Parts of mid- and north Essex remained underwater today (Monday) after heavy rain caused severe flooding. The town of Halstead was particularly badly hit and the High Street was today still impassable following the torrential rain overnight on Saturday
Evening Gazette weatherman Terry Mayes said weekend rainfall around Colchester was a whopping 47.1 mm - and near Braintree, it rose to up to 70mm. The A12 and A120 were under 5cm (two inches) of water, but both re-opened today Colchester fire crews had
Police urged motorists to take care after people were trapped in their cars during a day of widespread flooding. Martin Cable, fire station officer at Maldon, said they had a "hectic" day yesterday (Sunday) with about 15 calls to incidents in areas including
Halstead High Street was completely closed today (Monday) after the River Colne burst its banks. Flood water up to 3ft deep shut off the High Street and the lower section of Market Hill, and has flooded many shops and businesses. The River Colne burst
SOMEWHERE in Laindon, there's a big black cat on the prowl and it's getting hungry. The startling news comes after a motorist caught the creature in his headlights last Thursday as he drove along Mandeville Way in Laindon. Richard Howarth, 32 and his
Chelmsford's W H Smith store is to move from its present location in the High Chelmer shopping centre to Chelmsford High Street. The news, magazine and book retailer confirmed on Thursday it is to take up space in the re-developed former Bolingbroke and
A young robber left an 80-year-old bruised and distressed after snatching her bag in broad daylight. The woman was standing outside a neighbour's home in Winchester Road, Colchester, at about 12.15pm on Thursday but was about to leave because her friend
Thieves used sledgehammers to smash through a Basildon warehouse wall to steal a lorry loaded with clothes worth £50,000 bound for department stores. The hole-in-the-wall gang broke into EDG warehouse in Heronsgate trading estate, off Paycocke Road, Basildon
Runnymede Swimming Club continued their run of great results in league competitions by winning the first round of the new season's Essex League. In a very close and highly charged contest against some strong rival clubs, Runnymede's swimmers collected
Hermann Hreidarsson has told Ipswich fans: "Don't worry, we'll get things sorted." The Blues have only won once in the Premiership in nine attempts this season -a far cry from last season's blistering form that saw them win a place in Europe. And the
Many positive points came out of this East Anglian derby clash with struggling Cambridge United. Leading scorer Scott McGleish's two goals were the result of poaching of the top class. Gavin Johnson's first goal at Layer Road was a bit special too. The
Carl Hutchings predicted a bright future for Southend United after the 4-1 thumping triumph at Stevenage Borough in the first round of the LDV Vans Trophy. The midfielder was joined on the scoresheet by forwards Tes Bramble and Mark Rawle as Blues swept
A fighting fund has been set up by football fans to buy Southend United. Members of the Southend United Supporters Club Trust have issued a rallying call to fans of the seaside team to dig deep and secure its future. The call for cash follows revelations
The new Essex version of the Monopoly board game proved a big hit at Southend United's Roots Hall stadium. The game, released yesterday (Tuesday), features the Blues' home ground as well as Southend Pier and the Evening Echo. Southend United mascot Elvis
£20,000 HOME FOR MODEL RACE TRAC Model racers David King and David Wilde, of A1 Models who are hoping plans for a new home for Colchester Model Car Club get the go-ahead. Picture: NIGEL BROWN (17415-1 by LAURENCE CAWLEY CHIEF REPORTER COLCHESTER is set
Thurrock paid tribute to its unsung heroes and heroines on Friday night. The inaugural Civic Awards saw four top prizes presented and five other nominees celebrated. Perhaps the most shocked of all the people in a packed Civic Hall at Blackshots was 18
Parts of mid- and north Essex remained underwater today (Monday) after heavy rain caused severe flooding. The town of Halstead was particularly badly hit and the High Street was today still impassable following the torrential rain overnight on Saturday
A warning of imminent danger to life and property has been issued by the Environment Agency. A severe flood warning for the Rivers Brain and Blackwater means people and homes in Braintree, Kelvedon and Witham are at risk. There is imminent danger to life
Chelmsford Borough Council's refuse collection fleet was hit by an extensive attack from vandals in Wednesday night. A total of 14 collection vehicles were subjected to serious vandalism at the Baddow Road depot and the damage, including broken windows
Three homes were damaged when an explosion shook a row of wooden terraced houses in Burnham. The blast, possibly caused by a gas cylinder, was at a home in Granville Terrace at 5.45pm on Thursday. The owner was left homeless and the force of the explosion
Fulham are the latest club being linked with out-of-favour Ipswich Town playmaker Jamie Clapham. The defender-cum-midfielder was left out of the Blues' squad for their weekend stalemate with Everton as boss George Burley wanted to include Finidi George
