Archive
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Witham: Grieving mum's video joy
A Witham mother whose 21-year-old daughter was killed in a car crash three years ago has been given 'the best New Year present ever' - a video tape of her, which she did not know existed. For 50-year-old Rose Page, of Samphire Close, viewing the moving
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Chelmsford: Youth attacked in convenience store
A teenager is being treated for serious injuries after he was attacked at a convenience store. The 16-year-old victim was assaulted by a youth outside the Co-op in Kings Road, Chelmsford. Police are appealing for witnesses to the incident, which happened
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Soccer: Colchester's breathtaking triumph
If ever Colchester United had cause to be optimistic about their chances of staying in Division Two then now is the time. Because in recording one of the most breathtaking triumphs in Layer Road history, the team displayed spirit, determination and talent
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Let's be proud of Castle Point...
A campaigning former councillor has called for support to give Castle Point its own identity. Terry Norman, who lost his seat at the local elections last May, is urging people to stand up and take pride in their borough. He has written to the council
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Memories of Essex 'invasion' by Yanks
The impact on two Essex villages of the American airforce setting up camp during the second world war is the subject of an exhibition. The now regular shows charting the history of Boxted airfield have attracted visitors from across the country and local
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Hockley: Derek strikes the pose...
JANE O'CONNELL talks to former BT engineer Derek Lucas, who found the cure for his hair loss in the yoga discipline that he now teaches When, at just 17, Derek Lucas discovered his previously thick hair was falling out he knew something was very wrong
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Refugees set for homes in Maldon
Asylum seekers look set to be housed in the Maldon district, a report to councillors has revealed. And already a hotel group which specialises in accommodating refugees has purchased a property in the district which is being converted to accommodate 40
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Colchester: Baby-faced Tories are getting younger
Talk about starting them young - a week-old baby is set to become the youngest-ever Conservative party recruit! Little Amy Yalland, who was born just 36 hours before the dawn of the new millennium, has been signed up by her father Adrian, chairman of
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Chelmsford: Danger heater - landlady fined
A landlady has been fined thousands of pounds for failing to test a dangerous gas heater. Ann Arain, of Sandford Mill Road, Chelmsford, was ordered to pay £2,500 and costs of £2,072 after admitting an offence under the Health and Safety Act. But Witham
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Shoebury: 'Attack' dog's second chance
A dog who injured a postman has been given another chance after a court decided not to have him put down. The Alsatian jumped up at the postman while he was delivering letters. His victim was standing on the path leading up to dog owner's home in Turner
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Barrymore weds his Essex lover
TV funnymanMichael Barrymore is reported to have secretly wed his south Essex gay lover. Barrymore, the 45-year-old star of Strike it Lucky and My Kind of People, tied the knot with Shaun Davis, 24, in a secret ceremony in Hawaii. The marriage, which
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Castle Point: Council bid to drop gay ban
Castle Point Council was today urged to back Government plans to scrap a controversial ban on local authorities promoting homosexuality. Labour councillor George Wilson has called on colleagues to throw their weight behind moves to ditch Section 28 of
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Soccer: Lee set to sign for Colchester
Former Chelsea centre half David Lee was last week set to join Colchester United on a non-contract basis. The U's will take a look at the 30-year-old defender - who was playing for Saturday's opponents Bristol Rovers last season - to gauge his fitness
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Pitsea: Paying the price of vandalism
An ongoing campaign of vandalism by unruly youths in Pitsea has cost £11,000 in repairs since October, it was revealed today. But efforts so far to stop the youngsters have failed. The library, council offices and leisure centre around Northlands Pavement
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Mid Essex: Safety fears over litter-picking
