Plans for a new block of 13 flats, together with a retail unit, in the centre of Southend are to be considered by the council's development control committee. Office equipment firm Circle Services wants to demolish its premises in Clarence Road and replace
A man was caught on spy camera dumping more than half a tonne of dog mess. Wayne Wilson of Fallowfield, Basildon, was ordered to pay a £150 fine plus costs to Thurrock Council following a hearing at Grays Magistrates' Court. Mr Wilson, who runs a greyhound
Members of the public have the chance to comment on the future of community halls at a meeting tonight. Braintree Council is holding the meeting at Public Hall in Collingwood Road, Witham, at 7.30pm, to discuss the future options for Spring Lodge Community
Basildon snooker professional Stuart Bingham saw his tournament season come to an end last night. Despite putting up a brave fight, the 27-year-old new towner crashed out of his last event of the campaign, the Daily Record Players' Championship, in Glasgow
Developers are taking urgent steps to smooth out the problems of unfinished pavements and bumpy road surfaces on a major new housing estate. Parents, whose children attend the recently constructed Holly Trees Primary School in Vaughan Williams Way, have
Southend United manager Steve Tilson is attempting to secure the services of on loan Lewis Hunt and Carl Pettefer on a permanent basis. Hunt, who signed for the Shrimpers from Derby County in November has made 27 appearances for the Roots Hall side, while
Leigh's reputation as the arts capital of south Essex has received a boost with the opening of a new gallery. Happy : gallery pair Josephine and Ian James Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL XLJVM2 Locally produced contemporary paintings and photos are being displayed
A dog-loving teenager is celebrating after her canine friend, Grace, was named the best pup in the county. Canine champ - Samantha Dyer, 14, of Sorrell Close, Goldhanger, with her award-winning dog, Grace. Picture: Seana Hughes Samantha Dyer, 14, of Sorrell
Hospital staff have been praised for their "terrific performance" for meeting every one of their key targets for the last year. Southend Hospital's chief executive David Brackenbury was delighted with the news which he revealed keeps the trust on track
Plans are on the drawing board for affordable homes in Great Bentley. A possible site on the edge of the village has been indentified for the development and discussions are ongoing with Tendring Council. It is hoped 12 homes will be built in an attempt
Euphoric Andy Marshall has reflected on his 'fairytale' season after helping Millwall secure a place in the FA Cup final. The former Ipswich Town goalkeeper - who lives on the outskirts of Colchester - was a hero for the Lions as they pipped Sunderland
Southend United's teenage winger Michael Kightly does not expect to play again this season after finally being forced to the sidelines with a frustrating hip injury. The promising Basildon-born youngster has not figured in the Shrimpers first team since
Southend High's under-14 hockey team won the Castle Point and Southend Schools' hockey cup final. It was played on the large artificial surface at St Thomas More School in Westcliff and the only scoring effort came from Southend when Alice Dickens hit
Traffic supremo Rodney Bass has sparked outrage after claiming it will take a rise in road deaths before he cuts village speed limits. "I'll not be moved" - Essex County Council highways chief Rodney Bass, right, spells out his message starkly as he meets
A motorcyclist suffered a broken collarbone after being thrown from his machine on the A127. The 51-year-old biker, from Westcliff, was in an accident with a Nissan between Rayleigh Downs Road and Prospect Road yesterday. Essex air ambulance landed in
Ollie Berquez is likely to partner goal machine Lee Boylan in the Canvey Island strike force tonight as Gulls bid to move closer to their Ryman Premier title dream. Praised - goalkeeper Danny Potter celebrates his FA Trophy semi-final penalty save, which
Rayleigh's Fitzwimarc School were top of the hot-shots when they visited the academy ground of Premier side Arsenal to take on Thundersley's King John in the year seven Essex Cup final. Gunning for the opposition - the Fitzwimarc year seven team who beat
High levels of attacks on hospital staff in Colchester are not as serious as figures suggest. According to a recent survey of hospital workers, one in seven staff said they had been assaulted at work in the past year. The results were explained to the
Southend were stunned into action by an early setback to beat Old Patesians comprehensively in their penultimate National Division Three South home game. Out of my way - a Southend player, blue shirt, powers his way through the centre of Old Patesians
The challenge of facing former snooker world champion Ken Doherty is not making Allister Carter sweat. "I've got no fear," said Carter. "I'm here to win and I'm not scared of anyone." The 24-year-old from Tiptree was due to play Doherty in the second
A waiter at a Writtle restaurant attacked its chef with two eight-inch kitchen knives. Chef Modu Miah, bled profusely from cuts on his arms and later underwent plastic surgery. Saleem Ullah, 22, a waiter, was arrested when police arrived at the Bengal
A man who runs a greyhound racing kennel was caught by a spy camera dumping more than half a tonne of dog mess at Corringham in January. Grays magistrates ordered Wayne Wilson, of Fallowfield, Basildon, to pay a £150 fine plus costs. In a letter to the
An Easter egg hunt, a painting competition and a bouncy castle were just some of the attractions that keept kids entertained at a community fun day. Fun and games - sporty youngsters Mitchell Wilson, 11, Ryan Best, ten, Anthony Brett, eight, and Aaron
