A BAKERY and cafe have closed after the bailiffs were sent in. A note on the door of Baxters Bakers and Confectioners, in Old Heath Road, Colchester, stated the lease had been forefeited and the landlord had taken possession. The Gazette was unable
COLCHESTER’S biggest and newest supermarket is feeling the effects of the financial downturn, according to its manager. John Priest, in charge of the flagship Sainsbury’s superstore, at Tollgate, Stanway, said customers are not spending as
TRAFFIC congestion in northern Colchester has worsened since the new A12 junction was opened, residents and councillors say. The Cuckoo Farm junction opened in December, three months ahead of schedule. As the council’s planning committee discussed plans
REDEVELOPMENT plans for Colchester’s former Severalls Hospital site have suffered a setback. A planning decision on the first phase of a 1,500-home scheme for the former mental hospital site has been postponed while important details are ironed out.
BUDGET cuts could leave thousands of Colchester pupils without the help they need after a youth service was slashed, with its replacement 18 months away. A replacement to the Connexions youth service, which Essex County Council is cutting to a skeleton
TWO PCSOs on street patrol stepped in to stop a dog fight. Officers Dan Seymour and Anna Groves separated three Staffordshire bull terriers in Newland Street, Witham, when they saw them attacking a border terrier. The terrier was treated for serious
A PLAN to knock down two “horrible” buildings in Queen Street, Colchester, and replace them with a 97-bed hotel are finally set to see the light of day. Developer Garbe wants to demolish 1960s buildings St James House and Roman House, the former
We would like to respond to the article in Wednesday’s Gazette about the Decent Homes programme. Colchester Borough Homes and Colchester Council are working hard to improve council housing to this standard. In the next financial year, 650 homes
A MAN was threatened with a knife during a cashpoint robbery in Colchester. The man was approached by two men after he withdrew a small amount of cash at the automatic transfer machine at the BP garage in Magdalen Street. One of the men threatened
The Gazette (March 1) highlights the lack of advance bookings for the bus park white elephant Firstsite. There are only two bookings made public, and both are free. One is for Ellisons, Firstsite’s solicitors, and the second is for Colchester
I was impressed by Bob Dove’s letter regarding medals (February 17). I am sure there are many veterans of National Service (conscription) age who agree with him. In addition to the “little local troubles” listed involving National Service men
On Thursday, May 5, voters will decide who represents them in local elections across England. There will also be a referendum on whether we use the “first past the post” or “alternative vote” system to elect MPs to the UK Parliament. Many readers
I refer to Heather Johnson’s letter (February 25) and am delighted to have an opportunity to respond with further details about the Proud of Prettygate scheme. There is generally much confusion about wards, which tend to get mixed up with church
I am writing in reply to the ex-Colchester United supporter (S Grattan, February 24). He is not happy with the job that Robbie Cowling and John Ward are doing at the club. I disagree. I think the chairman and manager are doing a superb job.
A SIX per cent increase in crime in Colchester town centre has been described by police as a “minor statistical blip”. Figures on the police website reveal incidents increased from 489 in December to 522 in January. The police.uk website, which was
RENOVATIONS to Wivenhoe’s Royal British Legion Hall are to go ahead, despite concerns from its neighbour. Dan Chapman, who lives in the house next to the hall on the town’s quay, told a Colchester Council planning committee meeting he supported the group
MORE than 1,000 paperbacks were handed out to eager book worms on Saturday night. Colchester residents turned out in force to Slack Space to pick up their free copy as part of World Book Night. Although only 500 books were available
Colchester United are mourning the loss of their former captain, Reg Stewart. He passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, aged 85. The no-nonsense centre-half was the first player to skipper the U's in the Football League, in
TRAINEE paratroopers can now take advantage of new state-of-the-art technology to master the art of parachute jumping. The Parachute Training School at RAF Brize Norton has opened a virtual reality training facility using digital imagery. The facility
FARMERS have been getting advice on how to care for their animals in Afghanistan from British troops, including a Colchester-based soldier. Lance Corporal Chris Pocock, of 16 Medical Regiment, took part in the veterinary teaching initiative to try and
A NURSE has taken a break from her job at a children’s hospital to help women in Afghanistan. Captain Lisa Irwin, a Territorial Army soldier, is working alongside Colchester’s 16 Air Assault Brigade for six months. She has switched from
A YOUNG chef has spoken of the terrifying moment he was engulfed by a fireball from a gas burner at a pub. Peter Franklin, 19, of Hillview Close, Rowhedge, suffered burns to his face and arms after lighting a gas burner in a smokehouse at the Anchor
HIGH explosive ammunition has been used by Afghan gunners for the first time following training from Colchester’s own experts. For the past five months members of Colchester-based 7th Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery have been working as part
Colchester United manager John Ward will step up his attempts to sign a new loan forward today. The U's boss is hoping to bolster his attacking options for the final 12 games of the League One season. David Mooney is facing a suspension