A higher police presence has been called for after vandals frightened elderly people and damaged property. Dave Henson told a meeting of St Osyth Parish Council last night (Thursday): "We need proper police assistance in our village. The people actually
An animal rights campaigner has called for traps which capture, rather than kill, squirrels nesting in a council office. Colchester Council has placed traps at East Lodge to get rid of squirrels which are nesting in the loft of its High Street tax offices
Thieves used sledgehammers to smash through a Basildon warehouse wall to steal a lorry loaded with clothes worth £50,000 bound for department stores. The hole-in-the-wall gang broke into EDG warehouse in Heronsgate trading estate, off Paycocke Road, Basildon
Legal action will be taken to prevent containers being stored in a residential area. Smith Builders, in Alexandra Road, Harwich, has about 20 containers on its site. Following complaints, Tendring Council's development control committee is recommending
Chelmsford City will be left to wonder what could have been after Harlow progressed in the FA Cup on Wednesday night, beating the visitors 3-0. Despite being reduced to ten men in the first half after Marvin Samuel was sent off for a second bookable offence
A man at a cash machine was robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint early on Thursday morning in Grays. At around 6.30am the victim - a 54-year-old local man - had just withdrawn money from Barclays Bank in Lodge Lane. As he returned to his car he was approached
Rail company c2c on Friday told long-suffering commuters that full rush-hour services are to resume today (Monday). The company has been running only an 80 per cent service on the Southend to Fenchurch Street line as a result of a guards' dispute. It
CCTV cameras are to be introduced at rubbish tips to cut down on commercial dumping. The move is one of a raft of new Essex County Council measures to clamp down on builders and other tradespeople using civic amenity sites. New policies will come into
Torrential rain has brought chaos to Essex, with major roads across the county closed due to flooding. Heavy rain on Saturday night and throughout yesterday (Sunday) left many routes impassable and stretched the resources of the county's emergency services
Southend United's youngsters will play in front of the bright lights tonight when they take on Walton and Hersham at Roots Hall in the FA Youth Cup first round. The Shrimpers will field a mixture of their under-17 and 19 teams against the non-leaguers
A Brentwood restaurateur is planning to raise diners' eyebrows by adding crocodile and kangaroo to his menu. Matthew Mason, who runs Mason's Restaurant and Bar, says that diners have been jumping over each other to sample pan-fried strips of kangaroo
Shoebury youngsters voted with their feet and showed overwhelming support for a BMX and skateboard park. More than 40 children turned out for talks with council representatives in Shoebury Park. Council officers arranged the meeting to gauge support for
A decision to turn a caravan park into a year-round residential complex will erode holiday facilities, it has been claimed. Liz Swann, secretary of Canvey 2000 and seafront traders' representative, foresees a dramatic change in holiday habits now tourists
Witham's River Walk, the linear park running the length of the River Brain through the town, is in line for a major clean-up. Stung by complaints by district councillor Helen Pitchforth, that the River Walk was in a worse state than ever, Town Council
A 60-year-old man died after his Range Rover collided with a van in Southend. The accident happened at 8am yesterday (Thursday) at the Invisible Man roundabout, near the entrance to Garons Park on Royal Artillery Way. The driver approached the roundabout
A motorist was taken to hospital with an injured arm after his car left the road and hit a tree. The accident happened at 9.10pm on Friday night close to the point where the A12 bridge crosses Henry Dixon Road, Rivenhall. The car left Henry Dixon Road
Basildon could be set for a multi-million pound windfall from the sale of vast tracts of town centre land. Council leaders are pinning their hopes on a wide-ranging Government review which they believe could have "huge implications" for the entire district
Traction engines, once a common sight, made an unusual convoy around the Manningtree area. The colourful, if somewhat smoky cavalcade, brightened a gloomy, wet day and attracted sightseers along the 16-mile route. Nine vehicles took part, the owners all
Southend Hockey Club experienced the highs and lows of competitive play during a weekend of mixed results. The first team beat West Herts 3-2 last Saturday to push themselves into the top quarter of the Printwize South Division Two thanks to a brace from
A motorist was taken to hospital with an injured arm after his car left the road and hit a tree. The accident happened at 9.10pm on Friday night close to the point where the A12 bridge crosses Henry Dixon Road, Rivenhall. The car left Henry Dixon Road
A memorial tree in honour of a former headteacher has been planted at a Dovercourt school. Terry Smeed was headteacher at Mayflower Primary School for nearly 20 years He was in charge when the school moved to its new site 14 years ago, and served there
An assault charge against Southend United player Tes Bramble has been dropped. The 21-year-old had been due to appear for a trial next month after an alleged incident at Ipswich nightclub, Liquid, on Feburary 4 this year. On Wednesday, at South East Suffolk
