If you want to have a real say about how hospital health care is delivered in Thurrock then you may get the chance soon. Becoming a governor of the Basildon and Thurrock University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is the way to be heard and next month elections
A would-be MP has come out in support of controversial free runners practising their sport at Pier Hill. Rochford and Southend East Tory parliamentary candidate James Duddridge praised the extreme activity as good exercise that kept youngsters out of
Police were today scouring the countryside as fears rose for the safety of a missing nine-year-old boy who may have been trying to find his mum's Basildon home. Ben Wilson was reported missing on Saturday night after he failed to return to the home he
Young actors from a Braintree theatre group have been chosen to perform in a Shakespeare show. The five pupils from Theatretrain will perform in Bash the Bard on March 27 at Her Majesty's Theatre, London. The group, Crystal Levoir, 13, Jasmine McGuile
Neil Danns was disappointed with his return to Blackburn Rovers. Disappointed - Neil Danns It was the Liverpool-born midfielder's first trip back to his former club since he signed for Colchester United just before Christmas. The 22-year-old penned a
The families of three young boys missing for two days today appealed for them to come home. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys Ben Wilson, nine, of Philip Road, Witham, and brothers Rhys and Drew Hennebry, ten and 12, of Speedwell Close, were
SOUTHEND United are subsiding coach travel for Blues' visit to Swansea City this Friday and the club's co-owner Ron Martin is hoping as many fans as possible will make the trip. "It's a very big game and it would be superb if we had a good number of fans
Police want to track down a man who sparked concerns when he was seen hanging around a Colchester school. They have issued descriptions of the mystery cyclist, who was seen outside St Andrew's Junior School, Hickory Avenue, Greenstead. Colin Stiff, of
Hannah Stodel has begun the year with a victory. As part of Britain's Athens 2004 Paralympic Sonar crew, the West Mersea sailor wrapped up their first title of the year by winning the class in the Miami Olympic Classes Regatta. The crew, skippered by
Unattended candles started a blaze at a Colchester home. Residents returned to their flat in Nunn's Road to discover it filled with smoke. Firefighters were called to the scene and wore breathing apparatus and a hose reel to tackle the blaze. Sub officer
A town councillor has defected to another political party. John Thurlow, a member of Harwich Town Council, has switched from the Community Representatives' Party to Labour. Mr Thurlow said: "The local Labour councillors have been very supportive and helpful
Thurrock may be without one of their most versatile players for the next few weeks. Midfielder Martyn Lawrence may have broken his ankle at Tuesday night's game against Redbridge. The travelling Ship Laners won the encounter 1-2. But Lawrence - who can
Traders in Southend's York Road market are calling on the council to guarantee their future by implementing a ten-point plan for its future regeneration. The move follows a meeting between the traders and council members to air their worries over the
Two bars on a village holiday park can carry on staging music and dancing - despite a complaint over the way they operate. Bourne Leisure applied for a renewal of its public entertainment licences for both the Show Bar and the Poolside Bar on Point Clear
Grays' march to the Conference South title rolled on at Sutton United on Saturday with an emphatic 6-0 win. John Martin led the way with a hat-trick, with Leroy Griffiths, Steve West and Dean Brennan also getting on the scoreshet. Thurrock suffered a
The three missing Witham schoolboys have been found safe and well, police have confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys who went missing Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham homes
Colchester United's FA Cup campaign came to a sad and disappointing end at Blackburn Rovers. Mark Hughes' side were the third Premiership team that Colchester had faced this year and everyone who made the trip to Ewood Park were hoping they were going
Six young men from Thurrock have achieved their dream of building their own homes thanks to an innovative scheme. The group of youngsters, who are all between 16 and 20 years old and are trying to get back into the community, have been helping to build
The grieving mother of murdered student Sally Geeson is pushing for an inquiry into why her daughter's killer was allowed back into the Army after abducting another woman. Sue Geeson, 46, will write to Rochford and Southend East MP Sir Teddy Taylor to
Residents watched in horror as paramedics desperately fought to save an 18-year-old who plunged to his death from a block of flats. The teenage victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was at a party in St Mary's Court, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Essex County Council has announced its lowest council tax rise ever, 2.9 per cent. The proposal from Tory county council leader Lord Hanningfield is expected to be approved next month. It is the equivalent of 50p a week increase on an average band D property
A 31-YEAR-old paedophile could face jail after being convicted of making indecent images of children. David Camp junior, of Dewsgreen Vange, was found guilty at Basildon Crown Court on Friday of six counts of making child porn images on his computer.
