Archive
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Restaurant plan for Billericay town hall
Billericay's dilapidated old town hall is set to be transformed into a modern coffee house or restaurant. Developers hope Basildon Council will allow them to spend around half a million pounds renovating the High Street building. Then Hertfordshire-based
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Braintree braced for radical shake-up
Braintree Council is bracing itself for a radical shake-up - dubbed one the most significant policy shifts in the authority's 20-year history. The number of committees is being slashed by half in a bid to streamline the decision-making process. In the
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Maldon: Lorry driver in tax threat on dumping
A lorry driver from Maldon has threatened to stop paying his council tax because he cannot dump his rubbish whenever he wants. David Wright, 47, of Mayland Close, Heybridge, is refusing to pay council tax because he cannot drive his Land Rover under the
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Harwich: Navy warship to spark jobs drive
A naval warship is to spend the next three days at Harwich's Navyyard Wharf on an innovative recruitment drive. The HMS London is dedicated to travelling around the UK offering careers information to schoolchildren and students who may be interested in
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Colchester: Point Break drop into class
Up and coming boy band Point Break made a surprise visit to Alderman Blaxill School, Colchester. But pupils were not told of it until just a few hours before the band, which includes two former stars of the children's television series Byker Grove, appeared
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Canvey: Bereaved relative claims river cuts risk lives
A man whose father and brother drowned in an accident off Hole Haven has warned river bosses they must keep a vital harbour office. Ray Smith said there would be an increased risk of another tragedy if the Port of London Authority went ahead with its
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Clacton: Night attack terror for woman
A woman has been left traumatised by a "malicious, nasty and completely unprovoked attack" as she walked to catch a taxi home from a party. The victim was physically and indecently assaulted and left lying on the ground by her attacker. Police said she
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Colchester: Our boys start work in Balkans
Soldiers from Colchester Garrison were starting to help refugees from war-torn Kosovo yesterday. Troops from 10 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistical Corps, flew into Macedonia on Sunday as part of the massive build-up of Nato forces in the Balkans. The
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Black Notley: Fond farewell to favourite postman
Residents of Black Notley got together to give a special send off for village postman, Ernie Roberts who retired last week. Ernie, 64, who lives in Chelmsford, has worked as a postman in Black Notley for nearly ten years. Black Notley postmaster, Mr Piush
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Government set to probe Colchester land blunder
The local Government "policeman" looks set to be called in over a £1.4 million land blunder at Turner Rise in Colchester. Essex County Council lost its entitlement to a free 3.5-acre plot after it failed to complete vital paperwork on time. The plot was
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Colchester: What can I didgeridoo?
Wanted - an experienced didgeridoo player to help a Colchester teenager win an award. Lovers of the Australian instrument, made famous by Rolf Harris, are being sought by a 15-year-old Colchester boy to help him qualify for a Duke of Edinburgh award.
