Archive
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West Bergholt: Man's 'revenge' on dying father-in-law
A former school cleaner who stole thousands of pounds from his dying father-in-law has begun a jail sentence. Colchester magistrates were told how David Jordan, 49, of Erle Havard Way, West Bergholt, was asked by his wife's father, Donald Crow, to look
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Maldon: Town's film date revealed
Maldon's first cinema for more than 15 years is one step nearer with the announcement of a provisional opening show. And organisers have urged people to support the venture to ensure its future. Maldon Town Council has organised a Saturday morning children's
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BMX Racing: Darren is delighted with his second place
Darren Eastall, 15, from Coggeshall was the sole Braintree BMX Club rider to attend an Open meeting organised by the Slough BMX Club on Sunday, and was thrilled to receive the second place overall trophy after finishing third in the final and with some
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Castle Point: Council scraps anti-gay clause
Castle Point Council is one of the first in the country to vote in favour of scrapping controversial rules banning the positive promotion of homosexuality. Labour councillor George Wilson successfully persuaded colleagues to back moves to drop the controversial
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Rochford: Jobs bonanza in new estate plan
Hundreds of jobs could be created in Rochford by the development of a new industrial estate, it was revealed today. A 28-acre area of open space off Western Approaches could soon be the site of two or three large or several smaller businesses. Essex County
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Maldon: Charity box thief branded 'lowest of the low'
A thief who stole a charity box from a High Street jewellers in Maldon has been branded the lowest of the low by the shop owner. Barry Everett, who owns Kimbells, said: "Everything in the shop is locked up and the only thing that isn't is the last thing
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Braintree: Trucker quizzed over road death
A trucker from Braintree was arrested after a lorry overturned, crushing a car driver to death in Suffolk. The accident happened at around 8.20am on Monday on the A140, north of Bury St Edmunds. David Pierce, 30, from Norwich, was crushed when the lorry
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Colchester: Forces Radio to get second run
A second bite of the cherry for a Colchester radio station could lead to it becoming a permanent fixture. British Forces Radio, for the town's soldiers and their families, goes back on air on January 24 following a successful debut in the summer. If the
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Coggeshall: Driver dies in bypass crash
Another driver has died on Essex's roads - the fourth already this year. Last year more than 100 drivers were killed on the county's roads and police were determined to cut the figure in 2000. But on Monday night, less than two weeks into the new year
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Dedham: Cottage offered as TV prize
A passion flowers and shrubbery could win green-fingered homeowners a country cottage in Dedham. The 17th century thatched home is the unusual star prize contestants in a brand new TV programme are hoping for. The cottage was snapped up last year by producers
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Canvey: New cemetery to open in autumn
A new long-awaited cemetery for Canvey should be up and running by the autumn, it emerged today. Plans for the cemetery off Northwick Road are now near to completion, following months of negotiations between Castle Point Council and Benfleet funeral directors
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Clacton: 'Yuk! I nearly swallowed a beetle!'
Stunned Audrey Miller told today how she nearly swallowed a beetle while drinking a can of Coke. Mrs Miller was sipping the can of Coca-Cola at home when she realised the fizz had gone from her drink. She then realised something was in her mouth and discovered
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Tilbury: Police jobs to go in port shake-up
Police officers are to lose their jobs as the result of a shake-up of the Port of Tilbury force - one of the oldest in the country. It was revealed today that almost half of the force based at the docks will be made redundant in sweeping changes which
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Dovercourt: Breakfast at school
A pioneering scheme which will see children attend school for breakfast is to be launched at a primary school. Chase Lane Primary School in Dovercourt is introducing its breakfast club from Monday and will be the first in the area to do so. The idea is
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Southend, Westcliff: Family's joy as missing girl returns
The family of teenager Tracey Curtis-Wiggins today described their joy and relief at finding her safe and sound. Tracey, 15, ran away from her home in Blenheim Chase a week ago after a family row. Dad Gary, mum Debbie and six-year-old sister Sophie heard
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Mid Essex: More beds plea as flu outbreak takes toll
An appeal has been made to health chiefs in mid-Essex to reopen beds at Broomfield Hospital to help cope with the flu outbreak. The plea has been made by Chelmsford Trades Union Council which led a campaign last year against plans by Mid Essex Hospitals
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Tendring: Lucky escape for bus pupils
Youngsters had a lucky escape today when their school bus went off the road and hit a telegraph pole. About 50 pupils from Tendring Technology College were on the double decker bus when the accident happened at about 8.30am. The bus had picked up students
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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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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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Colchester: New hospital benchmark
A duck, peacock and goose will be gracing the landscape at the front of Colchester General Hospital from this week. Images of the three birds, each with their wings outstretched, have been turned into wooden outdoor benches at the Turner Road site. The
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Basildon: New store to create 80 jobs
Eighty new jobs will be created in Basildon when another major new store opens at the multi-million pound Westgate park shopping complex. Bosses at high street retailer Wilkinson today promised they will be recruiting staff locally for the new store.