Detectives are hunting two robbers who held up a bookmakers at gunpoint before fleeing with cash. The men, one wearing tights over his head, walked into William Hill in London Road, Leigh at around 11am on Saturday, threatened terrified staff after producing
Police in Essex and Suffolk are investigating to see if several armed raids in both counties could be linked. Following two armed raids in Essex, one at the Spar shop in Sible Hedingham and one at the Lexden Heath post office in Stanway on Thursday, police
Harwich and Parkeston fans' hearts can rest easy - their team will not be facing AFC Sudbury again this season. In their past two contests this campaign the Shrimpers' supporters have been put through all kind of emotions - having taken the lead only
Three missing Witham schoolboys were today seen in Colchester, police have confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham homes at the weekend. But
The cream of young talent from across the county converged on Westcliff's Essex County indoor bowling club for a special under-18 youth development scheme. Twenty-four bowlers battled it out for more than six hours under the watchful eye of the regional
The Chamber is urging business people to attend the many networking events planned for this year. In February is the Chamber's first breakfast event which takes place at the George Hotel in Colchester on Friday, February 4. Kicking off at 7.30am and featuring
Colchester United's FA Cup campaign came to a sad and disappointing end at Blackburn Rovers. Mark Hughes' side were the third Premiership team that Colchester had faced this year and everyone who made the trip to Ewood Park were hoping they were going
Southend United striker Lawrie Dudfield is determined to fire the Shrimpers to victory over Darlington at Roots Hall tomorrow. The former Hull City forward looked lively during Tuesday night's 2-0 triumph over Swindon Town, scoring the opening goal, and
The three missing Witham schoolboys have been found safe and well, police have just confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys who went missing Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham
A man was knocked unconscious and left with serious head injuries after he was attacked in Dovercourt High Street. The victim, who is in his 20s but has not been named, has spent the past two nights in Colchester General Hospital being treated following
Fresh information about the murder of a Colchester woman 30 years ago has prompted police to issue a new appeal. Kay O'Connor was murdered in 1974 at her home in Wickham Road, Colchester. A neighbour found her on the kitchen floor strangled and stabbed
Controversial plans to build 1,500 homes behind Basildon Hospital are "imminent", according to a local councillor. And English Partnerships, the Government body behind the proposals, has admitted it may go ahead with a planning application before Basildon
Hooded robbers locked a woman assistant in a storeroom as they carried out a raid on her shop. The two men burst into Threshers Wine Merchants, in St Osyth Road, Clacton, and the woman was forced into a storeroom at the back of the premises. The robbers
A pensioner cheated death after the plane he was flying crash-landed at Southend Airport. The undercarriage of the aircraft crumpled and the propeller was damaged during the emergency landing. The 70-year-old pilot, who has not been named, walked away
ALAN Pardew watched his West Ham side end their losing run with a hard-fought draw against Sheffield United and called on the fans to play a part over the rest of the season. After a gruelling physical test at home to the Blades, Pardew must immediately
Blackburn may have won on the pitch, but Colchester United's fans were truly Premiership class. Around 2,000 loyal followers made the 250-mile trip to Ewood Park, determined to enjoy the club's biggest FA Cup outing for decades. Before the game it was
A woman from Colchester has died in a crash in Suffolk. Police still have not named the 23-year-old woman who was travelling in a Citroen Saxo Desire on the A12 at Yoxford on Friday evening when it was involved in a crash with a Yamaha 600cc motorbike
A woman today told of the terrifying moment riot police hunting an armed burglar burst into her home - to find they had the wrong address. Officers smashed down 28-year-old Wendy Jones's front door in the early hours of the morning and pinned her to the
Two drivers escaped serious injury when a truck carrying bricks overturned on one of the busiest roads onto Canvey. The pick-up truck rolled over in an accident with a blue Ford Mondeo on Canvey Way at 2pm yesterday, scattering bricks onto the road. The
A paperwork pile-up has put door staff on a collision course with police, publicans have warned. From February 28, every bouncer in Essex will need an official licence to work from the Security Industry Authority (SIA), proving they are trained and have
ARENA-Essex speedway have completed their line-up for the 2005 Elite League season with the signing of Piotr Swist. It will be the 36-year-old Polish born rider's first taste of British racing after being a regular competitor in his domestic Polish League
Pensioners who feel isolated since the number of buses in their road was halved have launched a campaign to have the service restored. Almost 700 people have signed copies of a letter complaining about reductions on the 101 route, which runs from Outwood
Plans to transform healthcare facilities on Canvey with two new super-clinics are set to be backed by Castle Point Council next week. Castle Point Council's policy and resources committee is recommended to approve proposals to create the two clinics on
Jobs could be cut and parking fees put up - so Maldon District Council can keep its council tax low. The Government has told local authorities that council tax must be increased by no more than five per cent on the previous year to avoid being capped.
