A new wing at Braintree police station is promised to improve the level of service provided to the public. Staff are relocating to a purpose-built wing, which should mean that the public get a better service. The move will take place today at the Blyth's
Basildon's municipal golf course could soon be in the hands of a private firm, it has been revealed. A leading councillor has admitted the course, in Clays Hill Lane, Kingswood, could be leased out to ensure improvements to its clubhouse and other facilities
A review of community facilities is set to generate millions of pounds for improvements, a council has revealed. After public consultations, Braintree Council's cabinet believes it has decided on the final paper of proposals for the future improvement
Hurdler Catherine Holdsworth put her best foot forward and achieved a personal best to boost her chances of qualifying for the World Junior Championships. The 18-year-old, competing for Colchester Harriers, completed the feat while taking part in the
Top elections experts say there is a 'real possibility' of Labour being kicked out of office at the next General Election. The prediction comes after researchers at Essex University were handed £917,000 to carry out a study of the next election - tipped
Colchester's pubs are competing to provide the best setting for footy fans ahead of England's Euro 2004 opener. An explosion of red and white, state-of-the-art televisions, promotions and music will aim to entice those hoping to capture the drama of the
Danish Kaneria and Andy Clarke spearheaded a spirited Essex fightback against Hampshire at Chelmsford yesterday, but it is unlikely to spare their side from another Championship defeat. Although the visitors finished on 81 for five in their second innings
The decommissioning of Bradwell Power Station has been taken over by a specially-created company in an effort to help its owner, BNFL, recoup losses of £303m. Substantial increases in the costs of safely decommissioning plants like Bradwell has contributed
A new church in Hadleigh is hoping to outgrow its premises within months of opening. Kings Church, with a membership of more than 70 people, is establishing a centre at the former Elim Church, in Oak Road South. The group has met for the past five years
BELFAIRS S Aylen (C) 1,641 M Grimwade (Lib Dem) 1,028 C Nevin (Lab) 347 C maj: 613 No change Perc poll: 41.82 BLENHEIM PARK G Longley (Lib Dem) 1,233 D Newham (C) 1,078 C Willis (Lab) 354 Lib Dem maj: 155 No change Perc poll: 35.86 CHALKWELL I Robertson
A youth council is to be relaunched in the hope young people will become more involved in the running of their community. Witham Town Council has approved a new draft constitution for a reformed youth council representing those aged under 18, and a new
Shoppers beware! That's the warning from Clacton police. In the past month there has been 27 separate incidents where purses and wallets have been stolen from shoppers in Clacton town centre, unaware they were the victims of crime until it was too late
Today's borough election results could be thrown into disarray with legal challenges being considered in key wards, the Evening Gazette newspaper has learned. In Colchester, a combination of polling cards not delivered to homes and polling stations being
The stunning success of the Canvey Island Independent Party was played down by members of the mainstream parties. The "separatists" grabbed four seats from the Tories and one from Labour. Tory Pam Challis, leader of Castle Point Council, greeted their
A retail park could create up to 100 jobs. It is hoped that the major development at Iconfield Park, near Parkeston, will boost the area's economy and encourage investment in the former recession blackspot. Mick Page, regeneration portfolio holder for
Appleton (one seat) T Skipp (C) 1183 J Trollope (L) 649 Maj: 534 C Hold Perc poll: 34.6 Boyce (one seat) C Freeman (C) 1185 A Wright (Lab) 416 N Othni (Gn) 254 Maj: 769 C Hold Perc poll: 36.29 Cedar Hall (one seat) N Ladzrie (C) 1170 L Trollope (Lab)
A 35-year-old man was today being questioned about a brutal attack on a 90-year-old woman which has left her fighting for her life. The man, from Westcliff, was arrested last night on suspicion of robbery and grievous bodily harm. He was being quizzed
A Dovercourt fitness club has a new owner. Ken and Julie Hewitt, who own the Dovercourt Club, have taken over Fresh Fitness Health Club, in Hill Road, Dovercourt. The club will continue to operate as Fresh Fitness. The new owners said they were looking
When the Powerade PGA Assistants' Championship regional qualifier was held at Panshanger Golf Club, Aaron Quinn, from the Essex Golf Complex at Garon Park, Southend, finished joint seventh. He had rounds of 71 and 76 for 147 to be among the top 10 to
Boyce Hill's Paul Ring, who won the title two years ago, will be among the favourites when the 2004 Essex Amateur Championship is staged over 72 holes at Abridge Golf Club, near Romford, on Saturday and Sunday. Ring is one of three former champions in
