Plans for 50 flats on Canvey are set to be given the green light by councillors tonight in the face of fierce opposition by protesters. Residents believe the site at 35 Long Road should be a protected nature reserve and not made into another housing development
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man died. Sealed: Guithavon Street, Witham, is closed by the police. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK The 28-year-old man died after suffering wounds from a broken bottle. The incident happened in Guithavon
The price of running criminal record checks on people working with children and vulnerable adults in Castle Point will increase again. The development was revealed at the annual review of licensing fees for the borough's taxi drivers, who potentially
A controversial new admissions policy will guarantee places at Braintree secondary schools for pupils living outside the town and not those living closest to the school. Essex County Council yesterday approved proposals that children living in the outlying
Southend United travel to Clacton Town this evening for a re-arranged Essex Senior Cup clash at the Rush Green Bowl. "It's going to be something of a cup final for them," said boss Steve Til-son on the fourth round tie. "They're going to be up for it
Curious scientists from Romania spent two days at Basildon Hospital as part of a project. Under the microscope : Dr David Petts, head biomedical scientist at Basildon Hospital, shows his work to the Romanian visitors Picture: DAN JONES The biomedical
Special care babies have been returning to hospital for a Christmas party. Party time: Hayley, 14 months old, enjoys the christmas event with mum Cheryl Wild and aunt Claire Wild Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON Staff at Colchester General Hospital's special care
Two long serving senior officers at Brentwood Council are to retire in the coming year. The Head of Community Services, John Glanville, and the Head of Architectural Services Phil Blower, will stand down during 2004/2005. Mr Glanville's retirement has
A pensioner was tricked out of more than £300 in a what police are calling a "despicable" crime. The 67-year-old disabled victim found a man in his home in Windmill Road, Bradfield, who told him he was from the water board. The thief told the elderly
Parents, teachers and children across Essex are being asked to lock up imitation and toy weapons following a spate of incidents that saw members of the public dial 999 after seeing youngsters brandishing what they believed to be real weapons. Police are
An RAF helicopter was launched to search Southend seafront after the body of a man dressed in wet weather clothing was washed up on the beach today. Mystery surrounds how and why the man, who was possibly a fisherman, met his death and a search and rescue
It will be a major surprise if Canvey do not continue their great Ryman Premier run at Park Lane tonight when they host Bognor Regis. For the Sussex visitors are notoriously bad travellers and have managed just two wins in ten league outings this season
A man who went for physiotherapy at a private clinic was left locked in for more than two hours as he lay on a table waiting for treatment. The patient, from Canvey who doesn't want to be named, went to an undisclosed clinic on the island where he had
Plans have been unveiled to spend thousands of pounds rebranding Braintree District Council's logo While the council feels the current logo is out of date and in need of a change. So out goes "Serving Our Community" in favour the preferred option of "
The stepson of the late founder of Rayne Youth Football Club has unveiled a bench in memory of his stepfather. Luke Addington, 13, of Rosemary Avenue, Braintree, raised £760 to pay for the bench which was placed at All Saints Church, Shalford Road, Rayne
The British Air Line Pilot's Association (BALPA) has welcomed the Government's Aviation White Paper. Jim McAuslan, general secretary of the pilots' union, said the Government had shown refreshing common sense in arguing that economic growth and environmental
A Southend MP says the Iraqi people must administer justice to Saddam Hussein or risk turning him into a hero. Rochford and Southend East Conservative MP, Sir Teddy Taylor, whose son, John, has just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq, said: "Justice
A police officer with 31 years frontline experience was made an MBE by the Queen. Ken Venables, who is the manager of the community safety partnership for Basildon District Council, was invited to Buckingham Palace on Friday to receive the honour. The
