The future of Brentwood's threatened Hopefield Animal Sanctuary is still hanging in the balance despite a determined campaign to stop it being thrown off its home in Sawyers Hall Lane. The land is owned by Supermarket giants Tesco, which has evaluated
Vandalism is "worse than ever" in Maldon, it has been claimed. Youths have been rampaging through the West Maldon community centre in Sunbury Way, and now police are stepping up both uniformed patrols and plain-clothes officers on the beat. Bookings officer
The family of a 23-year-old Chelmsford stage star who died five years ago have warned of the dangerous effects of cannabis and hit out at recent calls to legalise the drug. Scott Sherrin, a presenter of BBC's That's Life and star of musicals Fame and
A newly-created dry garden is to be officially opened at the Royal Horticultural Society's garden at Hyde Hall in Rettendon in August. The garden, one of the largest of its kind in this country, features more than 4,000 plants representing 730 different
A greenkeeper who started off by looking after the pitch at Halstead Cricket Club has now taken over at the helm at an Earls Colne Golf Club. Tom Smith, 28, started greenkeeping at Halstead Cricket Club, before spells with Gosfield Golf Club. He is now
Meetings have taken place to discuss how community groups can make the most of facilities at Canvey Island Football Club. Members of Castle Point Council and the club's directors have discussed how the whole community could use club buildings. Dave Blackwell
Soldiers from Colchester Garrison have raised £700 for the Dolphin Appeal for the children's ward at Colchester General Hospital by completing a marathon in France. Eleven soldiers from 16 Close Support Medical Regiment ran the marathon in an area of
More than 400 mourners flocked to pay their last respects to an alleged murder victim, described as an angel and "a beautiful butterfly." Tributes flowed to honour the memory of popular Anne Marie Couldridge, 28, of Hilton Road, Canvey, who was found
Police have appealed for help after commemorative lanterns were stolen from graves at Basildon New Cemetery. One woman complained to the police that a lantern costing almost £20 was stolen from her dead sister's grave. She said: "It is disgusting that
Essex County Council has promised to hold a referendum if the threat of incineration within the county looks like becoming a reality. Despite massive pressure from environmental campaigners worried over the threat of incineration the Conservative administration
The 50th anniversary summer tournament finished a thrilling style for the Leigh and Westcliff players. Rayleigh, Westcliff Lawn and Thorpe Bay were all locked on 33 points going into the championship deciders in Men's Division One. Lawn and Thorpe Bay
Simon Bonham defeated Richard Barham 6-4 6-4 to take the men's singles title at Westcliff Hardcourts' finals. The standard of play was high as befits two players who are of county standard, but Bonham's superior matchplay gave him the edge in the final
Has anyone seen a vulture? Sydney, the 11lb bird first spotted in Colchester on Sunday, swooped into the darkness on Monday night after a botched bid to capture him. On Tuesday morning he was spotted in Jaggard Street, Coggeshall - but now his whereabouts
Schools across Clacton and Harwich are celebrating scooping up to another £2m towards improving education in the towns. School standards minister Stephen Timms announced yesterday (Wednesday) that the towns' Education Action Zone will continue for a further
Leading councillors are outraged after being snubbed by Home Office officials over talks on the application for the "youth jail" at the St Charles site in Weald Road, Brentwood. Councillors are furious after being told no meeting would take place between
The election of Kenneth Clarke as the new Tory leader would be a "nightmare", Sir Teddy Taylor said today (Thursday). The prominent Euro-sceptic MP for Rochford and Southend East said: "If members of the party chose Mr Clarke, I think I would have to
Industrial action at an Essex firm has been called off after workers backed down in a £5-a-week pay dispute. Some 120 manual workers at Heybridge printing firm ET Heron on the Bentalls Industrial Estate have resumed duties after almost two weeks of deadlock
A family has spoken of their shock and grief after the shooting of a Colchester-born man in South Africa. Harry Strike, 32, was shot dead at the supermarket he ran near Johannesburg on Sunday. His mother, brother and family are now having to come to terms