Safety concerns have been raised over Braintree Council's litter picking practices on the A12 and A120. And action may be taken as part of a tidy-up campaign to address falling standards in street cleaning. The authority has come under fire from Essex
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Maldon: Guest houses hit by slump
Two of Maldon's guest houses have been granted permission to become residential properties after business slumped. Cromwell Guest House, Cromwell Hill and The Star Guest House, Wantz Road, applied to change the use of their premises after struggling over
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Great Bentley: Speed bumps scheme poser
Traffic measures on roads in Great Bentley are to be clarified. It follows a letter to the parish council from Essex County Council's highways department outlining areas in its locally determined programme. Rod Curtis inquired whether speed bumps due
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Essex: Good behaviour on festive trains
Festive yobs, vandals and thieves were held at bay by a successful operation by the British Transport Police. In the high-profile initiative carried out over Christmas, transport police arrested four people for drink-related offences as a direct result
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Colchester: School merger opponents lobby for support
Parents and pupils delivered leaflets to residents of Monkwick in Colchester calling on their support at a public meeting to discuss the future of the infants and junior school. Tony Wood, chairman of the governors at Monkwick Infants School, said he
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Soccer: Ducks feather nest at Gulls' expense
Canvey Island's inability to kill off inferior opposition continues to hit their bid for a high placing in their first season as a Ryman league Premier Division club. Since becoming only the second team this term to overcome leaders Dagenham and Red-bridge
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Soccer: Southend's red card pair protest innocence
Southend United's red-carded duo, Martin Carruthers and Mark Tinkler, pleaded their innocence after Saturday's 2-1 Third Division defeat at Barnet. Birmingham referee Trevor Parkes gave Carruthers his marching orders, along with Barnet skipper Greg Heald
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Soccer: Old Rochfordians' Cup exit
The Southend Borough Combination's interest in the Essex Junior Cup was ended when Old Rochfordians lost 4-2 at home to strong Southend District League side Linford Wanderers, who will meet Essex Intermediate League Shell Club in the area final. Shell
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Little Burstead: Council chief under fire
The chairman of Little Burstead parish council has been told to "grow up" by a fellow councillor. The war of words has broken out since Mark Dale cut off all contact after members passed a vote of no confidence in him. He was asked to resign in November
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Thorpe-Le-Soken: Woman, 87, dies in shooting
An 87-year-old woman was shot dead and her husband suffered head wounds in a "tragic" shooting incident at their home. Dorothy Parsons was found dead in the couple's home at Frost Farm Cottages, in Golden Lane, Thorpe-Le-Soken at 8.20am yesterday. Police
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Southend: Pupils' mosaic takes school into millennium
A mosaic for the millennium created by pupils and teachers was unveiled at Priory School, Southend. After much work to make the mosaic weatherproof, the work has been mounted on a wall outside the special school in Burr Hill Chase to commemorate the start
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Hadleigh: Having fun at a party for a cause
Generous party goers saw in the new millennium and raised cash for charity. Anne and Gary Bloxham of Temple Close, Hadleigh, decided to hold a fancy dress New Year's Eve party with a difference and asked friends and family to create their look around
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Basildon: Church friends hand over restoration cash
It was smiles all round when the rector of one of of Basildon's oldest churches was presented with a £5,000 cheque to help fund vital conservation work. The money from the Friends of Essex Churches will go towards the next stage of a major restoration
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Southend: Casino extension could block sea views
An extension to a seafront casino would block views of the estuary from Southend's public gardens, planning officers claim. They are advising councillors to turn down a bid by Westcliff Leisure Centre on Western Esplanade to build offices onto its property
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Striking a lucky blow...