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Soccer: Buzzing Bees sting lacklustre Southend
Southend United felt full the force of Brentford's sting on Saturday as the buzzing Bees swarmed past Blues and sent them crashing to their heaviest Roots Hall league defeat this season. The Shrimpers' tormentor in chief was pacey Brentford striker Lloyd
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Cricket: Essex cut short by Flintoff power
Essex came within four runs of an amazing victory at Chelmsford on Sunday after their bowlers had been savaged by the brutal power of Andrew Flintoff. The 21-year-old all-rounder smashed a breathtaking 143 from only 66 deliveries to lead the visitors
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Soccer: Ipswich fall to shock defeat
Ipswich's defence may on the verge of equalling a club record 27 clean sheets in a season, but Crewe made it look very shaky. For the second week running, teams have exposed them at the back simply by getting at them with pace. Against Bolton, Ipswich
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Southend's Jewish community defy racist bombers
The Jewish community in Southend has vowed that "life will go on" despite fears it could become the target of race-hate bombers. Police believe the nail-bombers, who have so far attacked black and Asian communities in London, could spread their campaign
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Tennis: Colchester player gets invite
Colchester tennis player Dafydd Stephens was invited by former British No. 1, Mark Cox to The Rover Activity Day at Cambridge last week. Together with his team of coaches, Cox, the Director of the Rover Junior Tennis Initiative (JTI) which supports 150
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Sailing: Heath brothers net win
The second in Gunfleet Sailing Club's Spring Series was held on Sunday under bright sunshine. However, a stiff breeze made the sea lumpy and for many it proved quite difficult to launch. Eight boats took part and as the fleet headed towards the Kingscliff
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Southend school's bid to build on green belt
A Southend private school may be allowed to build on sacred green belt land. Councillors are tomorrow to be asked to give planning permission to a major £1 million expansion of facilities at Thorpe Hall School in Thorpe Bay. A sixth form centre, 300-seater
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Shoebury: Tank guns blow up a storm of protest
Big bangs have got the better of residents around the Foulness ranges - who returned fire with a broadside of complaints. People living in Shoebury, Wakering and outlying villages near the ranges complained of windows rattling and their entire houses
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Southend, Rochford: Save our valley, plead greens
Conservationists today launched a campaign to buy a farm in a green "buffer zone" between Rochford and Southend - amid fears it will be built on. The Friends of Blatches Farm are worried 100 acres of farmland in the Roach Valley will be bought by developers
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Witham: Volunteer litter pick was a waste of time
Conservation volunteers who spent a day collecting litter and rubbish from hedges on a Witham housing estate found that just 24 hours later it had all been a waste of time. "Overnight, even though there was a half-full skip, the hedges were deliberately
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Athletics: Braintree's encouraging start
The first East Anglian League meeting was held at Cambridge University track on Sunday. Although the rain held off it was quite a cold day, but even so there were some good performances by Braintree & District Athletics Club members. David Duffus
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Soccer: Canvey are kings of Essex
Canvey Island are the soccer cup kings of the county. At Roots Hall last night they overcame brave resistance from a basically young Leyton Orient side to carry off the Essex Senior Cup for the first time in their history. Steve Tilson, back on the Southend
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Cricket: Warwickshire visitors to County Ground
There's no place like home - or so we are led to believe. But try telling that to the Essex players and you will run the risk of having to duck under a few verbal bounces. The county go into tomorrow's clash against Warwickshire seeking their first Championship
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Triple triumph for snooker ace Lisa
Snooker starlet Lisa Ingall of Wickford is celebrating a triple coup. The 18-year-old reached the last eight of the women's World Champion-ships for the first time, became the first female ever to qualify for the Essex under-19s final and has been given
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Southend: Budding athletes get star treatment
Sporting stars will be out in force this spring to give former world champion javelin thrower Fatima Whitbread's boost for school athletics a helping hand. Fatima's Star Search '99, sponsored by train operator LTS Rail, is taking place at three locations
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Speedway: Arena romp home
Makeshift Hammers romped to victory in the rain, with Leigh Lanham picking up a 15-point maximum against his former club Exeter. Arena drafted in guests Paul Clews and Wayne Carter, to replace Roger Lobb, who was on British under-21 duty, and broken collar-bone
