The Woodlands Park Estate in Dunmow has been slammed as "ghettoised" with its low cost housing blocked off from the more expensive homes by a six-ft high fence "This 'Berlin Wall' situation must never happen again," said Cllr Rodney Copping, chairman
Father Christmas is dropping in on Barleylands Farm three times in the run-up to the festive season. Santa will be in his grotto at the tourist attraction, in Barleylands Road, Billericay, between 10am and 3pm this Saturday and Sunday. He will take a
Swimmers from Canvey gained numerous successes at different ends of the country. Four made the trip to Sheffield to compete in national events for Disability Sport England with a large contingent also in action at the Essex Championships at Fulwell Cross
More than 100 workers at a Basildon factory today launched strike action for a second week running in a dispute centring on overtime. Shopfloor workers at York International, which manufactures industrial air conditioning units, manned picket lines last
Colchester Council is on the move to Rowan House - the old Anglian Water building beside Matalan. In a reorganisation costing £1.8 million, the council has decided to slash the number of buildings it owns and bring many services under one roof. Lexden
Police are keeping an "open mind" in their investigations into the deaths of two teenage girls who fell 120ft from a Southend tower block. Southend police commander, Chief Supt Mick Thwaites said his officers were dealing with a huge amount of evidence
Scores of people turned out to view the annual exhibition of a church art group. Paws for thought - artist Betty Miller with the painting she displayed at the exhibition Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL The year's work was by artists who belong to the Wednesday
Essex's highways boss today branded the forthcoming ban on hand-held mobile phones while driving a "Big Brother" move Rodney Bass, Essex County Council's highways and transport chief, was giving his personal view of the law, which comes in on Monday Drivers
Essex may be denied the services of new overseas signing Danesh Kaneria for the opening weeks of the season should Pakistan proceed with Test series against both Sri Lanka and the West Indies. The leg spinner has become a regular inclusion in his country's
Dean Morgan was today looking ahead with relish to a new professional football career with high-flying Reading. The enigmatic 20-year-old former Colchester United starlet, released by the U's around two months ago, has signed a deal that will tie him
Oxford United chief Ian Atkins has admitted he is flattered by rumours linking him to Roots Hall. The 46-year-old has been unavailable for comment but, speaking to the U's official website, Atkins admitted he knew of the Shrimpers' interest. "I'm aware
Caring children from Braintree gave pensioners an afternoon to remember by treating them to tea and cakes. The children from John Bunyan Infant and Nursery School in Lancaster Way, Braintree, held the afternoon for their elderly neighbours yesterday.
Residents have hit out at traffic calming measures causing them endless roadworks and bumpy streets. Council workers are busy building 40 humps in Westcliff for a road scheme that has proved unpopular with residents. Sydney Prendergast, of Wenham Drive
When Great Wakering Rebels Cycle Speedway Club held their presentations at the Burroughs Park home of Great Wakering FC, Tom Hughes collected the Bob Brierley Trophy as top scorer with 175 points. Average leader was Stuart Jago with 3.43 from a possible
Colchester United go into tomorrow's top five, Layer Road clash with Plymouth Argyle boosted by their latest signing Jamie Cade. And the versatile England Under-19 international's former Middlesbrough manager Steve McClaren said today: "Colchester have
Furniture and fridges dumped in Colchester will be given a new lease of life and sold on in a landmark green scheme. Bulk rubbish put in Colchester Council freighters will no longer be shipped off to a landfill site but taken to a reuse and recycling
London's bid for the 2012 Olympics could have major implications for the west of Essex according to a report presented to leading councillors. The bid envisages establishing the Olympic village in Stratford - just over 10 miles from Brentwood's borders
Based on the true story of a group of Yorkshire WI women who took their kit off to create a fundraising calender, Calendar Girls has a thin and obvious little plot. But this doesn't matter. What director Nigel Cole has created, with a wonderful line up
Canvey are forced to make a defensive change tomorrow as they bid to start their FA Trophy challenge with a regal performance at Windsor. Dave Theobald, an ever-present since joining the Park Lane set-up in the summer, drops out on a one-match ban. But
West Ham welcome Wigan Athletic to Upton Park on Saturday knowing that a win will help claw back the gap towards the promotion places. Despite a long winless run Hammers are not too far adrift of the leading pack, with top-of-the-table West Brom just
Serious concerns are being raised about the impact of proposals for a new regional metro service linking Shenfield to West London. Three Brentwood county councillors raised their worries during a debate on the £10billion Crossrail proposals at the West
The Maldon teacher who taught England hero Jonny Wilkinson to play rugby has spoken of his pride at watching his former pupil clinch glory in the World Cup. David Francis, now landlord of the Queens Head Inn at Hythe Quay, is the former head of PE at
The first section of the new dual carriageway of the A120 is to be opened ahead of schedule. Essex County Council announced today that the stretch of road between Stansted and Braintree will be officially opened on Monday, December 15, a month early.