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Angling round-up: Watts up with roach...
Big fish are proving evasive at both Hadleigh reservoir and Rochford's Doggetts fishery. Hadleigh angler Matt Watts concentrated on the roach at the reservoir and was rewarded with a decent bag of fish up to 1lb. Red maggot proved the successful recipe
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Soccer: Tagged Croft makes comeback for Ipswich
Ipswich Town defender Gary Croft was expected to make his comeback for the reserves this afternoon. Croft was only released from prison on Monday but was expected to play for the second string against Gillingham at Portman Road today. It is thought the
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Mid Essex: Wedding fever for millennium
Wedded bliss could be put on hold for hundreds of couples - because of a millennium boom in marriages. Chelmsford looks set to be the wedding capital of Essex this year, with many couples having to wait to plight their troth. Wedding venues across the
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Soccer: Witham record an invaluable victory
Witham recorded an excellent win at Spa Road on Saturday, and it was a great fillip for the new management team of Tony Kinsella and Bobby Harding who are in the process of putting together a team that will be hopefully good enough to see Witham away
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Soccer: Gillespie goal seals fine win for Swifts
On paper ambitious Aldershot should have been comfortable winners of Saturday's game, but the 'Shots failed to reckon on the incredible new found team spirit and commitment shown by all eleven Swifts players to quieten the big crowd of 2,041. If Swifts
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Soccer: Faults in Iron prove costly
Two goals up with only five minutes to go Braintree were poised to secure their first win in 16 games on Saturday, after a much improved display at Cressing Road. But all their good work was undone by a lapse of concentration which enabled Romford to
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Soccer round-up: South-east Essex Sunday League
Runwell Raiders took advantage of Castle Point's inactivity to register the win required to take them to the top of the South-East Essex Sunday League Premier Division table. A 5-3 success at Red Star put them three points clear of Castle Point, who have
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Braintree: More drivers needed
More volunteer drivers are needed by Braintree community transport social car scheme as it celebrates its first birthday. Since its launch a year ago, the scheme has grown from five registered users and five volunteer drivers, to a membership of 138 with
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Maldon: Council wants town traffic scheme views
Highway chiefs are calling for feedback on whether experimental traffic schemes in Maldon should become permanent. In response to residents' concerns about traffic congestion in Mill Road and Wantz Road in the town centre, entry to each road has been
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Tolleshunt Knights: Flag was just for William
Tory leader William Hague singled out Essex people's jingoism - but the hotel he hailed for flying the St George's flag said they only put it up for his visit. Mr Hague used it as an example of increased nationalism in England when he spoke on a radio
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Braintree: £35 night on town wins £6,000 prize
A reveller had the chance of becoming an easy rider after winning a £6,000 Harley Davidson with a £35 nightclub ticket. But, instead of revving up for some New Year motoring of the 880cc two-wheeled variety Andrew Cerrino,18, of Ennerdale Avenue, Braintree
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Hadleigh: An early start to learning
Staff at a Hadleigh school are hoping to give youngsters a better start to their education by admitting them earlier. The four-year-olds, starting at Westwood School, are currently taken in at two stages throughout the year. Now teachers at the school
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Rayleigh: Plainclothes store staff bring joy to patients
Supermarket staff ditched their smart striped shirts for mufti to help raise money for Southend Hospital's Neptune children's ward. The funds generated at the Sainsbury's Rayleigh Weir store were boosted by the sale of special Christmas cards, and a collection
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Canvey: Artistic licence
Art experts have been sharing their skills with students at a Canvey school. The creative arts week at Furtherwick Park School in Furtherwick Road, Canvey, saw students from all years undertake a series of workshops to develop their skills. The youngsters
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Southend: £1.5m Plaza plan to start within year
Building work on a £1.5 million extension to Southend's Victoria Plaza is set to begin within the next 12 months, it was revealed today. Centre boss Bourne End Properties wants to build a two-storey glass-fronted shop over the Deeping underpass between
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Shoebury: Marina bid for garrison site
A vision of the future for Shoebury Garrison was today unveiled by a developer intent on turning the site into a £50 million marina complex. The Shoebury-based Lewis Harris Partnership is one of five bidders on the final list for the proposed development
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Clacton: Sports ground torn up by vandals