TV star Nick Conway, who played Billy Boswell in Bread, is in Chelmsford this month rehearsing for a production of Annie with the Future Faces Theatre School, Chelmsford. Classes are held in singing, dancing and drama and pupils are given the chance to
Racist taunts were hurled at rival players during a Braintree Town Football Club's match, it is claimed. Allegations made on the message board of an unofficial website dedicated to the Cressing Road side, said the abuse happened during the 3-2 win over
A shopkeeper forced to scrap £50,000 of stock after arsonists struck has vowed the will soon be back in business. Derek Freshwater and his family have had to live on savings since yobs set fire to bins at the back of his shop, Especially for You, in The
Staff at Wickford's Gemini Kennels are celebrating the arrival of five healthy puppies - but their mother is fighting for her life following a road accident prior to the birth. Jessie, a four-year-old crossbreed, was hit by a car in Purfleet Road, Aveley
Ipswich Town had to come from behind yesterday (Sunday) to draw against ten-man Fulham . The home side took the lead through Barry Hayles on 22 minutes but Town struck back through Jermaine Wright on 55 minutes. The midfielder, ?? yesterday, hit a low
Man of few words Patrick Forsyth, whose story was highly commended in a Daily Telegraph competition. Picture: STEPHANIE MACKRILL (17398-a by JAMES WILL A MALDON businessman and author has been highly commended in a literary competition to write a complete
Premiership new-boys Bolton Wanderers are rumoured to be keeping tabs on teenage Southend United striker Daniel Webb. The Trotters are believed to have sent a scout to Roots Hall to run the rule over the 18-year-old frontman, who has scored two goals
Witham Town had no problems in disposing of Camberley Town 5-0 at Spa Road to end a run of two successive defeats in the third division. They took the lead in the 43rd minute on Saturday when Kevin Inglis scored after a good bout of passing ended when
Ipswich have it all to do after they played out a goalless draw against Helsingborg at Portman Road in the second round of the UEFA Cup. Manager George Burley and skipper Matt Holland in interviews pointed to the positive side with Town not having conceded
Peter Taylor described his decision to snub a return to management with Southend United in favour of seaside rivals Brighton as "one of the toughest of my life." The 48-year-old, who still lives in Thorpe Bay, was offered the chance to take over the Roots
Wakering bounced back from Saturday's disappointing home stalemate against lowly Chertsey Town with a valuable 1-0 away win over Tilbury. Young midfielder Dan Trenkel got the vital goal on 37 minutes to cap a hard-working display by the village side.
They call it the smart girls' beauty contest. The line-up includes several former beauty and carnival queens, and claims not be to be just the stuff of long legs and swim suits - personality counts as well. Tomorrow (Saturday) night, nearly 30 hopefuls
Grays Athletic earned themselves a fourth qualifying round home tie against Conference side Margate in the FA Cup after beating Purfleet 3-2 in Tuesday's replay at the Rec. Saturday's original fixture between the Ryman Premier clubs finished 1-1 at the
by STEPHEN RAWLIN A COUPLE are today still reeling after terrorists destroyed the World Trade Centre where they were due to marry next week. Darren Watson, 27, and his 23-year-old fiancee Sonia Clark, of High Woods, Colchester, were due to tie the knot
Matt Holland is confident Ipswich Town can perform more away-day heroics in the UEFA Cup. The Blues had to settle for a disappointing 0-0 draw at Portman Road against Helsingborgs last night (Thursday) and are now relying on scoring in Sweden in two weeks
Manager Steve Whitton is aiming to cap what has been a big week for Colchester United with an East Anglian derby win over old rivals Cambridge United. After exciting young duo Thomas Pinault and Joe Keith both committed themselves to long-term contracts
Young motorists should face a longer probationary period before being granted a full driving licence to cut the roads death toll David Amess told the Commons. The Southend West Tory MP spoke out in Parliament following an accident on the A127 in August
Southend's main arterial road was shut for five hours as emergency crews tackled a five-car smash. The accident left debris and oil strewn across the A127 near the Progress Road traffic lights at 7.10pm on Saturday. Drivers heading for Southend were left
The drive to encourage people to make their voices heard continued this week with a series of Thurrock Council events to mark Local Democracy Week. Throughout the week, community groups were invited to put their details on the Democracy Tree in the Civic
The movie title Chicken Run is set to take on a whole new meaning at Colchester High School. Senior pupils at the Wellesley Road school are organising chicken races as part of a fundraising drive for the children's mobility charity Whizzkids. The birds
A man who snatched a shopper's handbag from her trolley has been jailed for 21 months. Ambrose Draper, 24, of Menin Road, Colchester, admitted stealing the handbag from a woman at the Tesco store in High Woods, Colchester, on July 16 this year. It contained
