Chelmsford town centre shoppers looted goods from a Third World shop which had just been closed by bailiffs. They stole a 4ft carved giraffe, candles, wind chimes, incense, bedding and other property from Zanzibar, by the Stone Bridge, Moulsham Street
Worried residents have expressed concern after proposals for two controversial mobile phone masts in Castle Point were given the all clear. They will be erected in Rayleigh Road, Hadleigh and Parsons Road, Benfleet. However, Castle Point Council rejected
Hermann Hreidarsson has become Ipswich Town's record signing after completing a £4 million move to Portman Road. The Wimbledon centre-half and his agent travelled to Ipswich yesterday to discuss personal terms with Town boss George Burley and chairman
OLD SOUTHENDIANS 234-3 UPMINSTER 234-8 (Match drawn) Des Beckett scored an unbeaten century as Old Boys consolidated second place with an entertaining draw against their Second Division promotion rivals. Old Boys won the toss and decided to bat, putting
Ipswich Town unveiled an unlikely source for Premiership success on Saturday in the shape of 19-year-old defender Titus Bramble. While Bramble may not be the big name signing that the Ipswich faithful expect and demand, there are not many players around
There were many who probably believed Ronnie Irani was being wildly optimistic when he set his sights on the Second Division title prior to the duel with Worcestershire. But such optimism seemed well-founded at the weekend when Essex emerged from their
Cranston Park's men's team currently jointly lead the Essex Senior League Division two with fellow challengers Brentwood Hard. Both teams have 25 points from four matches at the midway point in the programme, and both will be hoping to retain their positions
Continuing our regular series, we are giving Chronicle readers an insight into the lives of Essex sportsmen and sportswomen. This week we feature Braintree Town Football Club president Ron Webb, and we asked him about his love of football, and Ryman League
SOUTHEND 234 STANFORD 127-9 (Match drawn) Southend couldn't quite manage the victory, but still put some valuable distance between themselves and Third Division promotion rivals Stanford. Second-placed Southend won the toss and elected to bat, with good
The weekly pig auction at Colchester Cattle Market has been suspended until further notice following reports that animals in the county are infected with disease. Auctioneer Tim Brassington said today's (Friday's) auction had been cancelled as part of
The operation of the newly installed traffic lights at the Army and Navy roundabout in Chelmsford will be reviewed at the end of this month, a senior Essex County Council officer has pledged. The county council this week ordered a survey of drivers using
Firefighters narrowly escaped serious injury when a burning building collapsed on them as they fought a blaze in Colchester. Crews wearing breathing apparatus were fighting flames in a two-storey office block attached to Colchester Park central clinic
The last time Colchester and Swindon came face to face at the County Ground the Wiltshire club comfortably brushed the U's aside on the way to promotion and the old Fourth Division championship. That was way back in the last century and when the recently
Litter louts caught spoiling Southend's shopping areas should be fined under a new bylaw, according to a senior politician. Southend Labour group leader Chris Dandridge said: "The much-heralded Southend town centre litter initiative is a step in the right
With the squad depleted by injury, Southend Athletics Club did well to secure the second place at Ashford that promoted them to the First Division just twelve months after leaving the Third Division. With seven clubs in the running for five promotional
A cash pot of £15,000 is available to promote a tourism project. The money has been put up by Tendring Council with the Tendring Tourism Group and they are looking for a worthwile project to spend it on for the coming year. The tourism group urges organisations
Celebrating its 80th birthday, Southend Naval and Military Club began life with right royal connections. TOM KING looks back at its long and eventful history The members' signature book preserved at the Southend Naval and Military Club begins with just
A 21-year-old man was airlifted to hospital after being thrown from a what is known as a 'doughnut' - a large rubber ring - being towed behind a speedboat in the River Blackwater last weekend. Ben Lawton, who lives in Broad Street Green, Great Totham
Nearly 200 extra frontline officers are destined for Essex thanks to a chunk of £667 million Government cash, it has been revealed. The Crime Fighting Fund money is to pay for 9,000 new recruits in England and Wales - of which Essex is to get 197 to thicken
Police have warned people not to play near power lines after a metal dog chain was thrown at a high-voltage cable. Electricity companies have also issued advice in a bid to stop anyone getting electrocuted. A 19-year-old man from the Witham area was arrested
A midwife who delivered more than 2,000 babies in Southend has died at the age of 94. Phoebe Young became a district midwife in 1947, a year before the birth of the NHS. She first started her nursing career in 1922, but had to give up ten years later