A bustling shopping street which prides itself on being one of the most multicultural in Essex has a new arrival from across the pond. New lines - David Moser and Jackie Barnes with some of the unfamiliar American goods on sale at the Family Dollar store
A major investment is to be made to increase the number of critical care beds at Colchester General Hospital. An extra three beds, which are likely to cost more than £1million to provide, should be in place by the end of April. The new beds would mean
Former Ipswich Town defender Gary Croft has admitted it would be 'extra special' to help Cardiff City take three points at Ninian Park. The full-back is ready to face his old charges for the first time since heading west in July 2002. Croft, who has rebuilt
Shoebury golfer Richard McEvoy has little time to rest on his laurels after winning through to play on the full European Professional Golf Tour next season. Ex-Thorpe Hall amateur star McEvoy was a member of the British Walker Cup team that won in the
A plot near historic Rayleigh Mount has been turned down for planning application for the ninth time. Proposals to build a bungalow on land near to The Bailey, which borders the National Trust owned former castle site, was rejected by Rochford District
The father and son pairing of Alan and Jamie Tidwell came good when it mattered as First Division Rawreth E got the better of Premier opponents in the Southend and District League Rosebowl Handicap Cup. Both Tidwells had won their singles matches against
UNDERWORLD How's this for a concept? A Romeo and Juliet style - love across the divides' story, except the feud isn't between Montagues and Capulets, but between vampires and werewolves. That's the gist of Underworld, a futuristic supernatural showdown
Pupils as young as 12 are to be warned about the dangers of date-rape drugs. It is part of a new police and council-backed initiative to raise awareness of the dangers of drink-spiking in clubs and pubs. The use of drugs like GHB, also known as liquid
The Brentwood Centre looks set to make a loss for the second year running. Last year, the Doddinghurst Road leisure centre failed to make a profit for the first time in 15 years with increased competition and the need for investment seen as key factors
Relieved residents who feared their gardens would be swallowed up by developers have been given a reprieve by Castle Point Council. Thousands of residents across the borough were distressed after receiving a letter from planning director, Ian Burchill
A man was taken to hospital after an ammonia spill at a frozen food factory. Emergency services rushed to Norish Food Care on the Lakeside industrial estate, Bendfield Way, Braintree, after 30kgs of liquid ammonia was spilled, just after 4pm yesterday
The ladies football team from Seevic College in Thundersley is set to take on the RAF five-a-side team next week. The sixth form college football team has always been sponsored by the RAF, who have issued the team with a complete new strip which will
Colchester's planned £15 million art gallery could become a financial millstone around the town's neck, MP Bob Russell has warned. Annually the facility - part of the St Botolph's Quarter redevelopment - will cost more than £1 million to run, £600,000
Charities and community groups were today celebrating a £70,000 handout to good causes by the Essex Community Foundation. Among those to benefit were the Rayleigh Physically Handicapped Club which was given £1,500 and Re-Think Employment and Training,
Little Haven Hospice has been given a £500 boost by a Southend sports goods firm. Bootiful - Steve Morgan, of Little Haven, and Brian Chambers, of Hi-Tec, with the firm's £500 cheque for the hospice Picture: ROB BROWNE Hi-Tec Sports, of Aviation Way,
The driver of a car which crashed into a lamp post in Hutton killing one of his passengers has been disqualified from driving and fined after pleading guilty to careless driving. Lewis Doran, 18, of St Mary's Avenue, Shenfield, was sentenced when he appeared
Controversial proposals to create a new waste site in Basildon today provoked former Labour council leader John Potter to attack Tory pledges. Mr Potter was incensed to hear the Conservatives were considering Courtauld Road, in Pitsea, for a major waste