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Soccer: We need another win says Wadsworth
"Now we must win against Bournemouth at home tomorrow night," said Colchester United boss Mick Wadsworth after watching the U's emerge with a hard fought three-all draw from a titanic second division struggle at lowly Northampton. "We've got three games
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Soccer: Tiptree's loss is Clacton's gain
There was joy for Clacton but agony for Tiptree as the Jewson League Division One title race concluded - despite the clash between the two being called off. Mildenhall's 1-1 draw at Cornard confirmed Clacton as champions and means Tiptree will, barring
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Soccer: Close calls in finals bonanza
The three Southend Sunday League Cup finals staged at Hullbridge's Lower Road ground produced close encounters. In Section B, Hockley British Legion took the lead against Thorpe Athletic with a fine goals from Dodkins. Martin equalised for opponents Thorpe
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Soccer: Clapham is Ipswich's Player of the Year
Jamie Clapham has won the Ipswich Town Supporter's Club Player-of-the-Year award. Clapham topped the poll ahead of Tony Mowbray who was the supporter's Away Player-of-the-Year. Richard Wright was third and Mark Venus fourth in the vote. And Clapham made
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Soccer: Bowers keep on course for triple
Brilliant Bowers United are still on course for a historic clean sweep of the three Schweppes Essex Senior League trophies. Having already won the League Cup, Bowers need three points from their last three games, starting at home to Basildon United tomorrow
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Soccer: Maldon beat the champions
Maldon pulled off one of the shock results of the season at Trafford Park on Saturday when they beat the newly crowned champions - and it was a fully deserved victory. Admittedly the home side were without one of two key players, but it was still an impressive
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Soccer: Late goals sink Swifts
Saturday's visitors to Scraley Road, Bishops Stortford, were still battling hard to escape the drop to Division One of the Ryman League. Missing from the Swifts line-up were Wayne Adcock and Colin Wall (both suspended) while Liam Cutbush, Ben Lewis and
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Rugby: Thurrock spoil Burnham's party
Thurrock stole victory in an exciting testimonial match in recognition of Alex Knapton who is stepping down from the number eight position of the Burnham first team after a long and illustrious rugby career. The game started well with Burnham immediately
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Tendring: Youth groups get lottery handouts
Two groups caring for youngsters were today celebrating national lottery grants totalling more than £34,000 each. Mistley Norman Kids Club is to get £37,477 in the cash handout and Foxes Farm Pre-School at Wrabness £34,918. Both awards are from the National
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Leigh: Golf ball thieves slammed
Owners of a Leigh golf driving range are fed up with thieves breaking in and nicking their balls. The range on Leigh marshes has been broken into six times in the past few months, causing damage to fences and resulting in the loss of hundreds of golf
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Essex Police call for a special boost
Have you got what it takes to be special? If so, then Essex Police want your services. Police chiefs today threw down the gauntlet to those who think they have what it takes to be a special constable to join tonight's recruitment campaign. The current
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Castle Point: Club battles single loneliness
A lively social club for singles aged from 30 upwards has launched an appeal for new members. Chances R, based in Castle Point, attracts men and women from across south Essex and was set up five years ago. The single, divorced, separated and widowed are
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Canvey Island's 'gridlock' wrangles
Tory chiefs today attacked Labour's track record on Canvey roads and said total gridlock on the island is looming. Doug Roberts, leader of the Conservative party for Castle Point, said Labour's national transport policy has compounded the road problems
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Drivetime DJ Simon rides the Great Wall
A radio presenter is to swap his microphone for a bike when he takes part in a marathon charity bike ride. BBC Essex Drivetime presenter Simon Baldock will be taking part in the 500-mile ride from the Great Wall of China to Tiananmen Square to help raise
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Laindon: Junkie had stash of cannabis at home
A junkie who had £1,055 hidden at his home was told by a judge: "That will do for court costs." Steven Wallis, 30, denied the cash - discovered in a police raid - came from any involvement in drugs. However, the judge, Mr Recorder Richard Seymour, ordered
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Colchester charities in Lottery joy
Six Colchester charities were celebrating today after scooping almost £500,000 in lottery grants. Volunteers who help families, disabled and special needs children and former addicts have all benefited from the latest cash bonanza. Open Road Visions,
