Archive
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Maldon: £60,000 community centre revamp
Plans to revamp West Maldon Community Centre have been given the thumbs up by district councillors. The community association has unveiled plans to extend the hall and create a bar and carpeted seating area. Maldon District Council leases the centre to
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Dunmow: Teen city project
Dunmow teenagers could have somewhere to go in the evenings following the launch of a working party to look into their needs. The Teen City Working Party was unveiled at the last Dunmow Town Strategy Group meeting and will assess ways of providing leisure
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Cressing publican's hell facing attempted murder charge
A businessman who employed a private detective to clear his name has told of his 20 months of hell living in the shadow of an attempted murder charge. Father-of-nine Paul Baker, 50, had to give up running The Pullman pub, Cressing, and saw work at his
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Chelmsford: Heroes in car fireball rescue of woman, 81
Two men saved the life of an 81-year-old woman when she was dragged her from her blazing car in Chelmsford. Britvic employee Gary Woodhatch, 41, of Beechenlea, Chelmsford, leapt over his firm's fence and ran 150 yards to the car in Westway, screaming,
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Blackmore End: Villagers fight housing plan - again
Villagers in the hamlet of Blackmore End are poised to fight another bid by lorry firm, Courtenham's, to develop its haulage depot for housing. The company has appealed against Braintree Council's refusal of planning permission for new homes on the five-acre
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Soccer: Colchester battle to keep Brazilian star
Mystery today surrounded the immediate future of Colchester United's new Brazilian ace Jose Antunes Fumaca. The exciting 22-year-old midfield wizard was being linked with a move to First Division Barnsley for a rumoured fee in the region of £300,000,
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Hockey: Chelmsford have to sweat it out
Chelmsford Men lost the chance to control their Division One destiny by going down 3-0 at home to Barford Tigers. Having dropped out of the top eight for the first time this year with one match remaining, Chelmsford know that even a win next week away
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Southend: Meet the fab four
These are the first pictures of the quads born at Southend Hospital. Proud dad Del Roffey, 29, of Sedgemore, Shoebury, said today the babies were progressing well and two of them had been moved out of intensive care into the high dependency care unit.
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Canvey: Pupils plan doggie pooper-scooper protest
Schoolchildren are set to declare war on dog owners who allow their pets to foul in public places. About 30 pupils from Canvey County Junior School will stage a peaceful demonstration at Thorney Bay on the island in an attempt to shame dog owners into
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Rapes: Southend man held
A man was today being quizzed by detectives hunting a sex attacker who struck three times in just 24 hours. Police said the 26-year-old was arrested at his home in Southend and taken to Rayleigh police station for questioning in connection with two rapes
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Speedway: Witches get off to a flier
Ipswich Witches got off to a flying start in this their first meeting of the season, racing to a comfortable Craven Shield victory over the Oxford Cheetahs at Foxhall Stadium. Skipper Chris Louis set the standard and was unbeaten by an opponent despite
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Ladies basketball: Top talent on parade in Chelmsford
An historic weekend of sport in Chelmsford saw some of the very best female sporting talent in the country assembled for a spectacular display of basketball skills and thrills at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre. The basketball feast nine days ago
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Basildon: Thieves smash hospice shop
Volunteers today said they had "no words to describe" cruel thieves who smashed up a Basildon charity shop. They made a desperate appeal for help in replacing some of the damaged equipment at St Luke's Hospice's shop in Market Pavement. Staff were called
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Basildon: Praise for 999 link-up scheme
A scheme which allows people to use Basildon Council vehicles to dial 999 has been hailed as a huge success - less than a year after it was set up. The Emergency Link has been running since last April, although it was only officially launched in October
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Basildon: Drive down memory lane
Council chairman Bob Sears lends a bit of spit and polish to this old motor - ready for a new exhibition. Historic cars are just part of the display now on at Basildon's Towngate Theatre. Visitors can also learn about the town's history and view photographs
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Colchester cabbie's military idea for millennium
A cabbie has dreamt up an ingenious way to honour Colchester's military for the new millennium. The scheme would see the insignia of all past and present Army regiments taking pride of place on the town's busy Balkerne Hill. Taxi driver Douglas Morgan
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Soccer: Great Wakering stay top as race hots up
Although closest rivals Saffron Walden collected an 8-1 win at East Ham, Great Wakering Rovers kept their noses in front in the Schweppes Essex Senior League title race and Pitsea outfit Bowers also maintained their challenge. Village side Wakering, who
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Rugby: Punch leaves Basildon fuming
Basildon's classy comeback set up a mouthwatering Essex Cup Final against Rochford - but one of their star players could miss out after a punch left him with a badly-broken jaw. In-form Craig McLelland was taken to hospital after the one sour moment for
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Cycling: Poor weather decimates Grand Prix field
The 45th running of the classic Grand Prix of Essex cycle race over 102 gruelling miles at Halstead proved to be an absolute thriller. It produced an outstanding winner for Chris Walker, the British Criterium champion, who now rides for the high-profile