Leisure bosses have hit out a vandals who ripped up sports pitches in Clacton causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage. The cricket square and hockey pitch at Vista Road were driven over by a car and motorbikes on three successive nights. The vandals
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Braintree: New firm brings 100 jobs to town
A new kind of home improvement company will bring more than 100 jobs to Braintree when it opens in the town. The Lighthouse Remodeling company is recruiting local people for its telephone call centre at Warners Mill, in South Street. So far, 28 people
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Billericay: Blind Date's pasta pain
Strewth! When Matthew Sterry teamed up with an Aussie backpacker on TV's Blind Date his luck was out. Matthew, 27, was set for true romance but his date Emma did not share the same desires. He said: "I was looking for a really nice girl and hoping for
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Basildon: Mark it or lose it, say police
Get your property marked - and stand a chance of getting it back. That was today's stark warning from police who revealed more than 25 uncoded bikes have been stolen in the town since the new year. For the sake of just £5 you could make sure police don't
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Southend: Top barrister to fight casino
One of Britain's top barristers has stepped into an escalating row over a bid to open another casino in Southend. Legal big gun George Carman QC has been appointed by Westcliff Sporting Club and the Waterfront Casino, both on Western Esplanade, Southend
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Basildon: More big names for interactive TV
Cable operator Telewest has signed up a further 15 high street names to provide products on its new interactive TV service. The company has its regional headquarters in Basildon where several hundred people are employed in its call centre. It plans to
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Colchester: Soldiers to keep peace in Balkans
Troops from Colchester are going to Bosnia to spend six months as peacekeepers in the war-torn country. Almost 200 soldiers from 28/143 Battery, 19 Regiment Royal Artillery will serve with the Nato stabilisation force (SFOR) in Sanskimost in central Bosnia
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Maldon: Babies and books scheme
A scheme to introduce books to babies has been launched in Maldon. Essex Libraries and educational charity BookTrust are behind Bookstart, which aims to encourage parents to share books with babies and very young children. Maldon Library hosted the launch
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Colchester: Tourism initiative highlights town
Colchester has been highlighted in a nationwide drive to promote tourism through sport. The town's Rollerworld skating centre has been cited as a good example of how tourism in Britain's oldest recorded town can embrace sport. And Colchester MP Bob Russell
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Billericay: Decision time for new bistro
Controversial plans for a two-storey French cafe and restaurant in Billericay High Street are back in front of councillors. The owner of Kitts DIY, David Baxter, is keen to move his business and has been fighting for permission from Basildon Council to
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Rugby round-up: A-team show good potential...
WESTCLIFF LIONS 15 SOUTHEND CARDINALS 22 Southend veterans have recently earned something of a reputation for beating 2nd XVs and their experience stood them in good stead once again against Westcliff's Lions side. The Lions started the stronger side,
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Soccer: Johnson wants to stay at Colchester
Ross Johnson today revealed he is ready to put pen to paper on a long-term deal at Colchester United. The 24-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion defender is on loan at Layer Road after signing a short-term deal yesterday, but already he's keen to make
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Soccer: Ramblers rock Brentwood
Ramblers are at last finding some consistency with this third consecutive victory and a performance that was for the most part pretty solid and at times quite impressive. It was an important victory both statistically and psychologically as it moves Burnham
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Accolade for Maldon town centre
Maldon is being put on the map as it is hailed nationally as a good example of town centre management. Town centre manager, Marion Wells is currently preparing a report for Action For Market Towns -- a national body. ''Maldon is beginning to get interest
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Chelmsford: Hero hurt in clash
A have-a-go hero was injured when he stopped would-be thieves from snatching a woman's handbag. The man in his 20s went to help the woman who was walking along Chelmsford High Street last night. The attackers then left the woman alone and turned on her
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Castle Point: Toughen up racism laws
Castle Point councillors have agreed to tackle institutionalised racism. Councillor Charles Smith won the backing of the borough's full council in his call for changes to the 1976 Race Relations Act. He urged colleagues to "implore" the Government to
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Colchester: Drop in town centre crime
Crime in Colchester town centre has dropped below rates for the rest of the borough for the first time ever. It used to have the highest crime rate but the number of offences has dropped significantly since the council-run security cameras started rolling
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A12 headache as roadworks return