Budget airline easyJet hailed the Aviation White Paper as step in the right direction. The Stansted carrier welcomed the Government's decision to provide for a second runway at Stansted and said it was encouraged to see Parliament put forward a far-sighted
A Canvey yacht club is waiting to hear if a mobile phone mast disguised to look like flagpole can be installed on its land. A planning application has been submitted to Castle Point Council for permission to put up the mast, which has six antennae and
Anti-runway campaigners have described the conclusions in the Government's White Paper as 'pie in the sky'. "Governments don't build runways," said Stop Stansted Expansion chairman Norman Mead. "BAA could only proceed with an extra runway at Stansted
A trade union has welcomed news that there are to be two new runways in the south east. Commenting on the publication of the Aviation White Paper, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "The decision that there will be two new runways in the south
The outcome of a cliffhanger match was decided in the last game of the night when Rayleigh Mill met Hullbridge C in the Premier Division of the Southend & District Table Tennis League. The scoreline was 4-4 before Peter Saunders overcame Neil Disley
We're the tops -- that's the message from the athletic youngsters of Pitsea's Chalvedon School who were again in dominant form in the Basildon Senior Schools Cross-Country Championships at Gloucester Park. They were victorious in every age group of the
The governor of Chelmsford prison has hit back at a report that dubbed the jail as still "at the bottom of the pile." The report by the Independent Monitoring Board stated that the prison was still overcrowded and under resourced, which left it fourth
Canvey moved seven points clear at the top of the Ryman Premier thanks to a goal five minutes into injury-time from substitute Neil Gregory. Jeff King's men were rocked after four minutes when young home striker Craig McAllister, who interested a number
Mark Stimson's side bounced back from some disappointing results to add to the misery of a Bedford side who have won just once in 13 Ryman Premier games. Ex-Billericay midfielder Martin Carthy started the rout after 12 minutes and Leroy Griffiths made
The seventh Colchester police Christmas concert went down a storm, raising lots of cash for good causes. The concert was a joint effort between Colchester police and Colchester Council. It was a great way of saying a big thank you to all the people who
Christmas shoppers in Southend town centre can spend, spend, spend without the added hassle of worrying about a parking ticket. On late night shopping days, all major town centre car parks will be free of charge on Thursday nights. The nine Southend car
The parents of a teenager who died prematurely have presented a third state-of-the-art machine to help others at risk. Andy Gard, of Glebe Way, Frinton, died of sudden death syndrome just two days before his 18th birthday in 1997. His parents, Peter and
Crime squad detectives seized £100,000 of amphetamines during a drugs raid in Basildon. Officers made six arrests following the swoop at a house in Langdon Hills. An Essex Police spokeswoman said: "This raid shows we are not prepared to put up with drugs
The leader of Uttlesford Council has described the White Paper on aviation as a Government wish list that "won't wash down". Immediately after the announcement on Tuesday that Stansted was Whitehall's first choice, Councillor Alan Dean said: "Despite
An operation putting extra police on the beat in a town centre is helping businesses. A team of about 16 officers is behind Operation Boxer, working to deter festive shoplifters and pickpockets in Chelmsford. The scheme was put in place after the town's
Vandals have attacked Frinton train station for the third time in two days. The damage caused by vandals at Frinton train station They broke into the station waiting room last night, pulling all the pictures off the walls and smashing the frames and glass
Stansted will get an extra runway, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has just confirmed. The Transport Secretary ended months of speculation when he released the long-awaited aviation White Paper to Parliament this afternoon. It sets out how ministers
Security has been stepped up at a Leigh food store after knife-wielding thugs threatened staff before fleeing with £800 in cash. Robbery: Robert Byford outside his store where raiders stole £800 Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL U98GY1 Three masked raiders walked
Classical music could soon be a new feature at Billericay Railway Station after a grant of £500 was awarded to the project. It is hoped the move will deter gangs of youths from congregating outside the problem area and reduce the amount of criminal damage
