Canvey Swimming Club has been given a concession for its galas. Last January, Castle Point Council increased charges for the hire of Waterside Farm Sports Centre. Councillors have now decided to grant a concession for the hire of the pool for swimming
Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old decided that the test match against New Zealand at Lords three days ago - where he scored a winning century
Canvey will come to a complete standstill if major works on the only two routes off the island go ahead at the same time, it was claimed today. Railtrack is carrying out a survey to see if work can be carried out on the Ferry Road underpass linking Canvey
Joe Royle today revealed his delight after completing the signing of towering defender Jason De Vos. The Ipswich Town boss was speaking after the former Wigan Athletic skipper, 30, agreed a three-year deal at Portman Road. Royle immediately likened De
Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old decided that the test match against New Zealand at Lords three days ago - where he scored a winning century
A little push went a long way when youngsters took part in a charity event. Biking bonanza - Edward Heath, four, at the event Picture: MAXINE CLARKE About 50 children from Seymour Nursery School, in Dunton Technical Centre, Laindon, organised a sponsored
More than 30 youngsters from year six of Harwich Community Primary School took part in a litter pick across the town. They collected 28 bags of litter yesterday, which was picked up by Onyx, including a pair of knickers, a bottle of perfume and a tin
An urgent public meeting should be held to try and solve the escalating problems of youth delinquency in Basildon. The call from councillors came at a meeting of the council's central Basildon area committee as the Evening Echo revealed that four teenagers
More than 200 letters have gone out to parents of pupils at a Colchester school urging them to abandon their cars and let their children walk to school for at least one morning. This week is Walk to School Week and on Friday, youngsters from St George's
All-action Halstead Road Runner Jim McTaggart shows no sign of slowing down after being crowned world aquathlon champion - in his age group. MacTaggart, 65, has just returned from Madeira where he completed the 2.5 kilometre run, 1km swim and 2.5km run
Rail services between Shoebury and London's Fenchurch Street station started up again at 2.40pm yesterday after a pigeon caused chaos. Long-suffering commuters were subjected to hours of problems after a pigeon nesting near overhead cables in the Shoebury
A British Legion chief was today celebrating victory in a battle with the town's library. A row broke out after John Halls, chairman of Walton Royal British Legion branch, took a box of poppies to Walton library last year. However, he was told the library
Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old decided that the test match against New Zealand at Lords three days ago - where he scored a winning century
Essex are batting in the third day of their absorbing duel with Somerset at Taunton boasting an encouraging lead. By 1pm today Essex were 137-3 with Andy Flower and Aftab Habib still at the crease on 57 and 20 respectively a lead of 198 runs. Only a vigorous
A curfew banning under-16s from South Woodham town centre at night will come into force tomorrow. Police in the town will also be making the most of recently issued Home Office powers with the three-month Dispersal Order, under which people of any age
A husband and wife who swindled Basildon Council out of £5,000 in benefits have narrowly avoided prison sentences. Raymond and Jean Robertson, of Littlebury Green, Basildon, admitted 28 charges of fraud over five years. The pair failed to notify the council
Bungling boat thieves ran into trouble when they forgot to take the mast down. The crooks hitched the £1,500 sailing dinghy to the back of their getaway car but hit a snag when the mast struck overhead phone lines. The impact smashed the mast, damaging
Rocker Rod Stewart and girlfriend Penny Lancaster swept into town yesterday, bringing traffic to a standstill as they undertook some retail therapy. Mobbed - Rod Stewart paused to sign autographs for fans outside a Westcliff clothes shop Picture: ANNA
There may be better things to do on a landmark birthday than swim 150 lengths for charity, but John Reynolds doesn't think so. Birthday treat - John Reynolds after his 150-length charity swim Picture: ANNA LUKALA Hairdresser John, who has turned 60, has
In their first South-Eastern League match of the season, played away at Dunstable Downs, Bedfordshire, Essex made a fantastic recovery from a 3-1 foursomes deficit and eventually tied the match at 6-6. Delighted team manager Mike Spall said: "The morning
Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old decided that the test match against New Zealand at Lords three days ago, when he scored a winning century, would
A scheme to help treat patients before an ambulance arrives desperately needs more volunteers. The aim of the East Tilbury First Respondance Scheme, which will start on June 9, is to administer first aid to people who need it before an ambulance arrives