Investors were impressed by the interest shown in the new Harwich Hospital plans when they were displayed. People had the opportunity to see the proposals which show how a new health centre and hospital would look when built. More than 30 members of the
Billericay Town boss Justin Edinburgh is hoping that the news that two key players look set to be fit for tomorrow's big FA Trophy tie is a sign that the soccer gods are at last set to smile on his side. Town host high-flying Dr Martens Eastern Division
Last season's leading City goalscorer Dale Watkins has joined rivals Grantham Town, initially on loan with a view to a permanent deal It is a case of 'returning home' for the East Midlands-based striker, having played there earlier in his career The much-travelled
Riding on the crest of a wave at the moment, Chelmsford City manager Steve Mosely admitted this week he was disappointed that his side only took one and not three points from their game at Eastbourne on Saturday. "We played well particularly in the first
Military shows at historic Tilbury Fort could soon be a thing of the past thanks to English Heritage. The organisation - guardian of the country's most famous castles and stately homes - wants to attract more families to the 17th Century Thames-side fort
Great Wakering Rovers will be hoping to build-on their recent improved form and chalk up a first Ryman League Division One North home win of the season when Uxbridge visit Burroughs Park tomorrow. But for missing a second-half penalty they would have
Southminster's first village sign was unveiled on Friday. Although originally planned for the millennium, the £3,000 sign was finally revealed in front of residents, current and former parish councillors, and children from St Leonard's Junior School and
A school is celebrating after receiving a glowing report from Government education inspectors. Haven't we done well? - Headteacher John Barnes celebrates the Ofsted report with pupils Picture: DAVE HENDERSON Kingswood Junior School, Clay Hill Road, Basildon
South Essex members of the United Nations children's charity UNICEF are to use the festive season to help their fundraising campaign to stop child exploitation. Scores of people turned out for a meeting that took place in the library of the Appleton School
A project which aims to regenerate Walton has received a major boost. Walton Community Project has been awarded a grant of £25,000 from Essex County Council. The cash will go towards securing the future of the award-winning community group into 2005,
Organisers say they are delighted a charity firework display which lost £3,000 in 2002 made a profit this year. Adults and children flocked to the Lions Club of Rayleigh's display in the King George IV playing fields, which went with a bang - making more
A shop assistant sprang into action and chased two thieves - and managed to grab back the stolen haul. The 45-year-old woman was so incensed she followed the pair out of Lloyds Pharmacy in High Street, Benfleet, and confronted them. Acting Insp Kevin
Fine-dodging drivers are making cheeky off-road detours to sneak past traffic cameras. On the verge - the traffic control camera and grass verge in Nayland Road drivers are using to by-pass the bus only lane Motorists head 'off-piste' to evade cameras
Crowds of visitors are expected to flock to see the residents of a cul-de-sac light up their homes for Christmas. People who live in Lodge Close, Rayleigh, will be decorating their homes and raising money for local charities in what has become an annual
A cyclist suffered serious head injuries including a double fractured skull when he was involved in a collision with a car. The 43-year-old was cycling towards Mistley when the accident happened in Station Road, Lawford, last night. The man, who has not
Government plans which could result in the children of failed asylum seekers being placed in council care could lead to more problems for Southend's already overstretched social services, it was claimed today. A new bill, outlined in the Queen's Speech
On the run -- that's highly successful Denise Dignum, of Appleton School, Benfleet, on her way to winning the girls' year 8/9 race at the Castle Point and Rochford Senior Schools' Cross-Country Championships at Basildon's Gloucester Park. Picture: ROBIN