A pro-aviation group has welcomed the Government's White Paper which has decided the future of air travel in the UK for the next 30 years. Commenting for the Freedom to Fly Coalition, chairman Brenda Dean said: "This is a bold and very welcomed announcement
Stansted will get an extra runway, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has just confirmed. The Transport Secretary ended months of speculation when he released the long-awaited aviation White Paper to Parliament this afternoon. It sets out how ministers
Everything that could go wrong did for Southend Swifts as they tumbled out of the Women's National Junior Cup 71-65 at Solent. A usual two-hour journey became nightmare as the M25 ground to a halt, giving the Essex side little time to warm up before the
A man has been jailed for four months after police found hundreds of child porn pictures on his computer. Mark Sexton, 37, was also banned by a judge from accessing any pornographic site on the internet for the next seven years and his computer equipment
A grieving woman today demanded action after her father's resting place was turned into a "building site." Upset - Ann and Dennis Huber say families should have been advised of work at the cemetery Picture: ROB BROWNE Ann Huber from Pitsea, and her husband
Stansted will get an extra runway, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has just confirmed. The Transport Secretary ended months of speculation when he released the long-awaited aviation White Paper to Parliament this afternoon. It sets out how ministers
Long-suffering commuters could be set for a boost as rail companies plan to spend up to £2million totally redeveloping a busy railway station. Under proposals put forward by train operators c2c, the company would join forces with railway infrastructure
Southend Cricket Club will represent the South Essex District at the county indoor finals at Chelmsford on Saturday January 17. They scored 106-2 in 7.5 overs to beat Tilbury (105-6 11 overs) in the final play-off between the Southend and Thurrock champions
Fabian Wilnis today cranked up the tension before Sunday's East Anglian derby showdown between Ipswich Town and Norwich City. The Blues full-back - who scored a long-range screamer in last season's 2-0 win at Carrow Road - believes his side cannot afford
A new drive to tackle youth crime in Hockley, Hawkwell and Hullbridge is being hailed a success by police. Operation Fenwick was launched four weeks ago after police reacted to widespread concerns about organised disorder among the young. Insp Andy Parkman
A horror smash on the A13 left a teenager dead and a good Samaritan from south Essex fighting for his life. Police are investigating whether a road race caused the six-car pile-up on the Southend-bound track of the A13 just past the Purfleet exit at the
Protesters against a controversial arts project last night claimed it would make their seaside town the "laughing stock of East Anglia". Walton residents blasted plans to mount a full-size coach pointing skywards on the seafront, telling artist Elizabeth
Ex-Billericay player Phil Parmenter could not prevent new side Thames slipping to a 25-7 friendly defeat at his former club. Bees were on the front foot early on and were soon six points up via the boot of fly-half Neil Jarvis. The first try came from
Campaigners have been facing a second fight to stop controversial plans for flats on Canvey seafront. Opposed: councillor Shirley Coates and residents outside the proposed seafront sites for the flats Picture: LUAN MARSHALL sre84l11 Castle Point councillors
A flotilla of fishermen rallied to the aid of a pal whose 35ft boat sunk in the Thames leaving him with a bill of thousands of pounds. Colin Dolby, 42, was "lost for words" when boats travelled for miles and worked day and night to help salvage the boat
Stansted will get an extra runway, Transport Secretary Alistair Darling has just confirmed. The Transport Secretary ended months of speculation when he released the long-awaited aviation White Paper to Parliament this afternoon. It sets out how ministers
A two-year-old girl who suffers from a rare hereditary condition starts specialist treatment next month. Ellie Perryman, of Spenser Way, Jaywick, has Glutaric Aciduria Type 1. There are less than 50 known cases of the genetic disorder in the UK. Ellie
Rescuers who battled to save a pregnant porpoise stranded in mud at Colchester's Hythe Quay have been given awards. Well-deserved: George Bruce, Mark Wilby, Kevin Gower, Dean Martin, Mick Mason and Pete Goody, of the fire service's Blue Watch, with the