North Essex Chamber of Commerce has met with Postwatch representatives to enable members to air concerns over delivery of their mail. The Colchester-based Chamber says the postal watchdog provided useful information to help Chamber members understand
Police are investigating an arson attack which gutted a classic MGB sport car owned by a Southend hotel owner. Ron Fidgeon's pride and joy went up in smoke after a crook torched the car parked outside the Regency Hotel gates. The arsonist was captured
A mother today blasted a doctor for failing to diagnose her baby's life-threatening symptoms. Emma Nicoll said a GP at the Shrub End Surgery, Colchester, decided her daughter's breathing problems were caused by a chest infection. But 17-month-old Courtney
West Ham midfielder Carl Fletcher is calling on his team-mates to take responsibility for easing the pressure on manager Alan Pardew. The Welsh international was signed by Pardew from Bournemouth earlier this season and is keen to repay the faith shown
Phil Parkinson was disappointed that Colchester United did not show the Blackburn Rovers fans what they could do. Over we go - Neil Danns hurdles Blackburn's Tugay 40775-21 The U's supremo was reflecting on his side's 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round exit at Ewood
A young woman who was forced to give up her studies due to illness, was today suing a hospital for the loss of her kidney. Michelle Roberts, 27, was at the Royal Courts of Justice today (Mon) seeking damages from Royal Sussex County Hospital after doctors
Southend United got their promotion campaign back on track with a vital win over fellow high flyers Darlington. Goals from central midfielder Mark Bentley and substitute striker Freddy Eastwood ended the Quakers' five-match unbeaten run and opened a five-point
A devastated mum is heartbroken after thieves stole a tender tribute from her daughter's grave. Who could do this? Diane Hoare with a picture of Sarah-Jayne. Picture: ROB SAMBROOK 40739-1 Diane Hoare was taking flowers to mark the sixth anniversary of
A pizza delivery driver was punched in the face in a road rage attack in Colchester. The victim was driving along Cowdray Avenue late at night when the car behind pulled in front of him at traffic lights and the driver attacked him. He was left with a
Police are appealing for witnesses after youths caused £1,500 of damage at a property in Holland-on-Sea. The youngsters smashed the windows of a car parked at the house in Hereford Road on Friday night. They also knocked down a garden wall. Anyone who
Three missing Witham schoolboys were today seen in Colchester, police have confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham homes at the weekend. But
Detectives were today hunting two robbers who held up a bookmakers at gunpoint before fleeing with cash. The men, one wearing tights over his head, walked into William Hill in London Road, Leigh at around 11am on Saturday, threatened terrified staff after
Canvey soccer boss Jeff King looks set to be in the rare position of naming virtually an unchanged squad for tomorrow's Nationwide Conference visit to Crawley Town. Gulls' line-up from last week's 3-0 home success over Stevenage - which completed their
Neil Danns was disappointed with his return to Blackburn Rovers. Disappointed - Neil Danns It was the Liverpool-born midfielder's first trip back to his former club since he signed for Colchester United just before Christmas. The 22-year-old penned a
Think again! That's the message from angry beach hut owners across Tendring, who today vowed to join forces to fight moves to increase their ground rents by about 30 per cent. There are about 3,000 huts along the district's coastline. Groups representing
SOUTHEND United substitute Freddy Eastwood inspired the Shrimpers to a 2-0 victory over Darlington at Roots Hall on Saturday - and then expressed his shock at being left on the bench. The highly rated hot shot was omitted from the Seasiders starting line-up
Most fishermen are renowned for bending the truth and telling whopping fibs about their catches. That is why gobsmacked Leigh angler Phil Browning had to take home his latest capture - a 3lb 4oz halibut - to prove he was not making up tall stories. "I
Southend's director of rugby Kevin Harman is hoping to see a big improvement from his side as they host Old Patesians at Warner's Bridge tomorrow. The two teams are currently locked level on 29 points in mid-table. And Harman is fully aware the Seasiders
Residents watched in horror as paramedics desperately fought to save an 18-year-old who plunged to his death from a block of flats. The teenage victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was at a party in St Mary's Court, Victoria Avenue, Southend