The bad guy in Cliff's Pavilion panto Jack and the Beanstalk is a big softie at heart, as SALLY KING finds out when she talks to Essex-based actor Glen Murphy Baddie Fleshcreep in the panto Jack and the Beanstalk, currently running at the Cliffs Pavilion
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Westcliff: Instructor cleared of sex attack
A martial arts instructor has been cleared by a jury of indecently assaulting one of his Tai Chi students. After the jury unanimously found Tom Cooney not guilty he left the court to embrace his wife, waiting anxiously outside for the verdict. During
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Mistley, Manningtree: Engineer jailed for attack on three girls
An engineer attacked three terrified children in a telephone box after pestering passersby for money, a court heard. Jamie Brooker, 26, of Stour View Avenue, Mistley, was jailed for a total of eight months and 14 days by Colchester magistrates after admitting
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Brantham: Pupil hurt in crash
A schoolgirl was hurt after a school coach and an empty bus were involved in a crash. The coach carrying about 35 schoolchildren was on its way to Brantham when the accident happened. The First Eastern Counties bus was also travelling towards Brantham
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Wickford: Love-sick barn owl returns home after escape
Love-lorn barn owl Oki was today back home safe and sound after breaking out of his aviary in search of his lost mate. Oki has become something of a worry to his owners on The Wick estate, Wickford, by mastering the art of escape. This was the third time
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South Essex: Hague's sadness at MP's death
Tory leader William Hague has hailed Sir Bernard Braine as a "loyal colleague, a fine parliamentarian and one of the Commons' greatest characters." He spoke following the death of the former MP who served much of south Essex during his distinguished political
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Colchester: More DIY jobs for town?
A big-name retailer could close its two Colchester branches and build a huge new superstore creating an extra 130 jobs. Sainsbury's Homebase outlets in St Andrew's Avenue and Tollgate, Stanway, could be closed down. And a big new DIY store and garden
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Stansted: Vital fault on crash 747...
Air accident investigators have revealed a vital navigation aide failed seconds before a Korean Air jumbo crashed near Stansted Airport. A fault had developed with the altitude director indicator, which tells crews the exact position of an aircraft at
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Chelmsford: Hopes for city status
Chelmsford must wait a bit longer to discover if it will finally be awarded the coveted, and, many consider, long overdue, city status. The county town is one of 39 which have applied to become a city in this millennium year, but no announcement was made
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Basildon: Jay Kay dumps 'nagging' Denise
Basildon babe Denise Van Outen has been dumped by pop star lover Jay Kay, according to reports. Pals fear the Jamiroquai singer ditched Denise because she kept nagging him about getting married before he was ready. A national newspaper yesterday claimed
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Stansted: Bid to halt further airport expansion
Councillors are set to reinforce their stance against airport expansion in the wake of the Stansted air disaster. A report on Braintree Council's position towards the airport has been requested by councillors, opposing expansion to beyond 15 million passengers
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Braintree: Girl speaks for first time
Little Paige Furner's condition means she has been locked in a world of her own since she was born. The three-year-old, of Lister Road, Braintree, has struggled to speak and had never called parents Karena and Jerry 'mum and dad'. But now Paige is making
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Harwich: Man lost job after just two hours
A man has been given thousands of pounds after claiming he was unfairly dismissed less than two hours after getting a job. John Tipple was awarded the money in a settlement after he lost the job as a deckhand with Westminster Dredging. The company declined
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Leigh: 'Please come home, Tracey'
A teenager who went missing after a new year row has refused to tell her parents if she is coming home - despite her dad pacing the streets of Southend in a bid to find her. Tracey Curtis-Wiggins hasn't been seen by dad Gary, mum Debbie, and six-year-old
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Soccer: Morris goal seals win
City should have romped home far more convincingly against poor opposition in this Bank Holiday Monday game at New Lodge, but a hatful of missed chances meant that an opportunist goal by the ever alert Steve Morris on the hour proved to be the winner.