Brentwood North (one seat) Paul Faragher (Con) 783, Richard Bingley (Lab) 163, Yvonne Maguire (UKIP) 230 Pauline Myers, Lib Dem 648, Frank Seckleman (Green) 126 Perc poll: 43.00 Brentwood South (one seat) Colin Elphick (Lab) 596 Elected, Rowan Holland
A top technological whizz and TV presenter is to talk to pupils from throughout Tendring. Rex Garrod, who created Cassius of TV's Robot Wars, will present a special evening, with all youngsters from Tendring Technology College and its feeder primary schools
Out-of-contract Colchester United duo Scott Fitzgerald and Andy Myers today signed new deals with Second Division rivals Brentford. Experienced Layer Road defender, Myers penned a two-year contract along with highly-rated Northampton Town midfielder Chris
Southend's sporting superstar Adam Hickey combined revision for his GCSE exams by helping the British team to fourth spot in the European Youth Triathlon Relay in Italy. Southend High's Hickey, 16, saw his three-man team get off to a poor start when an
TRIUMPHANT Tories were today celebrating a clean sweep in yesterday's local elections, maintaining their stranglehold on the district. Eleven seats on Rochford District Council were up for grabs, with two unopposed, and the Conservatives walked away with
Former Southend United boss Rob Newman is aiming for a return to management with AFC Telford United. Newman has had informal talks with the new club, which rose out of the ashes of Telford United following the Conference side's financial demise last month
The stunning success of the Canvey Island Independent Party was played down by members of the mainstream parties. The "separatists" grabbed four seats from the Tories and one from Labour. Tory Pam Challis, leader of Castle Point Council, greeted their
The family of a former policeman who died within days of falling ill has paid tribute to a "kind and hard-working" man. Julian Dawson, of Tolleshunt Knights, died after an infection caught hold and his body was unable to fight it owing to cancer of the
A landlord is taking part in the drive of his life to raise money for an Aids charity. Top gear - Alastair and Katie Bols with their classic AC Cobra car Picture: ROB SAMBROOK Alastair Bols, with the help of his wife, Katie, is the new landlord at the
South Essex is going footy-mad as Beckham's boys prepare to battle the French. Guess who we support - families in Malyons, Pitsea Picture: MAXINE CLARKE England's finest will take on Thierry Henry and his team of French superstars in both sides' opening
Southend United star Mark Gower is on the verge of signing an extended one-year contract to stay with the Shrimpers. The talented 25-year-old, who was voted Blues player of the season by both the club's supporters and players, still has a year left on
An enterprising youngster has been awarded a top honour for his fundraising initiative. Award - Harry Doncaster raised more than £250 for the charity Mencap Picture: MAXINE CLARKE Harry Doncaster, ten, a pupil at St Anneline's RC Junior School in Lee
This year's RIVERfest, international festival of music and the arts in Burnham, gets on track this Sunday when the MusicTrain leaves the station. The train, which travels between Wickford and Southminster carrying bands and music-lovers, marks the start
The Canvey Island duo of John Kennedy and Lee Boylan both played a part as the England National game X1 earned a goalless draw against the USA in Charleston. Kennedy, a regular for the side, played the whole game with Boylan, a 57-goal star with Gulls
A life-saving nurse has been praised after she spotted a rare disorder which could have killed a patient. Grandmother Jenny Wingrove, 53, of Clacton, is now recovering from brain surgery after having a tumour removed from her head. But she is full of
A squad of 11 junior and five senior archers from Rayleigh Town Archery Club took part in Basildon based Racketts' open competition with some success. The rounds consisted of eight dozen arrows -- four dozen shot at each of two distances. Harry Hague
More than 140 staff at Tendring Council are in for a pay rise, following a major evaluation of posts which will add about £200,000 to the wage bill. The move will break down historical barriers between blue and white collar workers, introducing a common
Care staff are looking forward to welcoming their colleague back to work after she was cleared of international drug trafficking charges. Marianne Telfer, a registered manager at Acorn Village in Mistley, was today due to be freed from prison in the Dominican
A councillor has laced up his walking boots and set off on a 2,230mile trek around England to raise money for the young people of Billericay. Cllr Peter Greenwood waved goodbye to his family and supporters on Sunday, June 6, to start the mammoth walk
Generous traders in Braintree have donated an array of prizes which will be up for grabs at the weekend. The prizes will be available at a raffle to be held at Braintree fire station in Railway Street, tomorrow, during its open day between 10am and 4pm
There were good performances from Essex's boys and girls in the South of England Schools' Championships over 36 holes at Maidenhead Golf Club, Berkshire. Eleven counties competed for the prestigious individual and team titles sponsored by the NASUWT.
