Computer equipment at more than half of Southend's schools is expected to fall prey to the millennium bug, a survey has revealed. Various checks need to be undertaken on all computer chip-controlled equipment to ensure it will recognise the 2000 date
Plans to alter priorities on West Mersea's main traffic system have been branded "pure madness". Colchester planners, deciding the future of the Fountain Hotel site, look set to give vehicles on the adjacent East Road right of way over those on Mill Road
A Great Wakering shopkeeper claimed he was being forced to auction his business because trade in the village has hit an all-time low. Rochford district councillor Rob Allen says he must sell up after the bottom fell out of trade at his Tofs DIY and hardware
A cargo handler at Stansted Airport drove home after a 17-hour shift and was involved in an accident which killed another man. A court heard on Tuesday how a fatal crash could have been caused by Nigel Wright falling asleep at the wheel. Wright, 27, of
Despite the score line this was not the one-sided affair that the points may indicate and it was Burnham who started the stronger with confidence and for about 20 minutes had all the possession. It was only strong defence by Beccles and handling errors
Braintree's hopes of a money-spinning cup run were dashed in wet and windy Suffolk on Saturday at the hands of a committed and well drilled Newmarket outfit. Matt Wadforth's makeshift side had an uphill task on their hands even before battle commenced
Drivers on the A13 were caught up in long tailbacks after a lorry overturned following a collision with a car. It took emergency services more than two hours to clear the Southend-bound track and diversions were put in place as the vehicles were moved
Rapist Thomas O'Connor is facing a long prison sentence after being found guilty of a series of brutal sex attacks. Barman O'Connor raised his middle finger and shouted "I hope you die in pain" to the jury after they delivered their verdict. O'Connor,
Eight-year-old Steven Sewell from Great Dunmow became East Anglian champion for his age group on Sunday at the Peterborough Raceway after having easily won his three motos. The eight rider final was a close fought race with a visiting rider just crossing
A couple are preparing for a charity trek with a difference - travelling through India on motorbikes. White Notley couple Jim and Karen Patten decided against sponsored walks, silences and swims and opted for a biking fundraiser. Mr and Mrs Patten, of
Colin Lewin, Colchester Harriers' number one triathlete, represented Great Britain in the ITT World Triathlon Championship in Montreal. Lewin, whose form has been his best ever in 1999, strode through the Canadian heat to finish tenth out of the 190 competitors
A diesel spill may have caused a crash which left a driver seriously ill in hospital. Richard Webster, 59, of Broad Road, Bocking, was driving a Ford Fiesta which was in collision with a Renault lorry in Maldon Road, Tiptree, at 11.10am on Tuesday. He
Relieved Kirsty Williams gave her beloved dog Spot a cuddle after he was rescued from a river by firefighters. Spot, who is terrified of water, fell into the river during his afternoon walk. Owner Garry Williams said he had been with his wife, Jayne,
It was bad enough when contractors sprayed tar over Joe Bruce's car parked in the driveway of his home. But when they later returned - without his permission - to clean off the mess, things were definitely not good. To add insult to injury, Mr Bruce,
Staff at Basildon Hospital were celebrating after getting the go-ahead for a new MRI scanner. The equipment will improve the hospital's reputation for cancer care, reduce waiting lists and mean patients no longer have to make the journey to Southend for
They could not have cut it any finer and with almost the last kick of the match Braintree grabbed the decider to move up to second place in the Division One table. Having met twice already in the FA Cup, this was the third time the teams had faced each
It was described by the trial judge as one of the most extraordinary cases he had heard - how Thomas O'Connor killed his father then made it look like suicide. He later made an emotional confession. This is the story of a man, brutalised by his father
Stuart Law and Ronnie Irani are the 1999 winners of the Essex Boundary Club's batsman and bowler of the year supporters' trophies. The awards go to the batsman and bowler who score the most runs and take the most wickets for Essex in Championship, one-day
A network of crimebusting cameras could be extended in a bid to create a crime-free zone. Plans are in the pipleine to boost the level of CCTV cameras in Witham. The plan aims to stamp out crime and nuisance behaviour by extending the current close circuit