An appeal to millions of television viewers on Crimewatch for help to find missing south Essex teenager Danielle Jones has been hailed a success. Last night (Wednesday) more than 200 callers phoned in to the BBC1 show after the 15-year-old's last known
It's another bitter blow to the Braintree economy. News on Tuesday that 59 more jobs are to be axed brings the total number of job losses this year alone in the Braintree district to 150. Workers at B Braun Medical Ltd, which announced the latest job
A homeless charity is recruiting an adviser to help forces leaving the military corrective training centre in Colchester find homes. Shelter has been given funding by the Rough Sleepers Unit, headed by homelessness czar Louise Casey, to employ an armed
The demolition of an Army camp on Canvey which dated back to the First World War dismayed services expert Gary Foulger. The buildings at Thorney Bay Beach Camp were old, dangerous and contained asbestos, and homes are planned for the site. However, Mr
BAC Ltd - the Harold Wood replacement windows and doors market leader - has announced a major shake-up. The new look BAC will see the decentralisation of its customer sales and service arrangements to three business units - in Romford (Harold Wood), Dartford
Torrential rain came close to bringing the Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament finals day to a standstill at one point, but for one Thurrock man it was a very pleasant afternoon. John Pleasant, a 54-year-old trying for Open honours for only the third
A first-half strike from Southend United frontman Mark Rawle settled a niggly "friendly" affair at Grays Athletic on Saturday. The Shrimpers were given a stern physical examination by their Ryman Premier League hosts, but Rawle's third goal in two games
A long-standing racing club may be forced to close if it cannot find a new home. Braintree Auto Club is trying to find a new track after its site was sold by a compulsory purchase order to make way for the dualling of the A120, which will cut across its
Thomas Pinault has thrown down the gauntlet to Colchester United boss Steve Whitton for a place in the U's starting line-up for the new Second Division kick-off in August. Unlucky to miss out after a bright pre-season last year, the talented 19-year-old
Bell Sports and Leigh Ramblers C have won through to the final of the senior Open B soccer competition for the John Ralph Cup at the Rochford Festival of Sport at the St John Fisher Ground, Rayleigh. Bell thrashed Flightspares 5-0 in the semi-finals with
New Ipswich Town signings Tommy Miller and Pablo Counago made impressive debuts, scoring against Tampere United in a 4-2 win. George Burley was rewarded for his off-season deals during the team's first pre-season friendly last night (Wednesday) as part
Chelmsford Canoe Club paddler Keith Moule returned to international competition in extremely high temperatures at the weekend, at Zagreb, Croatia. This was the final World Cup event of the year and witnessed Keith and K2 partner Danny Golder's best result
There is more than one way to relax with a cuppa following a hard day's work, and for Countryside Properties' Landscape Director David Fountain, one way is to relax in one as well. The wooden teaset is part of another Countryside Properties joint project
A branch surgery with more than 2,500 patients could close. And health watchdog North East Essex Community Health Council (CHC) fears the situation might "escalate", with other surgeries in Colchester asking to move or close. The surgery, in Gray Road
Colchester United's footballers were back on the training ground yesterday (Wednesday) after losing by the only goal at Braintree in their latest pre-season friendly on Tuesday night. Former U's star Robbie Reinelt netted the all-important first-half
Despite the heavens opening at just the wrong time, The Dons junior soccer club scored a hit with their open day at Belfairs High School, Leigh Secretary Simon Thorsian said: "The showery weather didn't help, but we did have some new boys and girls of
There is no meeting of Brentwood's Chamber of Commerce in August, because of holidays, but one is being tentatively organised for September 20 when it is hoped some council chairmen will be present. One of the Chambers regular lunches takes place on Thursday
A mystery substance found on a building site in the Hythe, Colchester, has turned out to be 1,000 tonnes of brick dust. Environment Agency experts were called out to the site in Hawkins Road after a resident feared there was blue asbestos on the land.