A controversial traffic barrier has lifted the lid on incidents of road rage in a private residential street. The barrier in Brockley Grove, Hutton Mount, received official consent last week despite the vehement protests of car drivers. Now residents
Fruit and vegetables were on the menu for a weekend of fun. In Maldon, apples were given out on Saturday to celebrate the second National Apple Day. Tony White dressed up as a jester, encouraging shoppers in the High Street to sample an English apple
An innovative scheme aimed at helping young mums in Thurrock has won a huge injection of European funding. The Thurrock Community Mothers and breast feeding supporters programme, based in Calcutta Road, Tilbury, is receiving £163,000 from the European
Tendring councillors are to go public again. Two meetings of the new cabinet set-up have been held behind closed doors, but following a campaign spearheaded by the Evening Gazette and its sister papers, the meetings are now to be open to the public. Neal
Firefighters saved a young man's life in a daring midnight rescue which saw one officer dive into chilly waters. During one of the busiest nights ever, crews from Colchester fire station were kept busy helping people caught up in torrential floods across
Three doormen from Baker's Bar, in Alexandra Street, Southend, spoke of their relief after magistrates threw out an assault case against them. Christopher Plummer, 30, of Sutton Road, Southend, Mark Green, 26, of Clinton Road, Canvey, and David Burch,
Two holiday helpers have been commended for their efforts after giving up the summer break. Basildon youngsters Lisa Dodd and Victoria Smith, both 15, have been presented with the Princess Diana Memorial Award after lending a hand at a holiday club for
Three homes were damaged when an explosion shook a row of wooden terraced houses in Burnham. The blast, possibly caused by a gas cylinder, was at a home in Granville Terrace at 5.45pm yesterday (Thursday). The owner was left homeless and the force of
An Brentwood company is relaunching one of its most successful products, aiming for the toy market - both children and executive. Ivor Pontin, who lives in Blackmore and owns Pontin Engineering on the Hallsford Bridge Industrial site, believes the new
CCTV cameras are to be introduced at rubbish tips to cut down on commercial dumping. The move is one of a raft of new Essex County Council measures to clamp down on builders and other tradespeople using civic amenity sites. New policies will come into
A compassionate mum has called for a change in the law after a terminally ill woman lost her High Court battle for the right to commit suicide with the help of her husband. Heather Pratten, of Bristol Close, Rayleigh, escaped a jail sentence in October
Southend's main arterial road was shut for five hours on a busy Saturday night while a multiple car crash was being dealt with by emergency services. The five-car shunt left debris and oil strewn across the A127 near the Progress Road traffic lights -
An environmental pressure group has called for a referendum to decide the controversial issue of widening Priory Crescent in Southend. Previous plans to use a slice of the park for a dual carriageway met with fierce opposition and were shelved by the
Lifesaving equipment is on hand at a moment's notice inside a Shoebury store - which also has trained staff to use it. The defibrilator equipment, which delivers lifesaving shocks in the event of a heart attack, will be stored at Asda in North Road. Twelve
A motorist was taken to hospital with an injured arm after his car left the road and hit a tree. The accident happened at 9.10pm on Friday night close to the point where the A12 bridge crosses Henry Dixon Road, Rivenhall. The car left Henry Dixon Road
People affected by a court case which saw a former care home manager given a suspended sentence after two patients died of neglect today (Monday) called for a social services inquiry. Angela Postill was given a 15 month prison sentence, suspended for
Canvey Island will gave late fitness tests to their two joint leading scorers, skipper Steve Tilson and Paul Cobb before tomorrow's (Saturday's) home Ryman League Premier Division game with Basingstoke Town. Tilly is still troubled by an Achilles problem
An animal rights campaigner has called for traps which capture, rather than kill, squirrels nesting in a council office. Colchester Council has placed traps at East Lodge to get rid of squirrels which are nesting in the loft of its High Street tax offices
A redundant landmark building in Colchester is on the brink of a deal to turn it into flats or a hotel. But the Royal London complex, on the market for £6.5m, is likely to stand empty for at least a year, because of essential refurbishment at the 20-year-old
A Witham couple who teach in schools in Israel are once again experiencing the tensions in the region. Colin and Kathy South are teachers at two Quaker schools in the West Bank city of Ramallah, which has seen Israeli tanks thunder through it following
Motorists have been using the area of grass in front of St Osyth Priory 'like a race track.' Michael Talbot, St Osyth Parish Council chairman, said at a meeting on Thursday a letter had been received from the Priory about people damaging the piece of
Firefighters battled a blaze started by arsonists at a derelict Southend pub early today (Friday). They were sent to the smoke-logged Invisible Man, at the junction of Hamstel Road and Eastern Avenue, at around 11.15pm after being called by police. Crews