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Colchester: Son slams hospital after mum's death
A grieving son has criticised the health service because his mother died a day after being sent home from hospital with painkillers. He branded the standard of care given by doctors at Colchester General Hospital "unacceptable". It follows the death of
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Elmstead Market: Stroke victim left stranded
A housebound stroke victim was forgotten about by social services on Boxing Day. Wheelchair-bound Fred Wood, 87, of Elmstead Market, is paralysed down one side and has not been able to use his arm or leg since his stroke seven years ago and needs help
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South Essex: All pals together for the good life
A good friendship is as important as quitting smoking or trips to the gym to achieve a healthy lifestyle. Recent Health Education Authority reports say involvement with voluntary groups, adult education classes or going to a leisure centre, are key factors
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Southend: No heritage cash for historic bakery
Southend's historic Carlton Bakery will not be eligible for repair grants from English Heritage, it emerged today. The 15th century building was badly damaged in a fire 14 months ago and now an appeal to have it upgraded from Grade II to Grade II* has
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Basildon: Mugger strikes
A heavily-built mugger who robbed and terrified a woman was today being hunted by police. He pounced on his 30-year-old victim as she was walking along a footpath at Great Gregorie, Basildon. The woman shouted and screamed at the mugger as he grabbed
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Southend, Rochford: Pensioner's £205,000 bingo jackpot win
Southend today became the mecca for bingo-lovers after yet another superb jackpot win. A 78-year-old woman from Rochford, who asked to remain anonymous, walked away with a cool £205,000 in the national game where punters from venues all over England and
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Ross rules in the draw
Ross Taylor was outstanding as Swifts earned a hard fought point in Monday's game at Scraley Road, with a point probably a fair return. Swifts' Nicky Simpson had a super first half and on 24 minutes he saw a cracking shot headed off the line and he then
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Chelmsford: Grandma dies in car crash
A grandmother has been killed in a head-on car crash. The Chelmsford pensioner was behind the wheel of her Ford Fiesta when it was involved in a collision with a Ford Mondeo yesterday morning. Emergency services could not save Marion Skipsey, 62, of Moulsham
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Benfleet: Joan gives away a fortune
Benfleet lottery winner Joan Woodland has given away a huge slice of her £6.8 million jackpot to friends and family, it emerged today. Joan, 73, has spent little of her multi-million-pound fortune on herself - and she has divided the cash between each
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Colchester: Trouble flared at town centre bar
Two doormen who got involved in trouble outside a Colchester pub have been given community service orders. The two - Gary Thorpe and Nicholas Leggett - were at the Chicago Rock Cafe in Queen Street when violence flared as a man was being ejected from
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Colchester: Co-op shares interest blow
Co-Op shareholders look set to lose out after a change in Government rules. People holding shares in the Colchester and East Essex Co-operative Society will no longer be paid interest on share balances below £20. From January 23, interest payable on share
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Soccer round-up: Southend Borough Combination League
The only tie played in the senior Southend Borough Combination knockout competition for the Walton Cup saw Tubbs grab a hat-trick for Old Southendian in a 5-2 win at Thames Park. Shoebury Town still top the Premier Division, but were made to fight all
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Soccer: South Essex non-league results round-up
SATURDAY RYMAN LEAGUE Premier Division: Billericay Town 0, Dagenham and Redbridge 4; Canvey Island 2, Aylesbury United 3. Division 3: Kingsbury Town 1, Great Wakering Rovers 3. SCHWEPPES ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Basildon United 0, Southend Manor 3; Burnham
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Soccer: Whitton salutes players
They don't come much better than this, and the 4,482 fans who witnessed Colchester United's 5-4 win over Bristol Rovers at Layer Road on Saturday know they saw something special. Those who missed it should be kicking themselves for missing a match that
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Rugby round-up: Season's second defeat for Rochford...
CANVEY 25 ROCHFORD 15 It was a case of deja vu as Rochford succumbed to a determined Canvey outfit in the setting sun at Tewkes Creek on Saturday. In front of a crowd of mostly Rochford supporters the home side came away with the result that few could
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Southend: Entries needed for annual design awards
Builders and architects have less than a week to get their entries ready for Southend Council's annual design awards. The coveted scheme was launched six years ago in a bid to recognise and encourage a better level of design in buildings across the town
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Frating, Great Bromley: Driver hurt after bridge plunge
A motorist was taken to hospital with spinal injuries today after his car apparently skidded on ice and overturned. The accident happened on a bridge on the A133 between Frating and Great Bromley at about 9am. Essex Air Ambulance was called but the victim