Traditional Christmas images of frosted windows and snow covered Christmas trees gave way to palm trees and coconuts in Rayleigh High Street. Sunshine beat: the steel band entertains Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL U5KJK As a continuous drizzle did its best
Contractors have assured motorists the A12 roadworks at Witham will be completed on time. The £10.3 million project to resurface 4km of the A12, at Witham, began in August and the Highways Agency have confirmed work will be finished, as promised, by the
A new hall and classrooms at White Notley Primary School received a green light from councillors amid fears over noise. At a meeting of Essex County Council development and regulation committee on Friday councillors discussed the plans for the Vicarage
The Shadow Transport Secretary has described the Government's White Paper as a 'fudge'. Responding to Mr Darling's announcement, Theresa May MP said that he needed to strike a "difficult balance" between competing needs. "That is why the government's
Southend ended their run of defeats with an impressive and much-needed win at Haywards Heath on Saturday. "It was fantastic," said delighted skipper James Shearing. "Winning like this away from home is a testament to the efforts off all the players concerned
The mysterious background of an historical children's dagger has been gripping the imaginations of young writers. Prize winners - John Baron MP with three of the four winners Tom Deacon, seven, Emily Trapp, 12, and Julia Cockcroft, seven Picture: STEVE
Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson today poured scorn on 'ridiculous' speculation linking him with the vacant Crystal Palace manager's job. Plenty to say: U's boss Phil Parkinson (centre) is locked in debate with the referee and Oldham manager Iain
Plans have been unveiled to spend thousands of pounds rebranding Braintree District Council's logo While the council feels the current logo is out of date and in need of a change. So out goes "Serving Our Community" in favour the preferred option of "
Castle Point taxi drivers have cut a deal with council bosses limiting the rise in their overheads. The council wanted to push up licensing fees for cabbies by ten per cent, despite drivers only being allowed to raise fares by 7.93 per cent - the first
The future of Britain's airports is due to be announced by transport secretary Alistair Darling later today - with Stansted coming out as favourite for a new runway. The Transport Secretary will end months of speculation when he releases the long-awaited
Harwich tax payers face a large rise in their bills next year - but some of it is in a good cause. Harwich Town Council has agreed to a precept of £133,000 for 2004/05. That works out at £23.74 for a Band D charge payer, up £7.67 more than last year.
Airports operator BAA said it would press ahead with plans for a second runway at Stansted. BAA welcomed the Government's new framework for UK aviation policy and said it would also work urgently to resolve the air pollution issues that were a barrier
A new consumer advice centre has opened in Southend, giving shoppers the low-down on goods before they part with their cash. The centre draws on the expertise of trading standards, the Citizens Advice Bureau and the Tourist Office to give shoppers vital
Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson has poured scorn on 'ridiculous' speculation linking him with the vacant Crystal Palace manager's job. Plenty to say: U's boss Phil Parkinson (centre) is locked in debate with the referee and Oldham manager Iain Dowie
A Billericay councillor claims he was treated like a "piece of meat" in Basildon Hospital after breaking his hip on his way out of a doctor's surgery. Tony Archer, of Hollyford, Billericay, stumbled as his left his local surgery where he had just been
Southend United winger Michael Kightly has hailed signing his first professional contract with the Shrimpers as "a dream come true". Joy unbounded - Michael Kightly celebrates scoring against Luton in the LDV Vans, his first senior goal Picture: ROBIN
A businessman is defiantly displaying Christmas decorations outside his premises again this year... despite having been told to take them down in the past. Two years ago, Braintree Council faced accusations it was being Scrooge-like after it ordered John
A car sales firm has bought the former Colchester headquarters of Lancaster Rover. Gerry Wiggins, managing director of Underwoods garages, has revealed that it is the new owner of the old Lancaster Rover site, next to its existing Vauxhall dealership