Traffic in north Essex came to a standstill as flood waters cut off villages and closed both carriageways of the A12. Heavy rain on Saturday night flooded the northbound lane of the A12 at Kelvedon and Essex County Council engineers took the decision
A bungalow resident was left with sewage in his garden after the heavy weekend rain. Harry Jones, of Western Lane, Silver End, is now waiting for cleaners from Braintree council to clear the mess. The flood water was two inches high on Sunday, but it
Food and produce was ruined by floodwater at the Solar supermarket in Halstead as the River Colne burst its banks. Rising floodwaters overflowed and washed in to the supermarket and department store at Weaver's Court. A fire engine from Halstead, one
A young couple came within two feet of drowning after their car slid off the road and dangled precariously over a creek. Police clung to the back of the Citroen Saxo - with the couple inside - to stop it moving following the accident in Wallasea Road,
The Southend-bound carriageway of the A13 was closed for several hours on Thursday evening after two tipper lorries collided with each other. The vehicles collided between the junction with the M25 and the Grays turnoff at just before 3pm, blocking both
A 60-year-old man died after his Range Rover collided with a van in Southend. The accident happened at 8am on Thursday at the Invisible Man roundabout, near the entrance to Garons Park on Royal Artillery Way. The driver approached the roundabout and appeared
When things aren't going your way a bit of luck helps. And Ipswich had a huge dose as they attempt to kickstart their Premiership season . The Blues were searching for their second away league win but looked like they were heading for their fourth defeat
Rob Newman is expected to be officially named as Southend United's new manager this week. The 37-year-old has taken control of the Roots Hall reins for the past two weeks, following David Webb's decision to quit the Shrimpers. And Blues owner Ron Martin
Basildon could be set for a multi-million pound windfall from the sale of vast tracts of town centre land. Council leaders are pinning their hopes on a wide-ranging Government review which they believe could have "huge implications" for the entire district
It is vital to build a new railway station off the Cressing Road if rail commuters are to be able to park in Witham, believes the chairman of the Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association He predicts that the number of commuters is expected to rise
A fireman won a new £16,000 Mercedes - by kissing it for 56 hours! Keith Flynn, 28, of Eves Crescent, Chelmsford, puckered up to beat five other contestants in a marathon car kissing contest. They were given a ten-minute break every hour during the Essex
A former care home boss today walked free from court after admitting endangering elderly residents' lives by ordering them to drink excessive amounts. A major police investigation was launched after Eunice Fifield, 62, and 95-year-old Winifred Armstrong
A young couple came within two feet of drowning after their car slid off the road and dangled precariously over a creek. Police clung to the back of the Citroen Saxo - with the couple inside - to stop it moving following the accident in Wallasea Road,
Chelmsford police this week launched Operation Barros - a 'low tolerance' crackdown - against drunken louts who congregate in large groups in the town centre on Friday nights. They have become increasingly concerned over the intimadatory nature of up
Firefighters were called to parcel delivery firm ANC in Seax Way, Laindon, to clear up after a bottle of corrosive hydrochloric acid fell and smashed, giving off toxic fumes. Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting
Food, glorious food! Five-year-old Rian McCarthy and her friends at Canvey Island infant school, in Long Road, collected tins for the St Nicholas family centre. Pupils and staff also collected around £200 for the Heartline charity. Hoard - Rian McCarthy
A partnership between a club for disabled swimmers and a training company for sports therapists could help pave the way for the "champions of the future". As part of the Colchester Phoenix Amateur Swimming Club's sports science project, swimmers will
Mushroom maniacs and would-be woodcutters are among the members of the Epping Forest public being encouraged to sign up for two new eco-conscious events organised by Countrycare - the district council's countryside management service. The first of these
The Southend-bound carriageway of the A13 was closed for several hours on Thursday evening after two tipper lorries collided with each other. The vehicles collided between the junction with the M25 and the Grays turnoff at just before 3pm, blocking both
Essex's first hate-crime drop-in centre has been proclaimed an "important initiative" to tackle all forms of abuse by Basildon's MP Angela Smith Based at Parklands Centre in Gloucester Park, Basildon, the facility is the first of its kind which allows
A closure order on a Panfield bridleway has been lifted following a six month ban on its use. The closure of all public rights of way during the Foot and Mouth crisis resulted in many maintenance problems that needed to be addressed once the paths were
