Simon Brown said today he would relish a chance to play Scottish Premier League football with Hibernian in the new season. But only if nothing can be worked out with Colchester United. "On paper it would clearly be a great move for me," said Brown. "But
Beach hut owners in Frinton have had to cover the cost of a rise in vandalism over the past year. They have been hit by break-ins, arsons and damage to their properties. Incidents have kept the patrol officer busy as he attempted to contact owners to
People's lives could be put at risk by a poor backup power system at Tesco, believes an electrical expert. There was a power cut at the Pitsea store on Sunday morning and everyone had to be evacuated because the emergency generator would not work. Charles
Police today appealed for witnesses after a man died following a road crash in south Essex. The 31-year-old from Rochford lost control of his green Kawasaki ZX600 motorcycle and struck a tree on the grass verge of the Woodham Road in South Woodham Ferrers
A high-speed chase had a fruitless outcome yesterday when police lost sight of a car believed to be involved in a crime. Basildon police pursued a blue Saab 900 after it jumped two sets of red lights in Eastmayne about 2am. The chase continued into Southmayne
Campaigners against the expansion of Stansted Airport are celebrating after winning permission to challenge Government proposals which include a second runway. Opposition group Stop Stansted Expansion (SSE) has won permission for a full judicial review
Southend United star Mark Gower was today confident the Shrimpers will be pushing for promotion next season. The League Two side have been rocked by the departures of both Leon Cort and Leon Constantine. But Gower is adamant the Shrimpers will still be
Tiptree United have suffered a massive blow in their pre-season plans with the loss of goalkeeper Michael Bavester. The imposing Jam-makers shot-stopper was a massive presence on the field last season despite the team's eventual relegation to the Ridgeons
Conservatives will control all the portfolios for key decisions on Colchester Council in a reshuffle following the borough elections. For the first time since the cabinet-style of local government was introduced, Colchester will have an all-Tory cabinet
Essex pressed the self-destruct button to hand Worcestershire a semi-final place in the Cheltenham & Gloucester Trophy - and leave themselves facing a barren season. The 21 runs defeat came in the wake of three run-outs of key batsmen after they had
About 1,000 youngsters from Castle Point have this week learned how to avoid danger and save lives. Accident - the council's Jenny Lancaster and Evelyn Nash discuss the situation with school pupils Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY The children from all of the schools
Businesses have welcomed plans to introduce an alcohol no-go zone in Braintree Braintree Council cabinet approved plans for the council to apply for a bylaw banning the consumption of alcohol around St Michael's fountain and St Michael's Churchyard, Braintree
A seven-year-old boy from Grays was taken to hospital and had to have stitches after he banged his head on a metal frame the council have refused to take down for the past few months. Angry - mum Karla Frater checks the corridor barrier with injured son
A high-security storage system for laptop computers used in schools is being produced by the Colchester-based FRAB organisation. The system, LapSafe, is already in use in 1,500 schools, colleges and universities, including Colchester's Sixth Form College
An elderly couple were lucky to escape with their lives when vandals threw a rock at their car windscreen on the A13. Garfield Williams, 75, and his wife Doreen, 78, were driving under the flyover at the Five Bells junction of the A176 when the rock shattered
A court has spared a dog's life after hearing how it bit a 12-year-old boy. Bryan Claydon, of Edinburgh Gardens, Braintree, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court yesterday charged with having the weimaraner dog dangerously out of control. He admitted
An entrepreneurial businesswoman has said Government red tape is imposing "fat tax" penalties on the parents of overweight children. Unfair tax - Tracey Applin with Kim Lewis and her son, James, 8 Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE Kim Lewis is starting a new
No action is to be taken against three Scout officials after a police investigation into alleged financial irregularities John Baker and Colin Mallett, of 11th Clacton (Jaywick), and former Tendring district commissioner Ron Talbot were suspended from
A new register to help people who find it difficult to buy a home is set to be introduced in the Braintree district. Members of Braintree Council's cabinet approved proposals for a separate housing register for people seeking help in the housing market
A Mid-Essex children's author has scooped a top award for his latest book. Winner - children's author Kes Gray, of Witham, with his latest book, Billy's Bucket, which won an award at this year's Red House children's book awards. Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE
The aim of the Canvey Independent Party is to take up all seats on Castle Point Council, it has been revealed. Amazed at winning five seats at the recent local elections, the newly formed party now insists it can go all the way and will be running the
Charlton Athletic striker Ann-Marie Heatherson linked up with the England Under-21 squad yesterday aiming to bag a place for next month's Nordic Tournament. England call - for Canvey footballer Ann-Marie Heatherson Picture: MAXINE CLARKE The Addicks forward
Two men tried to charge an elderly woman £250 for cutting her grass. Fortunately, one of the woman's neighbours realised what the men were trying to do and made sure they left empty handed from her home, in Windsor Road, West Mersea. Police have warned
Chris Swallow admitted Godmanchester deserved to win as Clacton fell to their first defeat of the campaign. The former captain and Richard Goodenough attempted to bat Clacton back into contention after Godmanchester made 285 for nine, but the visitors
A grandfather is gearing up for a 100-mile sponsored cycle in aid of a children's charity. Pensioner John Bishop, 69, of The Street, Ramsey, will do the ride along the Stour Estuary on June 27 to raise fund for Whizz Kidz, a national organisation which
Basildon angler Lloyd Powell struck gold landing a cracking 21lb 8oz common carp within minutes of taking his first cast at Northlands Park Lake. Common touch - Lloyd Powell with his carp The big fish, one of five different 20lb-plus specimens from the