Police investigating the rape of a teenager in a Witham cornfield have appealed for a jogger to come forward. Detectives believe a man, who is often seen running in the Conrad Road area where the incident happened, could have vital information. They are
New Southend United keeper Andy Woodman is relishing the chance to prove himself at Roots Hall. The Brentford shot-stopper - who celebrated his 29th birthday on Friday - has joined Blues on a month's loan from Griffin Park and looks set to replace Mel
Chelmsford City manager Gary Bellamy has lashed out at what he called a minority of mindless morons and so-called club fans who almost ruined last Saturday's prestigious pre-season friendly match against a Manch-ester United XI. Rude and obscene chanting
Hearts boss Jim Jefferies has urged his cash-strapped board not to sell Colin Cameron or Gary Naysmith to Ipswich Town. Town boss George Burley has made firm offers for two unnamed players -- a defender and attacking midfielder -- and hopes to land his
Almost half the Royal London staff facing redundancy have been given a clearer idea of when they will have to leave the Colchester insurance firm. Three hundred employees from customer services and printing and stationery departments were briefed on Friday
Goals from striker Martin Carruthers and debutant midfielder David Lee helped Southend United clinch a 2-0 victory over seaside rivals Brighton at Roots Hall on Saturday. The win ensured Blues made the best possible start to their new Third Division campaign
The Colchester Sea Angling Club fished at Holland-on-Sea on Saturday and again catches were poor. The result was: 1st Billy Paquette 12 ozs 2nd Allan Kitchibg 8 ozs 3rd Mark Sessions 7 ozs Jack Bradley junior weighed in with a 10 oz catch. The next club
Sarah Wilhelmy faces a week-long race to clinch her Olympic place after winning the 200m at the Amateur Athletic Association championships. The 20-year-old Southend AC sprinter put on a superb display to finish first at Birmingham's Alexander Stadium
The failure of 11 businesses in ten years is not something which Nigel Whistler, the man behind Southend's proposed £14 million marina development, believes will have an adverse effect on his current project. The fact that 11 firms, of which he was a
Hopes of saving radio stations Essex FM and Breeze have suffered a fresh setback. The powerful Radio Authority has more or less admitted its hands are tied in the stations' shock takeover by GWR. So long as GWR keeps within Government guidelines there
Branch closures at Barclays and Woolwich could affect Colchester, Braintree, Clacton and Chelmsford. Barclays' £5.3 billion takeover of the Woolwich will mean the closure of more than 100 bank branches throughout the country. Although so far no branches
Three bodies discovered by Dutch coastguards have been identified as the crew from the missing yacht the Tulia. Carol Smith, 23, and experienced skipper Adam Clackson, 56, were identified on Saturday. The body of student James Chew, 22 was identified
New research has named Essex as the Viagra county of Britain. Colchester and Chelmsford came second and third in a libido league table based on sales of the impotency drug across the country. The people of the oldest recorded town account for 3.6 per
Maldon District Council may re-consider security cameras at the town's Promenade Park after a blaze gutted a store building by the Marine Lake, causing around £65,000-worth of damage. The blaze, early last Sunday morning, effectively put the Marine Lake
A new minicom line which will enable deaf people to use the NHS Direct service in Essex has been welcomed by the Essex branch of RAD, the Royal Association in Aid of Deaf People. The NHS Direct 24-hour helpline was launched in Essex in February last year
Police believe there may be three gangs, one with a pregnant woman, who have carried out a series of cons on the very elderly, mostly women, in mid-Essex. Since July 17 there have been at least seven incidents in the Chelmsford area alone, while Essex
A Canewdon pig farmer fears for his herd after news that swine fever had broken out in Essex. Farmer Richard Stacey, of Scotts Hall Farm, Canewdon, said reports of swine fever being found in herds in Suffolk and north Essex were devastating news. Richard
Police taking a dim view of tinted car windows are to crack down on Southend seafront cruisers. A new light-measuring device, known as the Tintman, is going to help police to order cruisers to change their windows or face tough penalties. Drivers with
A residents' representative told councillors of the noise and disturbance faced by residents living near Queen Street. Jo Edwards, who represents people living in the Priory Street area of Colchester, told councillors considering an application for the
The weekly pig auction at Colchester Cattle Market has been suspended until further notice following reports that animals in the county are infected with disease. Auctioneer Tim Brassington said Friday's auction had been cancelled as part of a Government
A newly-wed was so terrified of flying off on honeymoon she punched her husband then ran off the airplane. Petrified Amanda Hall, from Stanway, Colchester, who had never flown before, relived her holiday nightmare on an ITV documentary screened on Friday