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Wife of convicted Rettendon killer speaks out
The wife of convicted murderer Michael Steele has vowed that the fight to have her husband freed from prison and to clear his name would continue. Jackie Steele said every avenue was being investigated in a bid to get him released - including an application
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West Mersea: Robert's trawler haul was not a fisherman's friend
A fusherman got a little more than he bargained for when he snagged a nine-feet-long Second World War bomb in his net. Robert Mole, of West Mersea, found the mine when trawling about four miles off the coast of Jaywick on Saturday. He took it to the nearest
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Colchester: Mother's stalker nightmare misery
A man who left used condoms outside the home of a Colchester mother has been jailed for five months. Richard Nixon also sprayed offensive graffiti on her car and a fence near her house, sent letters made out of newspaper print and made phone calls,a court
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Going going gone at Yardley's
A sell-out Yardley's auction which attracted buyers from across the globe has kitted out two new factories in Poland and Pakistan. The successful two-day auction of the factory's entire contents meant the new buildings could be kitted out abroad. Roger
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Laindon angler thrown lifeline
The Environment Agency is investigating the case of a disabled man and his fishing licence application after This Is Essex partner paper the Echo intervened. John Barton, 39, who has a leg brace and walking stick as the result of an accident playing football
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Basildon newsagent robbed at knifepoint
Police have appealed for the public's help in tracking down a man who held up a Basildon newsagent at knifepoint today. An Essex Police spokesman said the theft happened just before 7am today, when a man wearing a black balaclava walked into Cherrydown
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River view terrace at St Lawrence Bay
A new viewing terrace, offering panoramic views across the Blackwater Estuary, is to be built at St Lawrence Bay this summer. The £15,000 terrace, which is the first of its kind along the river, will be funded by the Essex Environment Trust, Maldon District
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Basildon Carnival under threat again
The hunt is on today for a saviour to keep Basildon Carnival afloat - after cash shortages left the event's future uncertain in the town's 50th anniversary year. Basildon Lions have run the event since 1991, but has been forced to pull the plug on the
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Stanford-le-Hope: £2m damages for devastated actor
A Stanford-le-Hope actor and musician, whose promising career was ended when he was involved in a devastating road crash, has been awarded compensation estimated at almost £2m. Ronald Cullen, now 32, was left severely disabled and unable to lead an independent
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Soccer: Southend slump again
Southend United boss Alan Little was left questioning his players' desire after Blues were humiliated 4-1 at Roots Hall by high-flying Brentford on Saturday. A stunning hat-trick from Lloyd Owusu and another strike from Scott Partridge condemned Blues
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Southend bingo club 'luckiest in Britain'
A Southend bingo club has claimed to be one of the luckiest in Britain after a player scooped £100,000 - the second big winner in just two months. Bachelor Justin Bolton is still celebrating his jackpot win at the Mecca Club on the Greyhound Shopping
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Athletics: Lara hotfoots it to athletics success
Talented athlete Lara Black is hoping to follow in her father's footsteps. Dad is former Southend Athletic Club member Steve Black, who competed for Great Britain as a hurdler in the early 1970s. Lara has just returned to her family home in Sydney, Australia
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Soccer: Tiptree clinging to promotion hopes
Tiptree manager Keith Newman has not given up on the dream of promotion, even though the Jam Makers need a miracle to clinch second spot in the Jewson League, Division One. His side have to make up a goal difference of 19, and Newman is hoping that they
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Cricket: Dave hits early season form
Starring roles by Dedham's Dave Baalham and Silver End's Andy Papple were the highlight of this week's Osborne League action. Baalham took four wickets and scored an unbeaten 95 as he led his Division Three side to a four-wicket win over Tendring. Baalham
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Athletics: Harriers' girls stake claim
Colchester Harriers Ladies made their debut into Division Three of the Southern League at Southend on Saturday with a fantastic victory. The under-15 girls collected a handful of wins including Catherine Holdsworth in the long jump and 75m hurdles and
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Soccer: Colchester fans want their say
Colchester United fans are pushing to have a representative of their supporters association on the Layer Road board. Managing director Stephen Gage was asked to accept at least one fan as a director of the club. At first Gage joked he would welcome anyone
