boys film's official website. At the official site - www.essexboysthemovie.com
Council licensing chiefs are tightening up rules over meters in minicabs. Officers at Braintree Council say more private operators are now using meters - leading to a "potential for problems". Hackney carriages are already covered by strict laws over
The long-awaited Great Notley Discovery Centre has won a top design award - before it has even been built. The £1.4 million eco-friendly centre has scooped the Environmental Initiative of the Year 2000 prize. Bad weather has delayed the opening of the
The weather left hundreds of schoolchildren disappointed after their schools sports day was cancelled. Children from schools in Witham, White Notley, Stisted and Rivenhall were due to take part in the small schools sports day at Wethersfield Primary School
Southend United are holding an open night for their matchday staff, both old and new, tonight (Wednesday). Current stewards, turnstile operators and other workers are asked to attend Roots Hall's Shrimpers bar at 7.30pm to prepare for the start of the
Former Spurs youngster David Lee earned himself a full-time Roots Hall contract with an impressive display during Southend United's opening pre-season match at Gravesend and Northfleet. The 20-year-old was rewarded with a one-year deal following an awesome
Southend United chairman John Main has demanded financial assurances from the cash-strapped Third Division club's two main benefactors, property developers Delancey and Martin Dawn. The news came on Monday as Blues faced a winding up order from the Inland
Lee Georgiou was unceremoniously brushed aside within a round at York Hall, Bethnal Green on Thursday. The Harold Hill flyweight succumbed to his first professional defeat at the hands of Chris Emmanuel, a last minute stand-in for original opponent Tommy
Steve Maish was on target for major honours at the Rochford Festival of Sport darts tournament. He won the men's singles, beating Chris Purvis by four legs to nil and then, in partnership with Richard Watering, triumphed 3-1 over Ken Pearson and Trevor
Colchester Sixth Form College suffered a 1-0 defeat in the opening match of their Gothia Cup campaign. But they produced an excellent performance against the professional Swedish premier league club side Frolunda - hot favourites to win the tournament
Ross and Gavin Johnson were drafted into Colchester United's squad for last night's (Tuesday's) pre-season friendly at Canvey Island. The pair were sidelined when the U's started their build-up with a 4-0 triumph at Cornard United on Saturday. But Andy
Athletics coach John Hyland has slammed the "foolhardiness" of having two athletics clubs in Colchester. The Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club coach says the sport would flourish in the area if his club joined forces with rivals Colchester Harriers
Mark Venus and Richard Naylor have been ruled out of Ipswich Town's pre-season tour to the Baltic States. The injury-plagued pair delayed surgery at the end of last season so they could star in Town's 4-2 play-off final triumph against Barnsley. Defender
BekriI Bajraktaraj could become the latest crowd-pleaser at Layer Road. The 23-year-old Dutchman, currently on a fortnight's trial with Colchester United, was the star turn as the Second Division club cruised to a 4-0 victory against Cornard in their
Crime in Essex has shot up by seven per cent in the past year - although it remains one of England's safest counties. According to Home Office figures released yesterday (Tuesday), of the 39 English forces surveyed only five had a lower crime rate, even
He should be so lucky! Kirby-le-Soken model James Gooding took celebrity girlfriend Kylie Minogue out. And the location for the romantic date - the bowling alley on Walton Pier. James, a former student at Tendring Technology College, is a successful model
Commuters in south Essex are waiting to see the effects of a takeover of Prism Rail, which runs the London-Fenchurch Street line. New owner National Express - which has paid £166 million for the company - has pledged to invest more cash into services
Plans for a multi-million pound village bypass between Braintree and Chelmsford have moved a step nearer. Building work on the new A131 Great Leighs bypass, which will provide a loop between Braintree and Chelmsford, is due to start in October. Highways
Essex has been given a big thumbs-up by the people who really know it best - the people who live here. In a new survey on behalf of the East of England Development Agency an astonishing 92 per cent of people questioned in Essex said they were satisfied
Worcestershire's Glenn McGrath, widely acknowledged as the world's best fast bowler, will provide Essex batsmen with a severe test at Chelmsford today. The 30-year-old Aussie is the major reason why Worcestershire will go into action today (Wednesday)
Youngsters need to hear about the full horrors of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) if they are going to start using contraception. This is the view of young people attending an innovative conference. The Sexual Health Information Conference brought
One of Colchester's oldest established junior football clubs is in danger of folding. Severalls Athletic is in desperate need of a manager and players for their coming Kent Blaxill Border League division two campaign. If enough people do not come forward
An angry trader has claimed Southend Council had "double-crossed" firms at Victoria Plaza by handing control of the walkways to the shopping centre's owners. Jack Wilson, partner of Higgs Leathers, said businesses were outraged by the recent decision
Southend Pier traders today (Wednesday) claimed they had lost vital business after being left high and dry by a water leak which cut off supplies. The leak is reckoned to have cost pier businesses thousands of pounds as daytrippers stayed away in their
Virgin Active bosses have ended speculation by confirming they will attend a public inquiry into a controversial new leisure centre they want to build in Thundersley. Their decision follows months of debate following the ruling by Secretary of State for
Protests have been voiced at plans to erect a "prison-like" fence behind Billericay's police station. Officers at the High Street site want to step up security around premises which contain valuable equipment and data by building a two metre perimeter
A crunch meeting tonight (Wednesday) could hold the key to a future for Wickford's cash-strapped Citizens' Advice Bureau. Bosses are confident of thrashing out a survival package to stop the vital service from folding. Manager Diane Storey and Wickford
The gay dads may soon be fathers of five - and living in America. Reports from America claim that Barrie Drewitt and Tony Barlow, of Bicknacre Road, Danbury, are expecting triplets through a surrogate mother. The millionaire pair already have twins Aspen
Young sportsmen and women from Havering were in jubilant mood on Sunday as they celebrated victory over 32 other borough teams in the 23rd London Heathrow Youth Games. East London's finest, the most successful borough in the history of the Games, secured