Both Basildon and Southend Athletic Clubs put forward some good performances when the new Essex League cross-country season got underway in unusually balmy conditions at Hyland Park, Chelmsford. Outstanding for the seasiders were the under-15 boys with
George Burley saw his lacklustre Ipswich Town side limp to a goalless draw but said: "It's not a disaster." The Blues travel to Sweden in two weeks' time after failing to capitalise on home advantage at Portman Road. But Ipswich boss Burley has urged
Essex artists will get the chance to exhibit their work next month when the Red Cross will be holding its very popular, annual art exhibition. This will be held at the Red Cross headquarters in Chelmsford on Saturday and Sunday, November 24 & 25 and
At Forrester Park Golf Club it was a busy day for the handicap secretary after the men's monthly stableford as the scores were high in spite of the early mist which reduced visibility to about 100 metres until the sun broke through. The gold division
Wingback Joe Keith handed Colchester United boss Steve Whitton a timely boost yesterday (Tuesday) by finally agreeing a new contract. And there could be another big bonus for the U's chief with the news that he is very close to sealing a new and improved
Colchester United are on the LDV Vans Trophy trail again. They swept aside last season's beaten semi-finalists Swindon Town in Tuesday night's Layer Road first round clash far more convincingly than the narrow scoreline suggests. Kemal Izzet hit the all-important
White-booted U's wingback Joe Keith was determined to make his mark when he appeared as a half-time substitute again Swindon on Tuesday night. The Colchester wide man, who only hours before the match signed a new deal to keep him at Layer Road until July
Southend roadracer Martin Dickens will fight through the pain barrier to contest the last round of the British Motorcycle Roadracing Championship. Dickens, 34, will take painkillers before his two ten-lap races at Brands Hatch on October 27 as he aims
Southend United's supporters club trust are taking travel bookings for Blues' next two Third Division trips to York City and Scunthorpe. The Shrimpers hit the road to York this Saturday and the coach will depart Asda in Shoebury at 8am. Seats are £20
A play area planned for a development site in Colchester has been scrapped at the last moment, disappointing councillors. Developers given permission to build homes at the former Colchester Lathe Site in Elmstead Road, Colchester, agreed to pay for the
Both Basildon and Southend Athletic Clubs put forward some good performances when the new Essex League cross-country season got underway in unusually balmy conditions at Hyland Park, Chelmsford. Outstanding for the seasiders were the under-15 boys with
John Beck, one of the most colourful characters in the lower divisions of the Football League, will be back at Layer Road tomorrow (Saturday). Brought in near the tail end of last season to bolster Cambridge United's flagging Division Two fortunes, the
A band of animals which have decided to go back to school are causing problems for a Witham school. Frolicing foxes and boisterous badgers are using the playing field behind the Howbridge Junior School in Dengie Close as a playground but with their lack
Southend social services has been named and shamed as one of the worst in the country. Health Secretary Alan Milburn has warned the department to improve significantly by next summer or face being taken over by a top-performing council. The move came
A man at a cash machine was robbed at gunpoint and knifepoint early on Thursday morning in Grays. At around 6.30am the victim - a 54-year-old local man - had just withdrawn money from Barclays Bank in Lodge Lane. As he returned to his car he was approached
A young robber left an 80-year-old bruised and distressed after snatching her bag in broad daylight. The woman was standing outside a neighbour's home in Winchester Road, Colchester, at about 12.15pm yesterday (Thursday) but was about to leave because
Watch out Tiger Woods -pupils at St Benedict's College could soon be hot on your heels out on the fairways. In a change to the traditional football, hockey, rugby and netball, year eleven pupils will be practising their driving and putting skills during
A Canvey woman has appealed for help in tracing her natural mother after her adoption records were lost. Jakki Byrne has enlisted the help of Castle Point MP Bob Spink in her fight to find her family roots. Mrs Byrne, 43, of Berkeley Lane, embarked on
Colchester United may have been cheering, but not everyone is happy with multi-million pound plans to transform the north side of Colchester. On Thursday, five applications were delivered to planning officers at Lexden Grange, Colchester, by representatives
Police have renewed their appeal for information following a fatal road crash in Southend on Thursday. Driver Eric Faulkner died after his green Range Rover collided with a blue van, crossed a roundabout and smashed into railings near the entrance of
The widow of a decorator who developed a fatal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after falling off a ladder will get £42,836 damages from a hospital trust. Christine McKenzie, of Crusader Way, Braintree, claimed £140,000 compensation after West Suffolk NHS Trust