The company spearheading an Essex version of the timeless game Monopoly has been inundated with requests by firms keen to take squares on the board. The nation's obsession with Essex man and woman is expected to rocket sales of the game past the 100,000
A nine-year-old boy has fallen eight feet down a manhole. Matthew Jarvis was playing on the town council-owned green near his home in Longship Way, Maldon, at 8pm last night (Wednesday) when a makeshift cover gave way. Fortunately, he suffered just cuts
A four-year-old boy and a man are in intensive care following a horrific road smash which left six people injured. The accident happened when a blue Mercedes saloon and a cream Ford Escort were in collision on the A120 roundabout in Ramsey. After the
The Government will not step in to demand an end to one-day strikes on the c2c rail line. The issue was raised in the Commons by Sir Teddy Taylor Rochford and Southend East MP at the height of yesterday's (Wednesday's) strike. He pointed out to members
A conman posing as a policeman escaped with the contents of a Colchester shop till after telling a member of staff to empty it into a bag. The man calmly walked into High Street News, High Street, Colchester, at about 3.10pm yesterday (Wednesday). Without
A biker was being treated for serious head injuries in Southend Hospital today (Thursday) after his motorbike smashed into a tree. The 28-year-old, from Southend, was riding his trial bike along Stock Road, Southend, when it left the road. Converted for
Police were today (Thursday) sifting through more than 200 calls made in response to a nationwide television appeal for help in finding abducted Danielle Jones. They received the information within an hour of the close of the Crimewatch programme last
There were celebrations in Braintree after confirmation of a £4,950 lottery grant to boost football. Sporting 77, a Braintree youth football club, will use the money to establish two female football teams, to promote the sport among women. But the celebrations
A Harwich company has set up a project to help firms with their training. People Wise has linked up with Stansted-based Brettles PR Marketing and Consultancy, to launch the new venture. The newly-formed company, Brettles Learning and Development, will
A major scheme to build 18 flats overlooking the sea at Jaywick has been given the green light - despite concerns over the infrastructure around the new development. Boathouse Developments put forward the plans for Belsize Avenue which are for three blocks
Youngsters in Brightlingsea have won their battle for their own drop-in and advice centre in the middle of town. The bid, by 4 Youth in Victoria Place, was recommended for refusal by Tendring Council officers, but on Tuesday night councillors unanimously
An elderly couple were left injured by the side of a road after a hit-and-run accident. The couple, who are both 79 and live in Maldon, were crossing the road by the entrance to the Bentalls Shopping Complex in Heybridge. Both of them received minor injuries
New signings Tommy Miller and Pablo Counago scored on their Ipswich Town debuts last night as the Blues crushed Tampere United 4-2. The pre-season friendly - the first of three matches Town play on their tour of Finland and Estonia - also reaped goals
Race walker Dominic King is preparing for his first major outing this weekend when he represents Great Britain over ten kilometres in the European Junior Championships. King, who lives in Great Horkesley and is a member of Colchester Harriers, will compete
Billericay Town fans are embarking on a couple of big fund-raising schemes for the new season. They plan to issue £90 bonds in the hope of raising up to £7,500 to help towards ground improvements at New Lodge. And the Supporters Club's merchandise for
The rain has come to Essex's rescue as Kent take a commanding lead in the County Championship match at Southchurch Park, Southend. After only managing to put 107 runs on the board in their first innings, Essex spent the morning in the field trying to
Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has learned striker Scott McGleish cracked an elbow after falling heavily in Saturday's pre-season friendly at Bury Town. Whitton said: "It's not good news for us because Scott is our main striker. "An x-ray has revealed
Essex cricket captain Ronnie Irani issued a "lay off our coaches" warning today (Thursday) as Keith Fletcher and Geoff Arnold bore the brunt of the county's latest dismal performance. Head coach Fletcher and Excellence coach Arnold are facing increasing
It was another day of deep depression for Essex's long-suffering supporters at Southchurch Park yesterday (Wednesday) as they were forced to watch their side turn in another pathetic performance. The County's resistance was blown away in 59.5 overs while
London Leopards basketball hero Brian Moore was on hand to officially open a new £40,000 building at a Laindon school. From September, the block will be the home of learning mentors who will work with pupils having difficulties fitting in at James Hornsby
The tremendous response to Thurrock Council's consultation on its new structure has boosted its leader's confidence that the authority is heading in the right direction. In all, 102,609 forms were sent out by the Electoral Reform Service with 21,701 valid
An elderly Brentwood woman tragically died on a hospital operating table while doctors fought to save her life, an inquest heard last week. After complaining of bowel pains, Margaret Adamthwaite, 78, a retired midwife, of Hammonds Lane, was rushed to
Another High Street pub has been given permission to open later at weekends by Brentwood Borough Council. The Irish theme pub O'Neill's has been granted a provisional entertainments licence allowing it to stay open until 11.30pm on Thursdays, Fridays