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Soccer: Woeful Blues make it so easy for Darlington
Southend United's torrid season slumped to even greater depths on Saturday following a lacklustre performance which handed Darlington an embarrassingly easy victory. The Quakers had to wait until three minutes into second-half injury time to seal their
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Soccer: Martin blasts 'awful' Southend
Southend United boss Alvin Martin blasted his players' performances as "the worst of the season" after their last-minute 2-1 defeat at Darlington on Saturday. The Quakers sealed a deserved Third Division victory when home substitute Mario Dorner lit up
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Soccer: Hunter still in Blues' sights
Southend United manager Alvin Martin confirmed today that he has not given up hope of bringing Northern Ireland international defender Barry Hunter back to Roots Hall. The 29-year-old centre-half has just returned to Second Division Reading after spending
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Athletics: Colchester Harriers fly at Thurrock
Colchester Harriers ACs under 15 boys team produced a sterling performance at the Essex Young Athletes County Relays at Thurrock Stadium. The green vests won the bronze medals, a remarkable achievement as all the team were in their first year in this
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Essex police concern over jobs
A police representative has expressed his concern about civilianising office-based jobs. Around 135 office-based jobs in Essex Police will be given to civilians and some staff not replaced when they retire. David Jones, chairman of Essex Police Federation
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Billericay's landmark memories
The memory of Billericay's famous workhouse chimney is to live on - at the House of Commons. Well-known Billericay resident Joe Wildman presented a framed print of the 120-foot chimney to the town's MP, Teresa Gorman , at the weekend. The print will now
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Southend: Classroom decision expected
A decision on whether extra space should be made available for new pupils at a popular Southend school is to be made tomorrow. Parents have been lobbying Southend Council for some weeks over a change of ruling which means they may not be able to get their
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South Essex: Euro MP's support for recycling
South Essex Euro MP Richard Howitt has joined forces with Rayleigh residents, schoolchildren and environmentalists to urge people to follow Europe's example and recycle. He said: "The level of recycling envisaged in the Essex Waste Plan is woefully inadequate
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South Essex: New A130 gets green light
A controversial new bypass - labelled as an alternative to the M25 - is to be built in south Essex thanks to a £92m Government windfall. Plans for the new A130 road have caused mixed reactions during the battle to earn funding. County councillor Ray Howard
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Frinton: Anne's wins battle to entertain diners
A Frinton restaurant can stage night-time entertainment - despite protests from residents. A meeting heard that a residents' group reneged on a pact to drop its objection if the plan for Anne's restaurant in Connaught Avenue, was scaled down. Tendring
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Rugby: Chelmsford's title hopes boosted
Chelmsford knew a win would virtually secure their promotion to London North East 2. The game remained tight throughout and closely contested. Bury kicked off and the first 15 minutes were played at a frantic pace. This led to several mistakes including
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Chelmsford: Viaduct notice sparks firms fury
Railtrack has admitted it made a mistake in not consulting businesses in the Chelmsford station viaducts before issuing them notices to quit. One family business couple have been saving to send their son to see an American brain specialist for special
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Getting their fill of service
For many disabled people being able to get about in their own car is an independence to be cherished. But with the almost universal switch to self-service in petrol stations getting fuel can prove to a real obstacle. With the help of disabled driver Martin
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Leigh: Do you recognise this wheel?
The owner of this wheel was today being sought by police after an off-duty officer rescued it from the clutches of two alleged thieves. The valuable alloy wheel - believed to belong to an E or F reg Peugeot 306 GTi or 406 - is worth hundreds of pounds
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Colchester: Sales stop shock for Royal London
Royal London Insurance is to suspend sales of life assurance and pensions after a watchdog inspection. The Colchester-based company, which has 1.2 million customers and is one of the town's main employers, will cease regular business today for immediate
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Bardfield: Fatal crash victim named
Police have released the name of the motorcyclist killed in an accident on the B1057 between Great Bardfield and Dunmow. Alan Rushforth, 41, of Ashdon Road, Saffron Walden, died after his blue and white Suzuki RG250 cycle was involved in a collision with
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Golf: Hole in one can prove expensive
When the Channels Ladies and Gentlemen took part in the Channels/Regiment Way Challenge two of the Channels players took the two "Nearest the Pin" prizes. Simon Larner on the 13th and then the Lady Captain, Lis Gander, the 17th at NIL inches. This was
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Schizophrenic Colchester killer 'failed by the system'
A schizophrenic who killed a student in Colchester days after refusing treatment was failed by the system. An independent inquiry into the care and treatment of patient Michael Donnelly has listed a catalogue of shortcomings. And if the mistakes had not
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Ice Hockey: Chelmsford boys go Dutch
Ross Jones, 15, and Paul Chambers, 15, have become the first boys from Chelmsford Junior Ice Hockey to be selected for a Great Britain team. They were due to be travelling to Holland with the Great Britain Under 16 team, to take part in an international