Utterly stunning that is how Mersea islander Peter Clements describes his investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace. Mr Clements was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the Queen's New Year's Honours List. Given for his service to
Speed cameras have failed to halt the growing number of deaths on Essex roads, it was claimed today. The Association of British Drivers blasted an independent report released by the Government yesterday claiming speed cameras save lives. The organisation
East Thurrock United boss Lee Patterson has made four important signings as his team prepare for a first season in the Southern League Division One East. Vinnie John, who can play as a striker or central defender, has joined from Hornchurch along with
A spectacular £390,000 laser art show designed by a Turner Prize nominee is being planned for Pier Hill. The striking glass and laser artwork at the redeveloped landmark site will be 54 metres long, making it one of the largest public art commissions
Another nail-biter for Coggeshall ended with another division one victory as they overhauled Halstead with the last ball of the game. Coggeshall needed two to win from the final delivery when Will Blackwell sent hearts racing by smacking the ball down
Police are appealing for help to catch a Galleywood sex attacker who remains at large after an assault on a 14-year-old girl in February. The attack happened at about 9pm on Monday February 9 between Barnard Road and Markland Close. The attacker followed
Cancer sufferers in south Essex are least likely to be prescribed potentially lifesaving drugs compared with other areas of the UK. A staggering 12 out of every 15 key drugs are being under-prescribed in the area, according to national cancer tsar Prof
Health bosses have joined forces with the Evening Echo to give away a new health manual to encourage men to think more about their health. Manual for men - Simon Ford has a look at the new Haynes cancer manual as he tinkers under his bonnet Picture: STEVE
A distressed woman trying to reach a town centre doctor endured a 45-minute mystery bus trip, after the driver displayed the wrong destination. Emma Shaw, 29, of Canterbury Road, Colchester, said she was reduced to tears by the attitude of the driver
A construction services business has strengthened its market position in Essex with the acquisition of another firm. May Guerney, which has £100 million of contracts in Essex for major roads, train and street lighting projects, has taken over utilities
A tennis coach has served up a volley at thieves who stole equipment worth £16,000 from the back of his car. Gutted - thieves stole Andy Flynn's ball machine Picture: ROB BROWNE Andy Flynn, 39 of Timberlog Lane, Vange, was woken by a neighbour yesterday
A bid for funding to implement a new 30mph limit on the A13 through Castle Point is being considered by Essex County Council. Castle Point Council's highways and leisure committee have agreed to slash the current 40mph by 10mph, as the road is considered
Just days after seizing power Brentwood Conservatives have confirmed they are already taking steps to axe on street parking charges in Shenfield. The Tories won five seats from the Lib Dems in a dramatic local election night and have immediately submitted
Year 2000 World Champion Mark Loram, the 2000 World Champion will be bidding to recover from the disappointment of being eliminated from Saturday's British Grand Prix at the semi-final stage tonight. Loram returns to club racing this evening when he spearheads
Dancers will be entertaining shoppers to raise cash for good causes. Clacton Lions are holding a collection in Clacton town centre for much of Saturday and the town's Rising Lark dancers will be performing traditional dances. Organisers will also be holding
Freed Essex care worker Marianne Telfer spent a quiet night in with her family to celebrate coming home. Tears of joy and relief met Ms Telfer yesterday as she returned from four months in a Caribbean jail. Telfers reunited - Marianne Telfer with her
Oil spills could harm an important wetland area if a major new port development was built in Harwich, it has been claimed. John Noble, of Harwich Fishermen's Association, told a public inquiry yesterday a new container terminal at Bathside Bay would jeopardise
Former Southend United manager Rob Newman has failedin his bid to become boss at AFC Telford. The Shropshire club -- who were re-formed following the demise of Conference side Telford United last month -- have appointed former Northern Ireland international
Essex have been knocked out of the C&G Trophy after they were beaten by Worcestershire by 21 runs in the quarter finals. Worcestershire managed to make 204 during their innings but Essex could not quite match the total with Andy Flower (58) and James
Police today raided addresses in Westcliff as part of a major operation to smash a huge student visa immigration scam. A total of 18 people, including six women, were arrested as more than 120 officers swooped on properties in Westcliff and London, including
Colchester marksman Paul Russell shot straight to success to become Gibraltar Open Champion 2004. He competed for Colchester Rifle Club, who also won the team event at the Gibraltar Rifle Association Open Championships, to come away from The Rock with
Canvey youngsters who sacrificed a day off to clean up a local lake have seen their good work rewarded with a donation towards a much-desired skatepark. Pupils from various Canvey schools did their best to fill a skip with abandoned aluminium cans, bikes
Police are appealing for witnesses after a pensioner was assaulted in South Woodham Ferrers last week. The man, who was in his eighties, suffered minor injuries following a fight with another man, in his thirties, in Asda car park on Wednesday morning
Super fit PE teacher Scot Maclean is preparing to pedal 230 miles to Manchester to help budding athletes reach for the skies. Spokesman - PE teacher Scot Maclean prepares for his long bike ride, cheered on by pupils Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY Scot, 33, of
Join us! That's the call from campaigning Braintree mums and mums-to-be Scores of banner-waving campaigners plan to descend on Braintree's William Julien Courtauld (WJC) Hospital on Saturday to demand that its unit becomes a full-time maternity ward and
A police hunt for two men who tried to drag a woman into their Transit van was today stepped up a gear. Do you know him? - police E-fit of a man they want to talk to after a woman fought off two men who tried to abduct her Detectives have released these