Judges for the prestigious Anglia in Bloom competition were treated to a stylish ride around when they visited Frinton. Gerald Snook and George Dawson were driven in an 1882 English landau pulled by a team of two magnificent Dutch Frisian horses. They
A major initiative to help cataract sufferers continues to be blighted by cash-flow problems. But health chiefs have vowed that plans for a £400,000 mobile cataract unit are still reachable and are looking for vital funding. The unit would act as an operating
A major four-year plan has been outlined on ways to move away from "white stilettos and handbag" image of Essex. The draft plan, focusing on how to improve the image of the county and make it a better place to live, was on Tuesday discussed by members
Another daunting day in the field awaits Essex as opponents Kent managed to race past the county side's first innings total of 107 all out in their County Championship match. By close of play yesterday (Wednesday) Kent had put on 116 without loss from
The father of a ten-year-old boy who died after coming off a micro scooter says he did not blame the accident on the plaything. Glenn had been trying to catch up with friends on a scooter when he was involved in a collision with a red Ford Fiesta, driven
A good day despite early rain was the verdict from organisers of this year's Southminster Show. A total of 1,819 people attended the event on Saturday - 52 down on last year, but organisers, Dengie Hundred Horticultural Society say the day went according
The path of a new £72m dual carriageway could cut further across the mid-Essex countryside and link the M11 with the A12. The suggested route for a new dualled A120 has been considered by the Regional Planning Panel of the East of England Local Government
A Chelmsford-based recycling firm is celebrating after winning a prestigious new contract for the collection and sorting of cans in the neighbouring county of Hertfordshire. The Pharoah Recycling Group have been awarded a five year contract, with a possible
A bitter war of words erupted as rail bosses were accused of throwing passenger safety into jeopardy during yesterday's (Wednesday's) c2c strike. Unions claimed inexperienced managers were drafted in as makeshift guards as less than a quarter of trains
An appeal to millions of television viewers on Crimewatch for help to find missing south Essex teenager Danielle Jones has been hailed a success. Last night (Wednesday) more than 200 callers phoned in to the BBC1 show after the 15-year-old's last known
A major four-year plan on ways to move away from Essex's "white stilettos and handbag" image has been welcomed by south Essex council leaders. The draft plan, focusing on how to improve the image of the county and make it a better place to live, was discussed
A Colchester deputy head is to take over the reins in a coastal school. And the new headteacher at the Harwich School has promised to keep close links with the community and continue to raise standards. Jacky Froggatt will be taking over from John McAleavy
Clothing giant New Look is to open its superstore in Basildon next week. Managers at Eastgate Shopping Centre are also to announce soon which company will move into the remaining half of the C&A building. The news marks the end of troubled times for
A seriously-ill father has told how he faces losing his job and his home as he waits for heart surgery. Anthony Lough, 44, of Chesterford Green, Basildon, is waiting to hear when surgery will go ahead at the Royal Brompton Hospital in London. Meanwhile
The father of a ten-year-old boy who died after coming off a micro scooter says he did not blame the accident on the plaything. Glenn had been trying to catch up with friends on a scooter when he was involved in a collision with a red Ford Fiesta, driven
A young man with an eye to the future, and already impressed by the Brentwood business scene, has been appointed to a crucial new job by Barclays - and intends to 'get involved', particularly in community activities. Now Jon Clarke, the bank's new Local
A generous grant and a helping hand from local businesses will ensure a sensory garden at a Colchester School will become a reality. Staff and pupils at Kingswode Hoe, a special school for children with moderate learning difficulties, in Sussex Road,
Footpaths in Essex have been given the all-clear in the wake of the foot-and-mouth outbreak. The blanket closure has now been lifted and the red closure notices are now being removed. Those remaining can now be ignored. They are being replaced by the
Travellers have moved on to a factory car park. The group, with about a dozen caravans, have set up on the Moplefan site in Factory Lane, Brantham. A spokesman for the group said they had been forced to leave Ipswich. He highlighted the lack of travellers
Southend Council has just 14 months to make up its mind about a new primary school at Shoebury Garrison - or lose the land. Shoebury Residents' Association is pressing for action after it emerged the council must decide whether to take up the offer for
Phoenix Swimming Club had a busy weekend picking up medals at the Southend Aggregate Gala. Each competitor had to swim all four strokes and all the times were added together with the fastest overall time being the winner. Nicola Cook came away with a
Braintree Town were roundly beaten 3-0 by a strong Leyton Orient squad in their first pre-season friendly. More than 500 people came to Cressing Road to see the home side take on the Nationwide League third division outfit. And the Iron, who handed debuts
A record first wicket partnership by Sussex meant more misery for Essex as they remained bottom of the National League second division, losing at Hove by 27 runs in their floodlit evening match. Having won the toss on Monday Sussex put on 176 for the
Tributes have flooded in for a stalwart Canvey Island FC fan who has suddenly died. "Mad Al" Jenkins passed away in his sleep on Saturday - just a day after he'd eagerly been inquiring about when his season ticket for the new campaign would be ready.
