Seven Days

Weekend Sport

Tony Lock's red card capped a week to forget for Colchester, held to a goalless draw by Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday.

Lock's 80th minute foul on Alan Beeton led to the red card being shown to the former Chelmsford City player during the Division Two clash.

Third Division Southend ended up on the wrong end of a 1-0 scoreline at home to Cheltenham Town.

Neil Grayson's 41st minute strike settled the match just before half-time.

Monday

In News A man was being questioned by police after an armed siege in Colchester.

Part of the town's Greenstead estate was sealed off for 11 hours yesterday (Sunday) after a man forced his way into a house in Blackthorn Avenue and held a woman hostage.

The mayor of Witham has stepped down from his post while an investigation into an alleged breach of local government rules is carried out.

A Witham Town Council press release reported a formal investigation would be undertaken into infringements of the Local Government Act by a member, concerning the declarations of interests.

It also confirmed the mayor, Michael Jones, had agreed not to undertake any duties as a councillor or as mayor during the period of investigation.

A pensioner died following a collision with a car in Dovercourt. Pedestrian Ruby Spain, 77, of Fronks Avenue, Dovercourt, was in a collision with a white Rover car at 11am on Saturday in Main Road.

She was taken to Colchester General Hospital, but later died.

Travellers Return- Caravans returned within hours to land at the Cowdray Centre after they were served with a court order to leave.

In Sport Hermann Hreidarsson is hungry to find the net on a more regular basis after breaking his goal duck for Ipswich Town.

The Icelandic international was on target with a bullet header as the Blues beat Manchester City 3-2 to move third in the Premiership.

Tuesday

In News

Prodigy's Liam Howlett - Braintree's most famous music export - added DJ to a diva as another of his many personal achievements.

Liam was spinning the decks along with hip-hop star Goldie at a special one-off concert by American pop superstar Madonna at Brixton Academy.

Police in Billericay issued a warning to those living at home alone after two conmen frightened a woman and broke into her house.

The men, posing as officials from the water board, targeted a house in Norsey Road. The age of digital technology is coming to mid-Essex.

The Radio Authority announced it was about to invite bids from radio stations to take on a new "digital multiplex licence" for the Southend and Chelmsford area.

Stan's the man - Dad Stan Phillips has just joined Old Heath Community Primary School, Colchester, as a lollpop person.

His sisters-in-law Sharmayne Pearce and Sharon Wilson are already working at school crossing patrols at Hazelmere Infant and Junior Schools, while his wife Sam left her job as a lollipop person at St John's Primary School earlier this year.

In Sport

Canvey Island stepped into uncharted territory and set up an all-Essex FA Cup derby when they beat Port Vale.

Two goals in extra time saw the team progress to the second round of the FA Cup while Southend United's win against Torquay means the two sides will meet in the next round.

Ipswich Town also had reason to celebrate after beating Coventry City 2-1 to move to the quarter finals in the Worthington Cup.

Wednesday

In News

Taxis in Castle Point could be among the most expensive in Essex under new proposals put forward by hackney carriage drivers.

Members of Castle Point Council's licensing committee agreed to the increases, which could see travellers paying out up to £6.20 for a journey of four miles, an increase of 11 per cent on the previous price of £5.60.

An eight-year-old boy who risked his life to save his younger sister from a fire at their home is to have his bravery recognised.

Matthew Aylott, of Beaufort Road, Southend, received a commendation from Essex Chief Fire Officer David Turner.

Spiralling numbers of youngsters wanting to study at Essex University is forcing the institution to expand.

Up for an award - Harwich PC Tony Welham nominated for community police officer of the year with reporter David Grocott .

In Sport

Canvey Island and Southend United are set for the greatest ever local David v Goliath battle following their FA Cup first round replays.

For both pulled off tremendous first round replay extra-time successes by 2-1 scorelines to set up an eagerly-anticipated second round clash in the AXA-sponsored competition on Saturday week.

Thursday

In News

Colchester Council refused chief executive John Cobley an early retirement package that would have cost the authority £230,000.

All 60 councillors met in private to decide whether the money should be found from the public purse when the council was already facing £1 million budget cuts.

A knight to remember - New Ballards Gore Ladies captain Penny Emberton-Brooks arrived for her driving-in ceremony at the Canewdon club mounted on her trusted steed as Queen Clubalot with her faithful squire Sir Caddy.

In Sport

Essex cricket supporters are warming to the prospect of next summer's cricket with the county club warning that the Vodafone Challenge Match against Australia is set to be a corporate sell-out.

Although bookings have only been available for a little over two weeks, all hospitality facilities at Chelmsford are completely booked for the first day of the three-day game which commences on Friday, June 29.

Friday

In News

Shopkeepers have called for more police patrols in Braintree, claiming the town is being targeted by gangs of shoplifters.

Mike Walkner, chairman of Braintree Town Centre Strategy Group and manager of Woolworths, said there has been a rise in the number of shoplifters in the past few months.

A scheme to make speeding motorists pay for more speed cameras is already reaping benefits.

A two-year trial involving the increased use of safety cameras in Essex began in April this year.

The tale of four sore paws- Tyree, an 11-year-old labrador, got lost in Copford, near Marks Tey, and ended 25 miles away in Danbury after taking the opposite direction to her Great Bentley home.

In Sport

Roots Hall was chosen as the venue for the second round FA Cup clash between Southend United and Ryman league side Canvey Island.

Chelmsford City are facing a major player crisis ahead of their game against promotion favourites Grantham Town in the Dr Martens League Eastern Division.

Definitely out is experienced midfielder Freddie Hyatt, who was this week diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia and could miss several games, while Craig Newman and Neil Housley are unavailable because of work commitments.

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.