Aidan Davison has said he will be buying the Blackburn Rovers groundsman a roller for the pitch at Ewood Park. The 36-year-old Colchester United keeper was frustrated as his attempt at a clearance from Kevin Watson's back-pass was sliced as it bobbled
Trade unions and concerned members of the community sent a strong message to Southend Council as they took part in a mass demonstration in protest against plans to slash to services. The threat of closure to seven community centres, 40 job losses, cuts
DESPITE a continuation of his side's poor Conference away run following Satur-day's 2-1 defeat at fellow newcomers Crawley, Canvey soccer boss Jeff King insisted his players would go into tonight's derby at Dagenham in good heart. Gulls, who have now
Blackburn may have won on the pitch, but Colchester United's fans were truly Premiership class. Around 2,000 loyal followers made the 250-mile trip to Ewood Park, determined to enjoy the club's biggest FA Cup outing for decades. Before the game it was
The three missing Witham schoolboys have been found safe and well, police have just confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys who went missing Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham
Controversial plans to build 1,500 homes behind Basildon Hospital are "imminent", according to a councillor. And English Partnerships, the Government body behind the proposals, has admitted it may go ahead with a planning application before Basildon Council
Works will take place for six weeks to install a new sewer in Braintree. The work, in Panfield Lane, will start on Monday and continue until the end of March. The sewer will serve about 120 new properties being built by Countryside Homes on the Gypsy
Chinese cookery classes, a traditional lion dance and a guide to using chopsticks will all be on offer at a new year celebration. The Chinese New Year celebration has been organised by Colchester Council and the Colchester Chinese Culture Society (CCCS
More than 100 Chamber members and their guests attended the recent prestigious Chamber Annual County Luncheon at the Waterfront Restaurant in Chelmsford. The event was sponsored by Essex FM and guest speaker Mary Spence, chief executive of the Thames
A march and rally is to be held in protest at drastic budget cuts at Southend Council which could lead to more than 40 jobs being axed. Unions have urged the public to support their campaign on Saturday at noon at Pier Hill. The move came after the council
Children were running about and jumping over obstacles as they learned how much fun it is to be fit at Rayne Primary School. Fitness fun - Brian Robson and Tom Gould, of Braintree Council, help David Kukiewicz, Scott Preece, George Arkwright, Nikki Caton
WAKERING will be glad to see the back of Essex rivals Maldon. This clash on a rain-soaked surface was the fifth in all competitions between the two sides this term - and Tony Cross's village side have won just one of them. Wakering ended their six-match
Aidan Davison has said he will be buying the Blackburn Rovers groundsman a roller for the pitch at Ewood Park. The 36-year-old Colchester United keeper was frustrated as his attempt at a clearance from Kevin Watson's back-pass was sliced as it bobbled
A culture director is being appointed in Essex to put forward positive images of the county. The move comes as Essex prepares to attract tourists to a county brimming full of culture after winning cash from the Arts Council. Those behind the idea hope
The three missing Witham schoolboys have been found safe and well, police have just confirmed. Ben Wilson - one of the three missing boys who went missing Ben Wilson, nine, Rhys Hennebry, ten, and his brother Drew, 12, all went missing from their Witham
A pensioner found dead after a fire at his home died of a heart attack, a post-mortem examination has revealed. The 77-year-old has been named as Raymond Johnson and an inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned. Mr Johnson's body was found
Fundraisers in Earls Colne have collected more than £500 for charity by lighting up their home. Brandon Ward, of Hillie Bunnies, Earls Colne, has raised £430 for Great Ormond Street Hospital and £111 for the Colchester Cat Rescue charity. Mr Ward raised
Phil Parkinson was disappointed that Colchester United did not show the Blackburn Rovers fans what they could do. Over we go - Neil Danns hurdles Blackburn's Tugay 40775-21 The U's supremo was reflecting on his side's 3-0 FA Cup fourth-round exit at Ewood
BILLERICAY leapfrogged their Hampshire visitors and Leyton to move into third spot in the Ryman Premier promotion race with this win. With leaders Yeading going down at home to Heybridge, it was a good day for Justin Edinburgh's men following their FA