Essex racer Johnny Herbert is bidding to win the Le Mans 24 hours this weekend for the second time in his successful career. The 39-year-old Brentwood-born driver has contested the annual twice-around-the-clock marathon on six times previously and finished
ECSTATIC Canvey Independent Party members were today celebrating after notching up a clean sweep of five council seats. The party which was only formed four months ago stormed into the arena taking all five of the seats it contested. It took four from
Two of Basildon's main sports centres are set to close at weekends to save money, it has been revealed. The move to shut Basildon sports centre, in Nethermayne, and Bromfords sports centre, in Grange Avenue, Wickford, is hoped to save the council tens
Police have launched a fraud probe into the actions of rival management companies competing for a housing contract. The investigation follows a request by Basildon and East Thurrock MP Angela Smith who has been inundated by complaints from Vange residents
A laptop computer with confidential details of more than 1,400 Southend Council staff has been stolen. Information on its hard drive included bank details, National Insurance numbers, birth dates and payroll numbers. The laptop was in the car of a contractor
Thieves left a trail of destruction after they rampaged through a Chelmsford car park on a stereo-snatching spree. Seven break-ins were reported in the Meadows multi-storey car park between 7pm and 11pm on Sunday, causing a total of £5,900 damage. A blue
Brendan Cook is celebrating a double England call-up and relishing the chance to tackle Scotland in his first international honour. Answering the call - Brendan Cook has been handed a double selection for England Picture: STEVE BAINBRIDGE Cook, from Sutton
Police are investigating another vandalism attack at The Harwich School. Damage totalling £600 was caused at the historic Grange Sixth Form Centre, in Hall Lane, Dovercourt. Staff returned to work after the half-term holiday to discover several windows
Craig Hancox has won the Victoria Snooker Centre's Whitsun Cup for the second consecutive year - the first man to achieve the feat in the competition's 21-year history. Retainer - Craig Hancox became the first player in 21 years to keep the Victoria Snooker
BILLERICAY EAST J James (Lib Dem) 380 P Reid (Lab) 333 Stuart Sullivan*(C) 2150 Con hold Perc poll 36.6 BILLERICAY WEST W Archibald*(Lab) 287 F Bellard (Lib Dem) 821 P Turner* (C) 2345 Con hold Perc poll 37.3 BURSTEAD R Moore (C) 1935 G Taylor (Lib Dem
A first-ever wheelchair tennis exhibition at the Stella Artois Champion-ships at The Queen's Club ended with Southend's Jamie Robinson joining forces with British women's number one Kay Forshaw for victory. They gained a narrow 6-4 advantage over British
Having won their first Shepherd and Neame Essex League Premier match of the season last weekend, Westcliff will be hopeful of carrying on the good work tomorrow. They entertain a Shenfield side who they overtook with their success over a Fives & Heronians
Postman Barry Dixie, 59, was in a first class mood after delivering the Canvey Independents' first success of the night. At precisely 12.40am, he signalled the beginning of a new era on Castle Point Council when Returning Officer Barry Rollinson announced
Fed-up fast food worker Terry Johnston made a bomb threat in a bid to get away from a busy session at his restaurant. The team leader at the Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant in Braintree told police about a bomb on the premises and a court heard how
Leave us alone! That's the plea from two disabled pensioners, who are distraught after their car was vandalised for the second time. Les and Queenie Richards, both 81 and living in Burrs Road, had just spent £800 on repairs to their Ford Focus car after
Jubilant Conservatives have seized control of Brentwood Town Hall, ending 13 years of Liberal Democrat rule. They cruised to a spectacular victory in the borough elections, winning five seats from the Lib Dems on a night of high drama. Delighted Tory
Milkshakes, fresh fruit and pasta salads have replaced chips and spotted dick on the menu at a secondary school. Happy diners - Olivia Gent, 11, Josh Reeve, 12, and Alice Godfrey, 12 Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY Fizzy drinks full of sugar are a thing of the
ASHINGDON AND CANEWDON (one seat) T Cutmore (C) 714 A Vaughan (Gn) 384 J Dickson (Lab) 166 C maj: 330 No change Perc poll: 37 FOULNESS AND GREAT WAKERING B Wilkins (C) 903 G Fox (Lab) 626 Maj: 277 No change Perc poll: 35.7 HOCKLEY CENTRAL (two seats)
TRINITY WARD (three seats) Leslie Jeffery (C) 720 Nancy Jaworski (C) 684 Terry Livings (C) 602 John Budden (Lib Dem) 599 Maj: 36 (1st to 2nd) Maj: 82 (2nd to 3rd) Maj: 3 (3rd to 4th) No change Perc poll: 43.7 Only one ward of Rayleigh Town Council was
THE Tories increased their grip on Southend Council with the shock defeat of veteran councillor Reg Copley in St Luke's ward. The blue tide came close to also gaining the scalp of Denis Garne in Kursaal ward, who only held on to the town centre seat by
BILLERICAY EAST J James (Lib Dem) 380 P Reid (Lab) 333 Stuart Sullivan*(C) 2150 Con hold Perc poll 36.6 BILLERICAY WEST W Archibald*(Lab) 287 F Bellard (Lib Dem) 821 P Turner* (C) 2345 Con hold Perc poll 37.3 BURSTEAD R Moore (C) 1935 G Taylor (Lib Dem
A care home for people with learning difficulties in Halstead is set to close. Although Essex County Council has been praised for the way it has handled the situation, a question has been raised over the future provision of respite care. Nether Priors