A major refurbishment at Basildon's mental health unit has been unveiled. New look - Angela Smith MP opens the refurbished unit as dignitaries look on The South Essex Partnership NHS Trust has been busy giving the unit at Basildon Hospital a new look
Tough-talking MP Angela Smith has started talks with ministerial colleagues to get a better cash settlement for Basildon Council. Mrs Smith spoke after the council was handed just a 2.2 per cent increase in its grant this year, followed by a £99,000 handout
Travellers are working illegally from Crays Hill and the traveller site is also being extended without permission, the council has admitted. The information was revealed at a council meeting by Len Gridley, a resident of Oak Road in Crays Hill, Billericay
A life on the ocean waves is full of perils - especially if you are naked and defenceless! Calendar girl - Liz Rae and John Attwell Picture: ROB BROWNE However, members of a yacht club threw caution to sea winds and bared all to raise money for a new
Low-cost airline Ryanair welcomed news that Stansted could be in line for a new runway. The Irish carrier said a second runway at the airport would be good news for passengers, allowing Stansted's capacity to double from 20m to 40m a year. Ryanair's head
A Good Samaritan has died after being struck by a vehicle as he rushed to help the victims of a car smash. Kevin Baldwin, 25, lost his fight for life following a horrific six-vehicle pile-up on the A13. He lived in Pembury Road, Westcliff, with his partner
Big-hearted friends and relatives rallied round to raise money for a six-year-old Clacton boy who suffers from brain damage. A fun morning was held to help Alex Wakeling, who was involved in a collision with a car in May 2000. Parents Steve and Amanda
Shopkeepers have been counting the cost of the £6million Pier Hill revamp after contractors burst a water pipe sending thousands of gallons into the street. Shops on Pier Hill in Southend were flooded for a second time in two weeks, costing thousands
Red Caps from Colchester are to join troops being sent out to Iraq in January. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced a platoon of about 20 soldiers from Colchester-based 156 Provost Company will be going out to Iraq together with a platoon from 101 Provost
A 15-year-old schoolgirl involved in an accident which killed her friend will not face charges say crown prosecutors. The girl, from Pebmarsh, was injured in an accident which took place on Saturday June 28, when the blue Mercedes ML 4x4 vehicle she was
Four people were injured in two serious crashes in the Tendring area. Two people were seriously injured following a head-on collision in Little Clacton. Two cars were involved in the incident in Holland Road at 9.30pm last night, not far from Crusader
Villages that have been divided by traffic can become communities again with the opening of the first section of the new A120. Tony Peel, Essex County Council chairman, launched the 7km-stretch from a new junction west of Dunmow to Stansted yesterday
Mark Foster claimed his second gold medal at the European Shortcourse Championships in Dublin last night - winning the 50m butterfly in 23.22 seconds. Former Borough of Southend swimmer Foster, the current European record holder, held off the challenge
Police investigating the disappearance of a Clacton woman now fear she may be dead. Officers have been growing increasingly concerned for the welfare of 48-year-old Sandra Gant, who has not been seen since November 15. On Saturday, an 18-year-old man
Not so long ago, Southend student Chloe Taylor was singing into her hairbrush and longing to be famous. Chloe Taylor Picture: Luan Marshall U6NNJ5 Now the 23-year-old from Pebmarsh Drive, Wickford, is officially one of the hottest musical talents in south
Colchester United will play Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup after the Lancashire club beat Division Two side Bournemouth on penalties. Paul Howarth scored the decisive penalty for the Conference outfit in the replayed game last night
Safety courses aimed at keeping Ongar and North Weald women and schoolchildren safe on the streets have been hailed a huge success by the police and participants. The courses, held at North Weald and three other locations across the district, were the
Basement boys Billericay showed clear signs of the renewed fighting spirit in the club by grabbing a late equaliser in this Ryman Premier clash between two struggling sides. Going for goal : Michael Black on his way to opening the scoring for Billericay
Colchester United's acting captain Karl Duguid is determined to avenge a 42-year injustice when the U's walk into the FA Cup lions' den at giant-killers Accrington Stanley early in the New Year. And his Layer Road boss Phil Parkinson has promised to pull