Celebration and disappointment were in equal measure this week with the announcement that Harold Hill had secured a £1.1million funding boost but the whole borough could face cutbacks or raised taxes. The bad news follows the announcement of Government
Essex County Council's bid to resist attempts for an "excessive" number of new houses in the county has been welcomed. The council's cabinet recommended at a meeting this month no more than 110,400 new homes are built between 2001 and 2021. This is the
Fundraisers have taken another step towards opening a day care centre for sick children in Colchester. The team, headed by grandmother Ellen Daniels, has bought a £200,000 property in Straight Road. It could be up and running by March. The purchase is
Essex County Council is set to make millions of pounds after a former school site in Rayleigh was put on the market for redevelopment. The old Park School site has been earmarked for housing together with a new sports and leisure centre and a primary
Protesters have been assured that they will be fully consulted over controversial plans to close two community halls in the district. Spring Lodge Community Centre, Witham, and Great Bradfords Hall, Braintree, are threatened with closure as part of a
Vampires and werewolves - staples of horror cinema for decades, from Max Shreck's creepy Nosferatu to the shoot 'em up thrills of last year's excellent Dog Soldiers. Now comes Underworld. Vampire's lair - Kate Beckinsale as Selene in Underworld The trick
Two south Essex towns could soon have another community safety officer on the beat. Basildon councillor Philip Turner is leading calls for a new CSO to be employed in Billericay and Wickford to help fight crime in the towns. The Conservative member for
Parents are threatening to boycott a primary school after a headteacher was disciplined for alleged exams malpractice. Janet Palmer, headteacher at St Margaret's Church of England Primary School, Bowers Gifford, faced a barrage of criticism and questioning
Fundraiser Joyce Long rubbed shoulders with soccer superstar David Beckham as she was made an MBE by the Queen following years of charity work. Honoured - Joyce Long pictured with her MBE Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY Joyce, 74, from Park Street, Thundersley,
A string of offences including driving while nearly three times the drink-drive limit and driving while disqualified landed a West Mersea man with a four-month jail sentence. Robert Evans, 24, of Mill Road, appeared before Colchester magistrates yesterday
Two girls have been suspended from St Peter's College in Chelmsford after paint was sprayed over nearby residents' cars and hedges. Head teacher Sally Lynch has pledged zero tolerance to bad behaviour by pupils outside the school after the incident involving
Shoppers in Southend's "second High Street" were treated to a special Christmas light parade yesterday. The Southchurch Road Traders' Association organised a colourful parade of three floats and a guest appearance by Santa himself for the switching on
Jubilant residents were today celebrating a High Court victory in a long-running planning dispute. Denis Saunders won his case against Tendring Council, yesterday, over its decision to allow a housing estate to be built in Parkeston. He took the council
Southend United forward Jim Corbett is gunning for goals this weekend as the Blues travel to play-off hopefuls Torquay United. The skilful 23-year-old has netted twice in three displays as a striker having previously played on the wing. "I've been up
A major road route is set to be reduced to a 30mph limit as part of a new traffic strategy set out by Essex County Council. The plans involve part of the A13 in Thundersley and Benfleet. The council's speed management strategy for the county has led to
Shefki Kuqi signed a permanent contract at Ipswich Town last night and he is confident he can fulfil his footballing dreams at Portman Road. Staying at Town - Shefki Kuqi in action The Sheffield Wednesday striker has made a huge impact in his short time
Ticket details have been confirmed for Southend United's FA Cup clash with Lincoln City at Roots Hall next Saturday. Prices have been announced as £10 adults and £5 concessions. Season ticket seats will be reserved until tomorrow -- although the auto-pay