Police have appealed for witnesses after a passenger in a vehicle was killed when it overturned. He has been named as Alfred Spencer, 53, of Old Road, Clacton. The driver was taken to Colchester General Hospital but was due to be released today (Monday
Heybridge prepared themselves for the beginning of the new Ryman League season with a fine 2-1 victory over Nationwide Conference outfit, Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday. This was Swifts' last pre-season friendly ahead of their clash with Basingstoke
Southend United kicked off their new Third Division campaign in style at Roots Hall on Saturday with an impressive win against seaside rivals Brighton and Hove Albion. Blues claimed all three points from this battle of the beaches thanks to a fifth-minute
Steve Whitton was bouyant after his Colchester United millennium marauders grabbed a richly-deserved goalless draw at Swindon Town. And while paying tribute to his entire team for their "very encouraging opening day performance," the delighted U's boss
South Woodham traders are being urged to join forces in a bid to revitalise the town centre. Around 20 shops and service providers including Ruskin Crafts, Thurston Sports and tattoo studio Immortal Ink, have already formed a Business Association, which
Shop units, designed to form the commercial heart of the Great Notley development, are still lying empty more than three years after they were built. This week community leaders called for Tesco, which owns the site, to tell them about its plans for the
North Essex residents and fishermen are being warned of poisonous algae affecting shellfish along the coast. Last week, Maldon District Council put up warning signs prohibiting the harvesting of bivalve molluscs, which include cockles and oysters, from
Chelmsford's Army and Navy pub has pulled the plug on a shock rock American band after warnings by police and borough council licensing officers over allegations of public indecency. The Impotent Sea Snakes had been due to perform at the popular venue
East Essex SC swimmers dominated the pool, and the medal tally, during action packed finals sessions at the Kellogg's Frosties National Age Group Championships. Brentwood's Ross Hughes, 16, powered home in the boys 200m Backstroke event, adding a second
The prospect of a waste incinerator on their doorstep has got Wickford councillors hot under the collar. They are furious Essex County Council approved plans to site one of the controversial incinerators in Courtauld Road, Basildon - although the authority
Blistering conditions, bumper crowds and record takings marked Walton Carnival's first procession of the new millennium. Thousands of onlookers lined the streets for the ninth year since st John Ambulance stepped in to take over the endangered annual
Rising Southend athletics star Adam Hickey had a field day when he competed in the inter-counties match in Kingston last weekend. Not only did the 12-year-old Southend Athletic Club member set the fastest time of the day in the 1500m, he also claimed
An exciting and unique new Roman find has just been unearthed at the archaeological dig behind Colchester's former post office. And it could be one of Colchester's first houses. Part of the house wall dating from around AD 50 was on Friday being studied
Against all the odds, a pensioner has discovered the sister he never knew he had. After 67 years thinking he was an only child, shocked Michael Curtis, of London Road, Marks Tey, spoke on the phone to his sister Barbara in Vancouver, Canada, on Sunday
The failure of 11 businesses in ten years is not something which Nigel Whistler, the man behind Southend's proposed £14 million marina development, believes will have an adverse effect on his current project. The fact that 11 firms, of which he was a
Police have exhausted all avenues of inquiry in the bid to identify a mystery woman whose body was found washed up on a south Essex beach. A major investigation was launched by MoD police in Colchester after the body was discovered by a man walking his
The sister of a man who died when a trick at a stunt show in Clacton went horribly wrong told how she was on her way to meet her brother when the accident happened. Doreen Wiles, of Coggeshall, said she had just picked up instructions from him on how
Lottery winner Dean Allen celebrated his £13 million jackpot win with a kiss from his girlfriend and said: "The first thing I have got to have is a Porsche." Dean, a 26-year-old printer from Tilbury, said he would leave his job and vowed that his father
Seven soccer fans will appear before magistrates following clashes between Southend and Brighton fans. The men were arrested following the opening match of the season between the rival teams at Roots Hall. A Brighton supporter was also arrested after
Hospital Radio Chelmsford (HRC) is attempting to break the world record for the longest continuous radio programme by a single presenter. Greig Daines has been chosen to host the two-day marathon on September 7 and 8, which aims to beat the current record
Someone must have known it was the last time the Four Colnes Show was going to be held outside as organisers were blessed with one of the hottest weekends of the year. More than 1,500 people went along to the Earls Colne Airfield on Saturday and, as well
Chelmsford Chieftains have added two Canadian defencemen to their roster. Adam Collins, 21, from Peterborough, Ontario is an exciting young player, and the 6ft and 200 lb defenceman comes to Chieftains from OHL champions Belleville Bulls. He has played