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Basildon: Ashley's back for a snack
It was smiles all round at the Savacentre when a new shopper was recruited - at birth! Laura Newman was in the Eastgate Centre store's cafeteria having lunch, when something in the tuna sandwich she had just eaten triggered her labour. Shocked staff at
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Eastwood pupils raise a song for the mayor
Children sung their hearts out and raised nearly £50 for the Southend mayor's chosen charity, St John Ambulance. A collection was held among parents and friends after pupils at Edwards Hall School gave an Easter concert in March. Mayor Nora Goodman is
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Rochford: Council mops up after poll blunder
Red-faced staff at Rochford District Council had to send out letters to hundreds of householders after a computer put the name of an election hopeful in the wrong ward. Rochford District Council printed a list of candidates for the forthcoming election
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Braintree and Witham set for holiday fun
Thousands of people are expected to attend two major events in Braintree and Witham this Bank Holiday weekend. In Braintree, the Bocking Village Fayre is being held on Monday and organisers hope it will beat last year's fund-raising total of £8,000. Starting
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Soccer: Morrish strike gives Witham deserved victory
With many changes in their team, due to injuries and suspensions, the Witham line-up at Banstead Athletic on Saturday looked somewhat depleted. However, with several youngsters drafted in, and Town manager George Young also playing, Witham battled well
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Soccer: Iron return victorious
Although it has come too late to guide them towards a promotion spot, Braintree have rediscovered the art of winning with a second consecutive league victory, for the first time in over two months. Saturday's well earned win at Uxbridge followed the four
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Running: Brigid steals the show
The popular Canvey Island Five Mile Road Race on Sunday was re-visited by 14 runners from Tiptree Road Runners, half of whom were juniors. Martyn Byford set the standard by running well inside 30 minutes on the fast, flat, out and back course close to
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Rugby: Rochford spoil Braintree's end of season celebrations
Braintree's end of season celebrations became muted when the first and fifth team's opposition cried off and fixtures for them were unable to be found. With their side bolstered by a large contingent of higher team players, and with the home support egging
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Thorrington: Couple's fond farewell to fry-ups
Jack and Ann Kerr are to hang up their frying pans for the last time. The culinery couple are retiring on Friday from their Thorrington transport cafe after 33 years. A former fitter for a motor company in Luton, Jack bought the Fir Tree Cafe at Tenpenny
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Thieves prey on Clacton woman, 96
A 96-year-old disabled woman may be forced out of her home after being burgled three times in a year. The plucky pensioner, who is virtually blind and deaf, confronted the raider on the last occasion - but her relatives now fear for her safety. The woman
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Soccer: Colchester look for action replay
Season ticket holders get in free for tonight's game against Bournemouth by using a lettered voucher. The game is a re-arranged fixture, the original match on October 24 having being called off with Colchester leading 3-0 at half-time. Now they must try
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Colchester: Bus lane dispute
Bus drivers in Colchester claim motorists are continually parking in the new bus lane in North Hill. But Colchester Council, which introduced bus lanes in a bid to encourage people to use public transport, said the lane was working well and it had received
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Colchester hospital patient says it with flowers
Staff at Colchester's eye unit were welcomed to work by a carpet of flowers. Generous patient Tony Lovric bought floral bunches for each of the 15 workers at Essex County Hospital as a thank you for the care and support he received. The Sible Hedingham
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Westcliff: Decision on church overhaul awaited
A decision on a proposed drastic overhaul of a Westcliff church will be made tomorrow. Southend councillors are to visit Crowstone St George's United Reformed Church to look at a plan to demolish a two-storey section of the church's hall on the Kings
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Braintree man slams New Deal as 'slave labour'
A former bank manager has hit out at the Government's flagship training scheme as "slave labour" - after being promised a wage of 26p an hour. The married 48-year-old Braintree man - who says he is too embarrassed to be named - was told to sign up for
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Tributes pour in for Jill Dando
Tributes were today paid to BBC presenter Jill Dando, who was murdered outside her London home. Miss Dando, 37, was found by neighbours outside her house in Fulham and died in hospital at about 1pm yesterday. A post mortem examination revealed she died