Essex businesses that recognise the importance of age and experience and don't let someone's birth date stand in the way of their employment could win national recognition in a major awards scheme. The Essex Chronicle is searching for employers and individuals
Just one ranger could end up being responsible for all but one of Colchester's 15 parks. The ranger team employed by Colchester Council is to be cut by half with two staff being made redundant. It will mean a pair of rangers having to deal with all 15
More than three quarters of a £2.8m grant will be used to give a famous Maldon landmark a complete facelift. The district council announced £2,550,000 of work for five sites around the district after receiving a share of the Liveability Fund, an £89m
A beleaguered resident has demanded action after a row of 14th century cottages was hit by a car for the second time in five months. Jonathan Garlick, who lives in one of the historic listed homes in Norsey Road, Billericay, had hoped experimental traffic-calming
A New hotel, study centre, creche and GP surgery are planned as part of the Colchester community stadium development. Briefing - Steve Clarke, of Colchester Council, Steve Bradshaw, of the community sports trust, Dee Evans, of Colchester 20-20 strategic
Westcliff kept themselves in pole-position for the championship with a 63-3 demolition of struggling Stanford le-Hope in their penultimate Essex One match. Second placed Wanstead, who are only a point behind, kept up the pressure by beating Upminster
Job prospects in Chelmsford are positive, despite a cautious employer outlook for East Anglia as a whole, according to research released by recruitment company Manpower. Andy Brown, business manager for Manpower in Chelmsford, revealed: "The job outlook
Saucy staff at a Billericay boutique who bared all for a cheeky charity calendar are to present a cheque for £3,600 to Cancer Research UK. N. Shelley, in the High Street, produced the calendar to celebrate its 80th anniversary in April and at the same
The Conservative Association in Southend has doubled the size of its offices. Office opening - Sir Teddy Taylor assisted by Southend Tory chairman Ian Robertson, cuts the ribbon Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL Members took the tenancy of the office next door
Thurrock's Essex Senior Cup final against near neighbours Aveley went the way of the form book. But the match was a closer affair than the scoreline suggests. Champion - Thurrock celebrate with the Senior Cup Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL The match was a low-key
Just one ranger could end up being responsible for all but one of Colchester's 15 parks. Countryside manager Richard Mash being made redundant. The ranger team employed by Colchester Council is to be cut by half with two staff being made redundant It
Budding young engineers are being invited to join a local institute where they will have a chance to pick up valuable experience in the profession. The southern centre of the Institute of Vehicle Engineers and SAE:UK (Society of Automotive Engineers)
Tributes have been paid to a 46-year-old who died after a crash. Peter Nice, of Fiddlers Folly, Fordham Heath, suffered serious head injuries when he was involved in a collision with a car as he cycled along the A133 at Elmstead Market. Mr Nice, died
The Charlatans, The Scissor Sisters, Basement Jaxx, Starsailor and Kosheen have been added to the list of acts playing at V. Cheshire band The Charlatans have produced albums such as 'Up to Our Hips,' 'Tellin' Stories' and 'Us and Us Only.' V veterans
Canvey Island put up a spirited display before losing 34-24 at home to third placed Upper Clapton. The Islanders, rock bottom in Essex One, put up a good fight and were in front twice, but their visitors took control in the last 20 minutes of the game
House! A combined journey of more than 120 miles has finally paid off for a married couple. The pair, of Coggeshall, scooped the £202,000 top prize in the National Bingo Game at the weekend. The 30-year-old woman and her husband, who have two children
A group of hard working teenagers were today celebrating winning a £15,500 lottery grant which will enable them to make their mark on Canvey. A further £1,000 grant from the Essex County Youth Service will see the group of eight young people turning their
South Essex-born superstar Denise Van Outen is back on home turf and back on stage. Denise, from Basildon, was last night unmasked as the mystery performer in The Play what I Wrote at the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff. She said: "Southend is the only place
A Chelmsford DJ is appealing for the thieves who stole his mobile disco equipment to return his collection of 700 CDs so the business can continue. Nick Gosling, 34, a delivery driver by day, said he would give a 'substantial reward' to anyone returning
A teenager hoping to break into showbusiness is desperately trying to sell 50 tickets for a show she wants to perform at the Circus Tavern. Seeking stardom - Jade Tibbs Picture: ROB BROWNE The only way Jade Tibbs, 16, of Hawkesbury Road, Canvey, can appear
A school nurse who helps children cope with the death of a loved one has won a royal award for outstanding service during her 30-year career. Chris Findlay, who works for Southend Primary Care Trust, received the Queen Mother's Award for Outstanding Service
Southend High's under-14 hockey team won the Castle Point and Southend Schools' hockey cup final. Champions - the Southend High under-14 hockey girls Picture: ANNA LUKALA It was played on the large artificial surface at St Thomas More School in Westcliff