Torrential rain has brought chaos to Essex, with major roads across the county closed due to flooding. Heavy rain on Saturday night and throughout yesterday (Sunday) left many routes impassable and stretched the resources of the county's emergency services
A sailing crew was airlifted to safety after their yacht started to sink. Lifeboats and a rescue helicopter were called out to the struggling vessel, which had run into trouble about four miles off Jaywick at 1.45pm yesterday (Sunday). The 44ft yacht,
League leaders Braintree Town face one of their toughest challenges so far this season when they visit third-placed Gravesend and Northfleet tomorrow (Saturday). Both teams have proved to be a surprise package so far in the Ryman League with Canvey Island
A compassionate mum has called for a change in the law after a terminally ill woman lost her High Court battle for the right to commit suicide with the help of her husband. Heather Pratten, of Bristol Close, Rayleigh, escaped a jail sentence in October
Colchester United 3-1 Cambridge United (Nationwide League Division Two) York City 2-1 Southend United (Nationwide League Division Three) Two strikes from Scott McGleish helped Colchester United to a 3-1 win in their derby clash with Cambridge United at
A fireman won a new £16,000 Mercedes - by kissing it for 56 hours! Keith Flynn, 28, of Eves Crescent, Chelmsford, puckered up to beat five other contestants in a marathon car kissing contest. They were given a ten-minute break every hour during the Essex
A man suffered head wounds when his head was pushed through a window. The incident happened in Colne Road, Clacton, at about 9pm last night (Thursday). It followed reports of trouble breaking out along the sea front a few moments earlier. Police said
Hundreds of new jobs could be at risk if Safeway changes its plans to sell Canvey land, it was feared. Safeway remained tight-lipped over the rumour it is pulling out of a deal to sell the 1,158 acres off Northwick Road, Canvey, to the East of England
Fulham are the latest club being linked with out-of-favour Ipswich Town playmaker Jamie Clapham. The defender-cum-midfielder was left out of the Blues' squad for their weekend stalemate with Everton as boss George Burley wanted to include Finidi George
A controversial traffic barrier has lifted the lid on incidents of road rage in a private residential street. The barrier in Brockley Grove, Hutton Mount, received official consent last week despite the vehement protests of car drivers. Now residents
Countryside Properties, which built its reputation on quality estate type developments of all kinds, has broken new ground - it has built its first mansion. 'The Hall' in Wickham Bishops is described as an 'elegant Georgian styled property' but it has
Revellers are set to be given extra time to party the night away at the Festival Leisure Park in Basildon. The Diva and Ikon nightclub complex has been granted an extension to its entertainment licence, which means the dancefloors will stay open until
Clacton's oldest hotel could be returning to the holiday trade. Owners of the Royal Hotel on Marine Parade East - which has been used to house asylum seekers and the homeless for more than two years - have put in new plans for the site. They include a
A young mum and her children have lost nearly everything they own after their flat was contaminated by asbestos. Toni Wood and her three youngsters had to flee their home in Wickford with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing after council bosses
A milestone in the battle against breast cancer was marked with champagne and flowers. Jan Cole, 51, took centre stage as the 100,000th woman to be registered with the Chelmsford and Colchester Breast Screening Service. Mrs Cole had her mammogram breast
The poetry of a retired Stanford-le-Hope man is to be used by Age Concern to raise awareness of Alzheimer's Disease. Eddie Owers, 70, of Corringham Road, has been writing poetry since he retired five years ago. He has already had three poems published
Chelmsford's W H Smith store is to move from its present location in the High Chelmer shopping centre to Chelmsford High Street. The news, magazine and book retailer confirmed yesterday (Thursday) it is to take up space in the re-developed former Bolingbroke
Chelmsford Borough Council's refuse collection fleet was hit by an extensive attack from vandals in Wednesday night. A total of 14 collection vehicles were subjected to serious vandalism at the Baddow Road depot and the damage, including broken windows
A former care home boss today walked free from court after admitting endangering elderly residents' lives by ordering them to drink excessive amounts. A major police investigation was launched after Eunice Fifield, 62, and 95-year-old Winifred Armstrong
Burglars made off with a £4,000 haul of cigarettes from Sanders convenience store at Shoebury's Renown Shopping Centre. Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.
Colchester United 3-1 Cambridge United (Nationwide League Division Two) York City 2-1 Southend United (Nationwide League Division Three) Two strikes from Scott McGleish helped Colchester United to a 3-1 win in their derby clash with Cambridge United at
A 14-year-old schoolboy showed the adults how it's done when he stepped in to referee a senior rugby match. Grant Coombes, who goes to Basildon's Woodlands School, was attending Rayleigh Wyverns' fixture at Old Bealonians when the ref failed to show.
