Archive
-
Date
Mid Essex: Train derail fears after trolley crash
A mainline train could have been derailed after it ploughed into a shopping trolley that had been dumped on the track. The train was not damaged and no-one was injured in the collision which happened at around 2.45pm on Wednesday on a stretch of line
-
Date
Coryton: P&O unveils container port plan
Shipping giant P&O is to redevelop Shell Haven refinery as one of the biggest container terminals in Britain, handling up to a million containers a year, it has been announced. Shell revealed it had granted exclusive rights to P&O to redevelop
-
Date
Southend: Laptop PCs for town's councillors
Southend councillors could be set to get a laptop computer each instead of a desktop PC under new proposals to thrust council business into the 21st century. The hi-tech proposals to cut paper and improve communication were originally put before councillors
-
Date
Ongar, Epping: Rally call to open rail line
A leading railway enthusiast has issued "a call to arms" to clear the holdup over the controversial Ongar to Epping line. "It's time to bang heads together and find a way of getting trains running again," said John Glover, chairman of Ongar Railway Preservation
-
Date
Colchester: Family save kittens left for dead
A pair of kittens who were left for dead in a black plastic bag have been getting used to a brand new life with a loving family. The fluffy bundles were found in two carrier bags wrapped inside a bin bag in Greenstead, Colchester. And, eager to see them
-
Date
Soccer: Young U's glory bid ends in tears
It was a case of so near and yet so far for Colchester United's youth team - beaten by mighty Leeds United, but only in a penalty shoot-out. The Russian Roulette of penalties may not be the fairest way to settle a cup-tie but, after 120 minutes of stalemate
-
Date
Ice hockey: Chieftains thrash the Dynamos
Chelmsford Chieftains consolidated their lead at the top of the English Premier League with Sunday's thrashing of Invicta Dynamos at the Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre. The win was Chieftains' 17th in 18 games and their fifth against Invicta this
-
Date
Westcliff: Staff defy ban on trousers
There can be no doubt who is wearing the trousers at a Westcliff post office - but the women workers could land themselves in hot water. A group of women have been warned they may face disciplinary action over their refusal to wear the official uniform
-
Date
Thurrock, Brentwood: Helping crime victims tackle court nerves
Brentwood people are being asked to help lighten the load of the victims of crime by making their appearance in court less of an ordeal. Thurrock and Brentwood Victim Support is looking for volunteers so that its Witness Service - which has already proved
-
Date
Speedway: White back at Arena Essex
Arena Essex have announced the fifth member of their team for next season with the re-signing of Colin White. The Benfleet based rider finished second in last year's averages behind Leigh Lanham and this will be his fourth consecutive season in Arena's
-
Date
Showjumping: Renwick off to a flyer
Brentwood show jumper John Renwick looks to have started the new year where he left off in 1999, after showing top form at a special Millennium Derby competition that drew riders from several counties. The Derby took place at Patchetts Equestrian Centre
-
Date
Maldon: Anti-hunt protester fined £60
An anti-hunt protester told a court he was prepared to be arrested for his actions until the ''barbaric sport" of fox hunting was made illegal. Eoin McCarthy admitted a charge of threatening behaviour when he appeared before Chelmsford magistrates yesterday
-
Date
Soccer: Win tickets to see Billericay's big match
This Is Essex partner the Evening Echo is backing Billericay's football team as they prepare to stage one of the biggest games in their history. Billericay Town host arguably the best non-league team in the country, Nationwide Conference giants Rushden
-
Date
Chelmsford: Bank customer issued threats
An angry bank customer confronted the manager in the street. When the manager refused to identify himself, 29-year-old Allan Mayhew, said he knew he worked for the bank because he had an umbrella. Keith Rylands, prosecuting, at Chelmsford Magistrates'
-
Date
Southend: Who torched my Mercedes?