Schools are facing financial difficulties this year despite efforts to prevent a repeat of the 2003 budget crisis. Last year's funding problems, which were largely blamed on a poor distribution of funds by the Government, caused many schools to take drastic
Rampant Thurrock left newly crowned London Two North champions London Scottish's unbeaten record in tatters after handing out a 50-15 drubbing at Oakfield. T's, who are now fourth in the standings, got off to a perfect start, with Mark Foord scoring from
The majority of Colchester's troops serving in Iraq have been returning to the town today after completing their duties in the Middle East. Hundreds of families were set to be reunited after soldiers from 16 Air Assault Brigade headed back home after
Major traffic calming measures have been given the go-ahead to make a village safer. Little Clacton looks set to have a series of islands on its roads to slow down cars and make journeys to school less dangerous. Talks have been taking place on traffic
A ten-year-old girl was today recovering after being robbed of her scooter at knifepoint. A gang of four teenagers - two boys and two girls - snatched the youngster's £20 micro scooter after threatening her with the blade in Leinster Road, Laindon. The
Firefighters who fear their families would face financial ruin if they died in a terrorist attack were today threatening industrial action. Crews could launch an unofficial work to rule over claims personal insurance policies would be null and void if
Residents on Canvey are set to start getting lungs full of fresh air, rather than stinking sewage fumes, as work to reduce smells from the island's sewage works finally comes to an end. However, while the actual work - costing £120,000 - being carried
A pressure group is inviting council bosses to meet with residents and discuss the options for Brentwood High Street over a pint and a sandwich. The Save Brentwood Action Group has organised a relaxed meeting at The Swan public house in the High Street
Despite being out of the hunt for a top six position now, East Thurrock United would still like to finish the Ryman Division One North season in as high a position as possible. To that end they face a difficult trip tonight to a Wealdstone side currently
Colchester's Access Accounting has continued to increase its presence in the charity sector with new implementations of its accounts system by Asyst International, a leading Access reseller. Recent implementations include the West London YMCA, the Royal
The Charlatans, The Scissor Sisters, Basement Jaxx, Starsailor and Kosheen have been added to the list of acts playing at V. Cheshire band The Charlatans have produced albums such as "Up to Our Hips," "Tellin' Stories" and "Us and Us Only." V veterans
Concerns are growing for a man who has been missing for two weeks. Police in Chelmsford are asking the public to help them find 47-year-old Amir Morad-Tehrami, who went missing on Saturday, March 20. Police believe he could be in Braintree. Mr Morad-Tehrami
A vicar has called on his community to help bring their church into the 21st century All Saints Church in Walton is in desperate need of £100,000 of repairs to stop subsidence of its north wall, which is extensively cracked. But the Rev Scott Sanderson
Thieves snatched a handbag from a house before driving off with the owners' car as the family slept. Police have appealed for help to catch the culprits, who were heard trying unsuccessfully to start the family's other car in their driveway in Little
Rayleigh Wyvern's fell just short of the vital win they require for the third game in a row, losing 24-17 against high-flying Old Brentwoods in Essex Two. With a strong wind at their backs, Rayleigh began well, with Rob Lagden scoring a drop-goal. Old
Primary schoolchildren from Hinguar, Richmond and Thorpedene visited their main secondary school, Shoeburyness High, to take part in a festival of sporting activities. Date with a star - Shoeburyness primary school children meet hurdles star Julie Pratt
Reports that FA Cup hat-trick hero Rowan Vine has been axed by Colchester United have been scotched by U's boss Phil Parkinson. Rowan Vine Parkinson told the Evening Gazette: "Contrary to reports in a Portsmouth newspaper, Rowan is still very much our
Former Ipswich Town legend Mick Stockwell is expecting a tough encounter when he travels with Woodbridge Town to face Halstead at Rosemary Lane tonight in the Ridgeons League premier division. The ex-Portman Road favourite, said: "It will be a tough game
Three new state-of-the-art public toilets were due to open their doors for the first time to the public in Southend today. They include the replacement for the underground toilets in the High Street, next to the Pipe of Port wine bar and restaurant in
A frail widow in her eighties was this week recovering from shock after two men with Irish accents snatched her life savings. The woman, who has not been named, allowed two white men into her flat in Riverview, Witham, on Saturday when they told her they
Business Link for Essex has launched its first Enterprise Week, Essex in Boom. The week, which will run from September 20 to 24 this year, will celebrate the achievements of local businesses and encourage more potential entrepreneurs in the county. Gary
Ronnie Irani's troops prepared for the start of the new season today with a friendly against Northants at the County Ground. Play got underway at 11am in the two-day match which is designed to warm Essex and the Northamptonshire up for the new season.
A Health Trust has achieved its target in helping people quit smoking in the last year. Tendring Primary Care Trust reached its goal of assisting 530 smokers to kick the habit during the past 12 months. The target was set by the Government and was a large