Warm weather and schoolchildren on holiday combined to keep Colchester firefighters busy with small fires yesterday (Sunday). At 4.05am crews were called to rubbish on fire at Villa Road, Stanway. Just before 1.40pm firefighters put out a fire in woods
Maldon's Marine Lake was re-opened at the weekend after fire gutted a boatshed. The arson attack on the storage shed in the Promenade Park took place in the early hours of Sunday, August 6. The lake had to be drained at one of the busiest times of the
An award-winning council department is facing a budget overspend of nearly £500,000. In the past Braintree Council's contract services department has won awards for its quality and for investing in staff. Braintree Commercial Services was set up in 1981
Matt Holland was set to return from injury to play in Town's glamorous pre-season friendly against Fiorentina on Saturday. Injury-plagued defender Mark Venus was also been named in an 18-man squad. Holland strained his calf in the pre-season friendly
A rare vintage racing car, which mysteriously arrived at Southend during the Second World War, is tipped to fetch up to £1.5 million at a Christie's auction. The Maserati 8C3000 Grand Prix two-seater racing car is up for sale after its owner, Robert DeLano
A top Para has died on holiday. The senior officer, due to command the 3rd Battalion The Parachute Regiment which moves to Colchester next month, died of a suspected heart attack. Lieutenant Colonel David Limb, 39, who was married with a daughter, was
Goals from striker Martin Carruthers and debutant midfielder David Lee helped Southend United clinch a 2-0 victory over seaside rivals Brighton at Roots Hall on Saturday. The win ensured Blues made the best possible start to their new Third Division campaign
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of a 3,000-year-old middle Bronze Age village at Stansted Airport, shedding new light on the area's ancient origins. Chris Bell, of Framework Archaeology, which was funded by BAA to carry out the work, said that
Burnham-on-Crouch Rugby Club has seen an excellent turn out of senior mens players on Tuesday's, much to the delight of the enthusiastic Club Coach, Alex Knapton. The players are showing a lot of commitment in their preparations for the season ahead,
With only a few weeks to go, plans are well under way for Burnham Town Show. The show, which marks the end of Burnham Week -- one of Britain's top yachting events -- takes place at Millfields on September 2. Promotions officer Peter Layzell said: "We
A butcher has said he could be forced to sack his staff if charges at a nearby car park are not lifted soon. Michael Arnold, of Barkins Butchers in the High Road, Benfleet, said trade had dropped dramatically since the 20p fees were introduced in Richmond
The search is on in Rochford for relatives of a man who left the regular army - but went on to become an SAS hero in daring missions. Television producer Mark Handscomb is searching for people who knew Douglas Berneville-Claye, who took part in dangerous
The summer has so far not been the scorcher many had hoped and sunworshippers seem to be jetting off to sunnier climes. The unpredictable weather has been causing some concern for traders in Southend, who rely on soaring temperatures to tease the tourists
Union to fight plan The union which speaks for many care home staff has vowed to fight any moves towards privatisation. Fears have been raised that the consultation on the county council's care home provisions will end in moves to privatise the homes
Copies of charters dating back to 1171 have been restored to their rightful place - Maldon's historic Moot Hall. The 16 charters were granted to the town by various kings and queens dating back to Henry II. Maldon District Museum has looked after them
Southend United midfielder David Lee set his sights for the new Third Division season after masterminding the Shrimpers' 2-0 opening day win against Brighton at Roots Hall on Saturday. Blues striker Martin Carruthers put the Seasiders in front with a
A family has been left homeless after a fire started in their young daughter's bedroom. The blaze left the four-year-old's room totally gutted, and the upstairs of the semi-detached house severely damaged by smoke and the intense heat of the flames. Mum
A man suffered seven knife wounds in an incident on a housing estate. And in an earlier separate incident, another man received knife wounds to his shoulder in Colchester town centre. The first incident happened at the junction with Colchester High Street
A shake-up of services for the elderly could see the county council's residential care homes closing across Essex, it has emerged. The radical proposal would free up funds which would then go into new services helping elderly people stay in their own
A night out ended in horrific injury when a young man was stabbed in the neck with a broken bottle near Southend seafront. Police are now hunting a group of youths who attacked the 19-year-old victim - with no apparent motive -- and left him fighting
It's make your mind up time for Billericay Town boss Gary Calder after his team completed their pre-season programme. Calder has to finalise his squad for Saturday's Ryman Premier kick-off and will finish running the rule over a quartet of trialists at