Residents in Clacton look set to get their own parliamentary constituency for the first time under an electoral carve-up which will create a new seaside MP. Planners at the Boundary Commission today unveiled their recommendations to overhaul the map of
Arena Essex Hammers were in fine from at the Purfleet Raceway last night, chalking up a 53-41 victory over visitors Oxford in their SkyBet Elite Speedway League clash. Great news for the home outfit was that their 12-point margin of victory was enough
More than £50,000 has been allocated to help put the brakes on speeding motorists in an accident hot spot. A total of £52,000 is to be spent on traffic calming measures in Thorney Bay Road, Canvey, after Southend firm KeyMed acknowledged the road had
The man who hopes to take over from Sir Teddy Taylor as Tory MP for Rochford and Southend East is getting married tomorrow. James Duddridge, 32, a company director, was selected last month by a meeting of constituency members to fight the seat at the
Great Wakering Rebels, away to Colchester Stars, suffered mixed cycle speedway fortunes in two matches. The lost an exciting and hard-fought league affair 95-67, but won a junior clash by four points. Winning the junior competition allowed Rebels to continue
Basildon Council has rejected claims it failed to take action to prevent arsonists striking again after derelict houses were destroyed in a fire. The blaze, which gutted four houses in Handley Green, Laindon, in the early hours of Monday, prompted an
Crowds of walkers pounded the fields and streets of Crays Hill as they took part in the third annual Billericay and District Fun Walk to raise thousands of pounds for good causes. Around 500 fund raisers laced up their walking boots to raise money for
You could say that the equestrian future's looking rosy for Wickford schoolgirl Heather Pearce. Big day - for Heather Pearce and Rosie Picture: ROB BROWNE For Heather and her 11-year-old pony Rosie, who she's owned for seven years, were members of the
Del Smee landed a tremendous 53lb haul of tench at Rochford's Doggetts lake from the long arm. All fish were landed with pole tactics. Run of roach - Del Smee and his 53lb haul from Doggetts The week started well with Leigh angler Marc Smith fishing the
Colchester schoolboy David de Boltz admits being blown away by his selection as Great Britain captain for the European Sailing Championships. The 14-year-old will skipper the under-15 British team in the Optimist class at the competition in Sweden this
A multi-million pound complex is set to breathe new life into the neglected area around Basildon railway station. The multi-storey proposal includes 143 flats with a "penthouse" floor, shops, businesses and food court. Developers want to transform the
Major improvements to the Saddlers Farm roundabout will take two and a half years to complete, but work is not likely to start for another five years. A new timetable for the proposed work on the A13 and A130 shows building work will start in spring 2009
Up to 4,500 people in Southend could be using hard drugs, police said today. Message - artists Lisa Temple-Cox and Mary Shillaker draw support in the anti-drugs campaign Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY The figures were revealed as a countywide operation was launched
Basildon's residents have been urged to have their say on the council's vision for the future development of the district. Among the highlights of the plan are proposals to build 8,000 new homes and return land to the green belt. The Replacement Local
EastEnders star Shane Richie made a surprise visit to leukaemia sufferer Tanya Leeder at her Chelmsford home. EastEnders star Shane Richie meets Tanya Leeder The actor, who plays Queen Vic landlord Alfie Moon, turned up out of the blue at 20-year-old
Essex Police will soon be at Harwich International Port to ensure any known hooligans do not travel to Euro 2004. A total of 2,188 people around the country are currently banned from going to domestic or international football matches. Home Office minister
Here's one diving delight who will certainly brighten Britiain's Olympic scene in more ways than one. Splash hit - Southend Swim Club diver Tracey Richardson is heading for the Athens Olympics Picture: ROB BROWNE For 22-year-old Tracey Richardson, a member
A Canvey car salvage firm said its decision to move to a new site was welcomed by dozens of local companies. Going, gone - Dick Smith says he has public support for the new site of his Canvey car auctions Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Since January 24, HBC has
Having been voted player of the round for his hat-trick heroics in a pulsating 4-3 victory over Dover Athletic, Canvey Island midfielder Jeff Minton spent Saturday rubbing shoulders with the stars at the FA Cup final. The former Port Vale battler enjoyed
A new sports bar in Hamlet Court Road, Westcliff, would be one too many restaurant bars for the area, members of Southend Council's development control committee decided when they refused plans to convert a derelict shop. Technical services director David
Westcliff Hardcourts and Thorpe Bay were celebrating this week after two of their teams reached the finals of the Essex Cup. The Hardcourts' ladies team of Lynsey Watt, Diana Carradus, Jacqui Moody and Gill Sanderson knocked out Essex Senior Cup holders
Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain has announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket with immediate effect. The 36-year-old decided that the test match against New Zealand at Lords three days ago - where he scored a winning century
Danny Johnson turned midwife this week to deliver his first grandson. Whizz kid - Baby Blake with (left to right) his mother Charlotte, father Luke, grandmother Joanne, grandfather Danny, and nieces Reane and Mercedes Grandad Danny, 39, went into action
Lionel Platts, five months short of his 70th birthday, came within an ace of winning a national title. The ex- Ryder Cup player, who represents Cold Norton's Three Rivers club, fired a final-round 70 in the PGA Senior Club Professional Championship at
A father today told of his joy after the football team he manages dedicated their title triumph to the memory of his late son. Team's tribute - to former player Daniel Balkwell Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL Alan Balkwell, 44, and his wife Tina were left devastated
Revellers could have to pay to get into pubs in Colchester. And a taxi marshal could be employed to help move party-goers out of the town when pubs and clubs close. The ideas are part of a raft of measures drawn up in a report called Strategy to Tackle
A magnificent magnolia tree which graced the entrance to Witham's Bramston Sports Centre since it was built 30 years ago has been cut down. Shocked sports centre customers were told it had to go because youngsters climbed its low branches to get on to
The contractor who has won an £8 million contract to re-develop Trinity House in Harwich has been announced. Southern-based Jackson Construction has won the right to construct a new headquarters office and buoy yard. The project is part-funded by a £2.5m
A new activity programme is being launched this summer for youngsters across Tendring. The scheme aims to keep youngsters fit and healthy, and out of trouble. The cost has been pegged at £1.50 again, but the sessions will last all day. And it could even
Arena Essex Speedway captain, Kelvin Tatum, won the semi-final of the World Longtrack Championships, which took place in Parkim, Germany on Sunday. This ensures his place in this season's series. Tatum, the three times World Longtrack Champion, was runner-up
People wearing hooded tops could be banned from entering shops in Maldon. In a bid to beat the scourge of shoplifting, the plan is to foil thieves who use the hoods to conceal their identity from shop staff and CCTV cameras. The hardline measures could
A multi-million pound complex is set to breathe new life into the neglected area around Basildon railway station. The multi-storey proposal includes 143 flats with a "penthouse" floor, shops, businesses and food court. Developers want to transform the
Braintree has made its first multi-million pound summer signing. After a £1.9m boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund and £700,000 from local benefactors the famed Warner Archive has finally been signed up by Braintree council and the Braintree Museum.
Graffiti artists who daub their "tags" all over south Essex are being tracked down by police. Officers from Rayleigh police have taken photos of distinctive logos which have turned up in Southend, Rayleigh and Hullbridge. It is hoped the distinctive tags
A top-level inquiry was launched today over alleged wrongdoing by some Southend Council officials. George Krawiec, chief executive and town clerk ordered the investigation following a tip-off from an anonymous source. The probe will focus on issues of
Public drinkers in Rochford Square will have their booze confiscated as the area becomes one of the latest to be declared an alcohol-free zone. No drinking - one of the new signs warning against alcohol around Rochford Square Picture: ANNA LUKALA Rochford
Southend United defender Leon Cort is on the verge of quitting the Blues for Second Division Hull City. The former Millwall defender has been offered a two year deal to stay with the Seasiders but now looks likely to switch to the Tigers. "I've had a
Essex County Cricket Club have praised Essex and England batsman Nasser Hussain who announced his retirement from Test and first-class cricket today. Retiring - Nasser Hussain Essex CCC Chief Executive David East paid tribute to 36-year-old Hussain who
Colchester United manager Phil Parkinson was celebrating today after clinching a new deal that will keep him at Layer Road for the foreseeable future. Phil Parkinson The U's boss and his assistant Geraint 'George' Williams have both signed matching 'long-term
Runnymede's 10/12 years girls' relay team were in outstanding form at this year's Southern County Youth Championships at Crystal Palace. The medley team, comprising Sarah Wright (back) Samantha Knight (breaststroke), Charlotte Davis (fly) and Verity Goodey
Horse riders are planning a protest on the streets of Canvey, after the island's only bridleway was shut off with barriers. On the map - Jade Bell, 15, with her horse Beau, shows the disputed area Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL The land around Waterside Farm
