A DRIVER escaped from his car seconds before it burst into flames. Firefighters were called to Halstead Road, Colchester, in response to reports of explosions which looked like like fireworks going off and smoke billowing across the A12. Eyewitnesses
THE Prime Minister has written to a campaigning headteacher to offer his support – but no money. David Cameron has written to Gary Smith, the head of Market Field School, in Elmstead market, to congratulate him on his school’s achievements. However,
CLACTON’S beaches are becoming dangerous because council bosses are dragging their feet over repairs, it has been claimed. Campaigners fear exposed metal on the beach at Holland-on-Sea is an accident waiting to happen. The sea has stripped
TESCO has reduced the number of parking spaces at a proposed shop, but residents are still concerned about an increase in traffic it will attract. Residents complained about the 188-space car park planned for a store in Butt Road, Colchester
A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of a vicious assault in Colchester High Street that happened more than three years ago. Nikki Brewer, of East Street, Colchester, who was 18 at the time, flew through the air, such was the force of the punch. The
IF you go down to the woods today, you’re sure for a big surprise – foxhunting with a difference. A paintball company has come up with a unique way of beating the foxhunting ban...by using humans. Instead of the traditional country pastime, UK Paintball
A WOMAN who was subjected to a decade-long campaign of sexual abuse by her father will take part in a 26-mile walk to raise funds for a support group. Earlier this year, Emma Frost, of Kirby Cross, bravely waived her anonymity and spoke about her ordeal
A NEW chairman has been appointed to lead community group Destination Colchester. Cabinet maker John Salmon said he hoped to work to raise the town’s profile as an attractive place to visit. He said he still believed the group was a force to be reckoned
COLCHESTER’S town crier has announced his way to success in two regional competitions. Wivenhoe resident Robert Needham won at the Ell Day Festival in Ely on Saturday, claiming the East of England championship. He followed up his success with the
PUPILS at a Colchester school raised more than £2,500 for charity by doing a workout. In mid-March 112 girls from Colchester County High School completed a sponsored fitness class for international charity Lepra, based in the town. They collected
A quartet of youngsters from Colchester United have put pen to paper on new contracts. And pacy winger Drey Wright has also been offered a two-year deal by the U’s. Bradley Hamilton, who made his senior debut for Colchester last month, has signed a
THE daughter of a man who drowned in Mistley has criticised the latest attempts to remove a fence on the quay. Jackie Lefter, 65, believes attempts by Tendring Council to tighten up planning rules are wrong. Her dad, Jack Branch, drowned at Mistley
A MAN has appeared in court for harassing his ex-wife by giving her a beer mat featuring an ale called Bitter and Twisted. David Hinchcliffe, of Upper Park Road, Clacton, gave a series of letters to his former partner and colleagues at the residential
CROWDS have been filling Colchester's Lion Walk as wannabe pop stars try out for the X Factor. The show's audition van rolled into the town centre at 9.30am on Thursday, with some people queuing since 6am for their chance. The auditions are set to continue
FESTIVAL organisers have raised £5,000 for charities. Organisers of the annual Cosmic Puffin festival, which took place at Mersea Youth Camp, in Rewsalls Lane, Mersea Island, last weekend plans to divide the money between two groups; Bliss, which cares
THE next production by the Manifest Theatre Group will be Dead Guilty. Caroline Roberts, spokes-person for the Manifest Group, says: “Director Glyn Hill is over the moon that he’s finally getting the chance to put the play on. “Having read Dead Guilty
THE jury of seven men and five women in the David Oakes double murder trial have been sent out to consider verdicts at 10.20am this morning.
A “UNIQUE” view of Colchester is on offer at an art exhibition at the Mercury Theatre’s Digby Gallery. Following on from his show there a few years ago, 27-year-old Colin McAllister is back with intricate drawings depicting his view of the town. Colin
AN AMERICAN soul legend – with links to East Anglia – returns to the region for a gig at the High Barn. Geno Washington was based in the area during the early Sixties, when he was in the United States Air Force. Aside from his own distinctive voice
THEY’RE a band making a big noise in their home city of London, but it won’t be long before Bleech go big everywhere else. Bleech – sisters Jennifer and Katherine O’Neill, and schoolmate Matt Bick on drums – release their second single, the Worthing
FANS of acoustic music can get two for the price of one as part of an intimate monthly event at the Headgate Theatre. AcoustiCity is hosting duo Dave Ellis and Boo Howard and the Portraits for the double headline folk gig on Saturday. London-based Dave
THE Rose and Crown’s menu warns you to allow time between ordering and the food arriving. It’s just as well, but the food is worth the wait. The gastro pub is not the cheapest place to eat in Colchester’s outlying villages, although customers may know
COLCHESTER electro dance duo Plaitum have managed to secure a support slot with indie stalwarts Bloc Party. Since spotting Abi Dersiley and Matt Canham performing at a battle of the bands concert at their previous school, Philip Morant in Colchester,
IT’S a Colchester musical invasion at this year’s Latitude Festival. Organisers of the Suffolk music festival have announced two Essex acts who will be appearing as part of the BBC Introducing slot on the Lake Stage. Manningtree’s Dingus Khan and former
A SINGING group from years gone by is the subject of a talk and musical evening presented by Professor Bill Tamblyn. The former head of music at the Colchester Institute, Bill is also known as the director and founder of Colchester’s world music community
A HOSPICE has challenged businesses to turn a £50 investment into a big money donation. Colchester-based St Helena Hospice has teamed up with local solicitors to launch the Birkett Long £50 Challenge 2012. The Apprentice-style scheme, sponsored by the
FILM fans will be in seventh heaven later this month when one of the country’s most respected film editors, Terry Rawlings, pops into town. Terry will be at the Signals Media Centre to talk about his impressive career working with some of the most famous
LABOUR party members will have the choice of two as their candidate for the Essex police and crime commissioner role. Colchester Labour party chairman Jordan Newell will go head-to-head with Thurrock councillor Val Morris-Cook for the nomination. The
JOBSEEKERS and entrepreneurs in Colchester have been given £42,500 in funding. Colchester Council handed the money to Signpost, Colchester Business Enterprise Agency and GO4 Enterprises to support their work helping businesses get off the ground and
Football fans attending Kem Izzet's testimonial on Saturday can benefit from free travel. Talisman Coaches have made their London Routemaster bus available free of charge for the event. The bus will leave Colchester Bus Station at 11.30am
Former Colchester United manager Geraint Williams has urged the club’s supporters to turn out in force for Kem Izzet’s big day. U’s skipper Izzet, who celebrates a decade with the club with a testimonial on Saturday, played under Williams for more than
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A BEGGAR banned from Colchester’s Greenstead estate has appeared in court charged with breaching an asbo and a restraining order. Bevan Ash, 42, is prevented from entering Greenstead under the terms of an antisocial behaviour order imposed at Colchester
IN TODAY'S GAZETTE: THE victim of a vicious assault in Colchester three years ago has spoken of her relief after a man was arrested. Nikki Brewer, 21, suffered physical and emotional scars from the incident. Now a man has been arrested on suspicion of