Drivers on the A12 are facing delays as roadworks started again after a Christmas lay-off. The stretch of road between the Boreham Interchange and Hatfield Peverel is affected by the maintenance work and a 40mph speed limit is in place. PC John Simpson
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North Essex: Meningitis jabs still available
More than 4,500 children in north east Essex are eligible for immunisation from meningitis C. Since November 17, more than 4,000 children between 15 and 17 were given the jab by Essex Rivers Healthcare Trust at schools and colleges. But a further 4,695
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Laindon, Vange: Police seek link in homes fires
Police today revealed they have not ruled out a link between two suspicious fires which happened on the same night. But in the meantime separate investigations are being carried out into the blazes at a Vange flat and a Laindon house. Police investigations
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Clacton: Maria finds her long-lost father
A daughter has told how her search for her missing dad ended with an emotional call to New Zealand. Maria Hooper, 34, has not seen her dad since her parents split up over 30 years ago. In September 1998 she decided to search for her dad, John Gall, 62
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Hockley: Crash victim's family needs answers
The family of a young man killed when his car was involved in a collision with a fire engine say they are desperate to know more about the incident. Just two months before he was due to become a father for the second time, glazier Jamie Hierons, 22, of
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Soccer: Greene denies transfer plea
Colchester United's David Greene - the defender in dispute with the club after talks on a new contract broke down - has denied he has handed in a transfer request. A statement issued by the club claimed the player asked for terms which were a "100 per
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Soccer: Chemico date for Lodgers
Rayleigh Lodgers will be hoping to step up their bid for the Southend Wednesday League championship today with victory over Chemico at the Ekco Ground. Lodgers moved into top spot in shock fashion when, as they were beating Southend Police 5-1, previously
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Soccer: Freed Croft back in Town
Ipswich Town defender Gary Croft is expected to make an appearance for the reserves in today's reserve team game at Portman Road against Gillingham. Croft, 25, was released from prison on Monday after serving just one month of a four-month sentence for
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Dovercourt: Holiday camp's all-year use bid
Concerns have been raised over plans to use a caravan park all year round. The owners of Clear Springs camp in Low Road, Dovercourt, want to open all 52 weeks allowing permanent occupancy of its chalets. The camp is currently being used to house refugees
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Colchester: Grandmother's fury at bus pass rise
An angry grandmother has told how she fears being left high and dry if Colchester Council pushes ahead with a hefty rise in the cost of pensioners' bus passes. From April 1 the price of fare paid bus passes for pensioners is set to rise from £94 to £142
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Canvey: No promises of help for islanders
People on Canvey will have to wait for a council officer to be based on the island. Former councillor Terry Norman claimed islanders had been promised an officer on the island to help with problems but chairman of the finance and policy committee, councillor
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Soccer: Livett to leave Roots Hall fold
Southend United's forgotten man - midfielder Simon Livett - was expected to part company with the Third Division club today. The Shrimpers have offered to pay-up the remaining six months of the 31-year-old's contract, enabling the former West Ham player
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Maldon: Refugee influx sparks concerns
Housing asylum seekers would be like dropping a nuclear bomb on the community, a district councillor has claimed. Tom Kelly, (Con, Maldon South) was expressing alarm felt by many councillors at the prospect of having to house up to 280 asylum seekers
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Colchester: Comic Jim drops in for Tory talk
True-blue comedian Jim Davidson will be making an unusual appearance - entertaining Essex Conservatives. The controversial performer, once criticised for his racist and sexist jokes, will be the guest speaker at a posh fundraising dinner. He will entertain
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Southend: Fatties urged to fight the flab
A major promotion was launched today to get more people fighting the flab at Southend Council leisure centres. The new package has been brought in less than two weeks after Glendale Leisure took over management of the council's five sports centres. The
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Braintree: Bid to set up centre for elderly
Plans to open a daily drop-in centre for the elderly in Braintree are to be looked into by the Braintree District Voluntary Support Agency. The idea for the centre was first suggested by members of the Braintree Pensioners Action Group about four months
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Braintree, Coggeshall: Driver killed in accident named
The driver of a Bedford pick-up truck who died in a head-on collision with a lorry on the A120 has been named. Frederick Charles Townsend, 45, formerly of Lyons Hall Road, Bocking, near Braintree, was certified dead at the scene after being cut from the