Canvey Island take on brand new opposition on Saturday week when Dr Martens League Premier Division Stafford Rangers come to Park Lane. The occasion is the final qualifying round of the AXA sponsored FA Cup and, with more money reaching the grass roots
A Jimmy Chatters hat-trick wasn't enough for an on-form Wivenhoe side to defeat the Met Police on their own beat going down 4-3 in Ryman League Division Two. The Dragons were leading 2-0, but the Police pulled one back just before half-time. The home
Simon Bonham has been called up to represent Essex in the LTA Winter Indoor County Championships. The Westcliff Hardcourts player is a regular in the county squad and will be battling it out in Division One between November 30 and December 2. Seven members
John Stephenson is set to return to Essex as second team coach. He has already expressed a willingness to accept an offer from the county he served from 1985 to 94, and it now just remains for him to put pen to paper. Now aged 36, Stephenson, who has
Two goals from attack leader Neil Gregory allowed Canvey to move smoothly into second place in the Ryman League Premier Division table. The Gulls are two points behind top dogs Braintree with a game in hand after the 2-0 win over Maidenhead at Park Lane
Exceptional bravery, courage and a selfless act to save your brother. What more could proud mum Loraine Smith ask for in her two sons Charles, 12, and Ben Smith, ten, who are the very essence of both bravery and courage. Two years ago, Charles, of Fennell
It is vital to build a new railway station off the Cressing Road if rail commuters are to be able to park in Witham, believes the chairman of the Witham and Braintree Rail Users Association He predicts that the number of commuters is expected to rise
Halfway through a long gruelling cross-country run, Pamela Knocker realised she had been entered in the wrong race - but still went on to win. Pamela, 15, a pupil at the Stanway School, in Stanway, Colchester, was entered in the senior race at the North
George Burley saw his lacklustre Ipswich Town side limp to a goalless draw but said: "It's not a disaster." The Blues travel to Sweden in two weeks' time after failing to capitalise on home advantage at Portman Road. But Ipswich boss Burley has urged
Damon Searle believes the continued mystery surrounding Southend United's next manager will spur Blues on to victory at York City. The Seasiders are still searching for a successor to David Webb, who quit Roots Hall ten-days ago, and stand-in boss Rob
A befriending group for troubled teenagers is in line for a series of boosts. The Harwich branch of Teen Talk, a confidential listening service for teenagers, is preparing for a range of exciting projects and facilities. Within the last year, Teen Talk
West Chelmsford MP Simon Burns has hit out at the shortage of residential care home beds in the town and Mid Essex. The recently appointed shadow health minister took part in a House of Commons debate on long term care. Afterwards he spoke of a crisis
A town churchyard is on the brink of closure due to a lack of space - and burials will have to take place in a village more than seven miles away. All Saints Church in Brightlingsea has just four plots left and moves are under way by the Parochial Church
Exceptional bravery, courage and a selfless act to save your brother. What more could proud mum Loraine Smith ask for in her two sons Charles, 12, and Ben Smith, ten, who are the very essence of both bravery and courage. Two years ago, Charles, of Fennell
Hundreds of children were sent home from school today after a suspected chemical leak. Glebe Junior School, in Creswick Avenue, Rayleigh, was closed after an "unpleasant, chemical-like smell" was detected. One teacher was sick because of the fumes and
The funeral of a former Leigh sailor, who died after tumbling from the balcony of a house, was being held today (Monday). More than 400 mourners were expected at Highlands Methodist Church, Leigh, to pay their last respects to father-of-four Peter Matthews
Work has began to create a truly golden beach for Southend's Golden Mile. Cambridgeshire-based contractors Edmund Nuttall started the ball rolling by shoring up Southend's sea walls to prevent flooding. And golden sands, imported from Clacton, should
Soccer-mad Canvey youngster Carly Roache is gunning for the big time after joining the highly-rated Arsenal Ladies academy. Castle View pupil Carly, 13, used to play for Billericay-based Perry Street before her talents earned her a place with one of the
Rail company c2c today (Friday) told long-suffering commuters that full rush-hour services are to resume on Monday. The company has been running only an 80 per cent service on the Southend to Fenchurch Street line as a result of a guards' dispute. It
Rail company c2c was branded "arrogant", "appalling" and "inadequate" by long-suffering commuters who vented their fury at a public meeting. They gathered in Basildon's Towngate Theatre at an event staged by the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT
ESSEX'S first hate-crime drop-in centre has been proclaimed an "important initiative" to tackle all forms of abuse by Basildon's MP, Angela Smith. Based at Parklands Centre in Gloucester Park, Basildon, the facility is the first of its kind which allows
Detectives are investigating the cause of a blaze which ripped through a popular pub and hotel. More than 50 firefighters tackled the blaze at the Old Windmill in Rettendon after reports that people were trapped. Crews were called to the 100ft by 70ft
SOUTHEND'S main arterial road was shut for five hours on a busy Saturday night while a multiple car crash was being dealt with by emergency services. The five-car shunt left debris and oil strewn across the A127 near the Progress Road traffic lights -
An insulin blunder has led to a Pitsea nurse being struck off after she was found guilty of misconduct. Margaret Silver, 54, who worked at Orsett Hospital in Thurrock was dismissed from her job with the South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS
What do you get when you cross a runaway bull with a vicar and several burly police officers? Answer - chaos! The fugitive beast was first spotted taking a stroll along the A127 but evaded capture as police officers gave chase. He was later spotted having
Colchester Council staff are set to get £465,000 extra in pay rises after an investigation into staff turnover. The council commissioned Hay Management Consultancy to carry out a £17,500 pay review last year, when staff turnover reached 13 per cent in
Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith is asking her constituents what changes they would make to running the country if they were Prime Minister for the day. Mrs Smith poses the question in her fourth annual report newsletter, being delivered to
Somewhere in Laindon, there's a big black cat on the prowl and it's getting hungry. The startling news comes after a motorist caught the creature in his headlights last Thursday as he drove along Mandeville Way in Laindon. Richard Howarth, 32 and his