Leigh Olympic fencer James Beevers has vowed to bounce back after losing his foil crown at the British championships. Beevers, 22, missed out on a third successive title when he was narrowly beaten in the final by British number four Richard Kruse at
The only good news for Essex has been the weather which has prevented Kent adding to an already worrying lead in the County Championship match at Southchurch Park, Southend. After only managing to put 107 runs on the board in their first innings, Essex
Two new clubs, Track Back and Palano, have been elected to the Hadleigh Carport South-end Borough Combination for the forthcoming campaign. The Combination's annual meeting approved the reorganisation of the divisions which resulted in the reserve section
Patients using the Westcliff Centre in Balmoral Road for mental health treatment have been reassured they will not lose out with the centre's closure today (Thursday). The move is part of South Essex Mental Health and Community Care NHS Trust's plans
More than 200 Paras will be leaving rented accommodation on a Colchester housing estate to live in portable buildings. Soldiers will be making the move from Greenstead over the next few months, as building work on the Cavalry Barracks is completed. The
Use the pubs you've got - that's the angry message to developers from a leading councillor outraged at the continuing scandal of plans to convert High Street shops into pubs. Conservative Group Leader Cllr Malcolm Buckley has spoken out after it was revealed
The election of Kenneth Clarke as the new Tory leader would be a "nightmare", Sir Teddy Taylor said today (Thursday). The prominent Euro-sceptic MP for Rochford and Southend East said: "If members of the party chose Mr Clarke, I think I would have to
Travelling Terry the terrapin was found wandering through Weeley - and now a hunt is on to find his owners. The roaming reptile has been handed in to Kinfauns vets in Little Clacton, who have been feeding him pilchards and dried cat food. But they are
Environment Agency experts are testing samples of a mystery substance found during building at the Hythe. An agency spokesman said bags of an unidentified substance were uncovered on the site of planned student accommodation behind the new retail warehouse
Ballards Gore's club championship over 36 holes was won by Jan Hooper with a gross 174. The Nevin Cup for the best handicap went to Vivien Fearn on net 155. The monthly medal was played in blustery conditions with Carole Swaffer silver winner on 74 from
Confusion reigned in the circus world after illegal signs were ripped out of the ground without any explanation. The Great British Circus had placed the signs at strategic points on Canvey, to direct workers unfamiliar to the area to its site at Waterside
A mother of seven told how she swam for an hour to save her neighbour's dog from drowning - only to find her money had been stolen from the beach. Allison Taylor had travelled by train to Southend where she, her children and neighbour Katy Harris were
Thieves with an expensive taste in booze stole a huge 26-litre bottle of vintage champagne from a shop. The £600 bottle, which is about three feet tall, was stolen after a paving slab was thrown through a window of Unwins Wine Merchants in Coggeshall
A furniture recycling project which passes unwanted items to the needy is asking residents with old beds to come forward. Thurrock Council for Voluntary Service runs Seconds Out one day a week with the help of volunteers. If you have a bed that is in
More places on refresher courses for former teachers interested in brushing up their skills and returning to the classroom are to be provided in teacher training schools all over Essex. The courses which run from this autumn are part of the nationwide