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A120 sports car smash kills millionaire drug suspect
Helpless villagers looked on as fire engulfed a £640,000 sports car, killing its millionaire driver and two other passengers. Flames leapt from drug suspect Christopher Dawes's limited edition burgundy McLaren F1, after it crashed into a tree on the A120
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A120 sports car smash kills millionaire drug suspect
Helpless villagers looked on as fire engulfed a £640,000 sports car, killing its millionaire driver and two other passengers. Flames leapt from drug suspect Christopher Dawes's limited edition burgundy McLaren F1, after it crashed into a tree on the A120
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Moves for chess to become sport
After a near thousand year wait one of the world's oldest and most popular pastimes is set to be recognised as a genuine sport. Chess, which is believed to have originated in the 12th century, could soon be rubbing shoulders with the likes of football
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Witham: Safety fears over subway lighting
Pedestrians have been left in the dark for more than a fortnight after council workmen failed to repair broken lights on a gloomy subway. Safety fears have been raised because every night for two weeks the graffiti-covered walkway beneath Spa Road, in
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Billericay: Co-op says pub deal is off
Brewing giants JD Wetherspoon look set to pull out of the race to take over the Co-Op supermarket in Billericay High Street. Rumours were rife in the town that the brewery was going to transform the supermarket into a huge pub. But a Co-Op spokesman today
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Basildon's golden youth assembly
Basildon's 50th birthday celebrations roll on with a special youth assembly next month. European issues will be on the agenda and all the district's secondary schools will be invited to send delegates for the two-day conference from Tuesday, April 27.
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Clacton cinema's £50,000 revamp
Clacton's cinema is in for a major £50,000 revamp. Flicks, in Pier Avenue, is having a new high-tech sound system installed in its main cinema. And in screen two there will also be major improvements. Flicks One already boasts the largest cinema screen
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Vange: Action over cemetery access
Church leaders are to act immediately after complaints from relatives visiting graves at a disused churchyard. All Saints Church in Vange has been locked up and is no longer used for religious services. But a gate put up to prevent fly-tippers dumping
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Soccer: Burley hoping for video clearance for Ipswich player
George Burley is today hoping video evidence will clear Manuel Thetis of blame in a double sending off in Ipswich's 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion. But it is likely to end in disappointment as Thetis clearly man-handled Albion's Sean Flynn during an
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Ladies basketball: Top talent on parade in Chelmsford
Chelmsford saw some of the very best female sporting talent in the country assembled for a spectacular display of basketball skills and thrills. The basketball feast nine days ago at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre started with an Under 18 Women's
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Soccer: Main explains why Southend sold Roots Hall
Southend United chairman John Main goes into the lion's den twice this week but is confident he will emerge without a scratch. The Blues chief meets the supporters' club at Boots and Laces tonight (8pm start) and goes into an extraordinary shareholders
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Rugby: Mistley new boys perform
Mistley took the opportunity to introduce new players into the first team set up when local rivals Harwich were the visitors to Furze Hill on Saturday. Both sides made the best of perfect rugby weather to produce an open running game. The nine players
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Soccer: Billericay hold high-fliers
These two candidates for top six placings in the Ryman League Premier Division table fought out a six-goal thriller in front of a 651 crowd at New Lodge on Saturday. It has to be said that there was some dreadful defending on a difficult, bumpy surface
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Clowning about for charity
Shoppers in Castle Point have once again dipped into their pockets to help fundraisers Eddie Stacey and Mary Woodley collects thousands of pounds for charity. The pair donned their clown's outfits and raised £3,000 over a few weeks around Christmas by
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Castle Point: Hand-outs for needy are over budget
The hand-out of grants to needy organisations across Castle Point may have to undergo a rethink. In the past, Castle Point Council has handed out tens of thousands of pounds a year - including concessionary use of council facilities - to voluntary organisations
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Thorpe Bay: Just call us the three degrees
After seeing her two sons studying hard, a Thorpe Bay mum was inspired to take up an Open University course. Susan Mantell, 48, felt she had missed out by not going to college when she was younger. Now she is the one celebrating after gaining her degree
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Splash out on wedding at Southend's poolsides
A bid to hold civil marriages in Southend's museums and sports centres has got the resounding backing of the town's councillors. Members of the leisure committee agreed the authority should apply for licences to let people wed at around 15 locations across
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Southend: Pigeons cull plan 'totally pointless'
A cull of pigeons in Southend has been labelled "totally pointless" by a national advice group. Leaders of the Pigeon Control Advisory Service have pledged they will visit Southend Council, claiming there is an alternative to killing pigeons. Guy Merchant
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Suggesting a career change...
TOM KING meets stage hypnotist Julian Clark, who's so good he's been thrown off the stage by a hynotised security guard A man who pays the rent by hypnotising people on stage is hardly likely to be a dull stick, but Julian Clark has an especially curious