Nightclub supremo Dick De Vigne today spoke of his shock when he was woken to find his top-of-the-range Mercedes in flames outside his house. Firefighters were called to the Storm nightclub owner's home in Lovelace Gardens, Southend, at around midnight
-
Date
Pitsea: Fury at disabled scooter joyride
A disabled grandmother was today fuming after teenage yobs took her precious scooter for a joyride. Mary Storey, 63, relies on the electric scooter to get around and was distraught when it was taken from outside her home in Eastbrooks Place, Pitsea. Daughter
-
Date
Grays: Sister's very special gift
Special twin boys Charlie and Daniel Harris were celebrating their second birthdays yesterday. To parents Andrea, 31, and Mike, 36, of Adstock Way, Grays, the day meant more than just wrapped presents and birthday cake. They faced a life without children
-
Date
Colchester: Gang suspected of starting blaze
Arsonists have attacked a Colchester library. Police are hunting youths suspected of starting the blaze at the building in Prettygate Road. It is the latest in a string of criminal damage attacks and vandalism in the area. Police promised to step up patrols
-
Date
Stansted: Child fell from plane steps
A Stansted Airport worker has been disciplined after a child fell to the ground through a six inch gap between the top of aircraft boarding steps and the aircraft door sill. The two-and-a-half year old was rushed to hospital and treated for a fractured
-
Date
Essex: Delays forecast over A130 work
Preliminary works on the main contract for the northern section of the new A130 from Chelmsford to the south of the county are due to begin on Monday. The nine kilometre section, from the A130/A12 interchange at Chelmsford to the Rettendon Turnpike at
-
Date
A130 inquiry: Road 'would not be London M-way'
An Essex County Council engineer has denied claims that a proposed dual carriageway will be used as a London orbital road. Chartered engineer Brian Walpole was speaking at a public inquiry into the planned route of the controversial A130 yesterday. He
-
Date
Essex: Offenders clock up £1 million of labour
Essex offenders completed over £1 million worth of labour for people in the county last year. The facts emerged on Wednesday as bosses from Essex Probation Service took part in the world's first global conference on community justice. Hosted by the Association
-
Date
Clacton: Teacher quits after school allegation
A teacher has resigned from the 1,700-pupil Colbayns High School, Clacton, following an allegation that he "roughly handled" two children. The member of staff , who has not been named, was suspended In November but has since decided to leave the school
-
Date
Maldon, Hatfield Peverel: Bootleg CDs made men £1m, court told
An illegal music operation - based on an Essex farm - allegedly netted two men up to £1 million. More than 55,000 CDs, 1,200 cassette tapes and 200,000 pieces of artwork and packaging were found at a former chicken shed near Maldon after a swoop by police
-
Date
Shalford: Fireman rescues woman in blaze
A firefighter has been hailed a hero after he was injured saving an elderly woman from her blazing home. Wethersfield fireman Paul Stock dragged Kathleen Goodchild, 85, out of the blazing Ironbridge farm, Ironbridge lane, Shalford, near Braintree, on
-
Date
Rayleigh: Movie mechanics
A garage boss is so keen to show a job well done that he is offering customers videos of his mechanics working on their cars. In a move designed to reassure customers they haven't booked into a garage from hell, Woodhouse Engineering at Brook Road, Rayleigh
-
Date
South Essex: Seeking sporting talent
Castle Point and Rochford councils are joining forces in a major project aimed at unearthing new sporting talent in south-east Essex. Spurred on by the success of Canvey decathlete Dean Macey, the councils have enlisted the support of the Deanes Sports
-
Date
Soccer: Little salutes super Cross
Southend United boss Alan Little paid tribute to youngster Garry Cross' inspirational reserve team performance - then urged his senior stars to take note. The rookie right-back was a revelation on Tuesday night as Blues' second-string bounced back from
-
Date
Soccer; South Essex non-league fixtures
SATURDAY RYMAN LEAGUE Premier Division: Billericay Town v Hitchin; Harrow Borough v Canvey Island. SCHWEPPES ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Basildon United v Stansted; Ilford v Saffron Walden Town; Sawbridgeworth Town v Burnham Ramblers; Southend Manor v Hullbridge
-
Date
Soccer: Chance awaits Southend Manor
Southend Manor have the perfect chance to step up their Schweppes Essex Senior League honours bid tomorrow. For while Mark Jenkins's third-placed side host Hullbridge at Southchurch Park, the top two are in direct opposition when Ilford entertain Saffron
-
Date
Vange: Drop-in centre brings new hope
Help and advice is on the doorstep for people looking to get their lives back on track - thanks to the opening of a drop-in centre in Vange. The centre, believed to be the first of its kind in south Essex, offers information and advice on getting back
-
Date
Rayleigh: Packers bag a charity bonanza
The spirited efforts of bag packing youngsters raised £1,100 for Little Haven Hospice and scout funds. The First Ashingdon St Andrew's Scout Group, along with beavers, guides and cubs packed bags in Sainsbury at Rayleigh in the run-up to Christmas and
-
Date
Essex: Opposition to new day centre hours
People working with adults with learning and physical disabilities in Essex are facing a pay cut of up to £3,000 a year. Day centre workers could also be retitled community support workers and their hours changed to between 7am and 11pm on a seven-day
-
Date
Colchester: Anger as sale goods were not on shelves
Angry customers have hit out at a Colchester store for advertising goods in its home wares sale which they could not find on the shelves. Disgruntled shoppers said they had flocked to the store for the first day of the home store sale yesterday after
-
Date
South Essex: Boundaries all set for change
Residents living in parts of Rawreth and Hockley could find they will be living in Hullbridge if new Government reforms go ahead. The Government plans to even up the numbers of constituents represented by each councillor by shifting ward boundaries. While
-
Date
Point-to-point: Emma storms to strong win
It was a day for veterans, debutantes and raiders from south of the Thames at the North Norfolk Harriers point-to-point at Higham on Saturday. No less than three of the seven races fell to visitors from the south east, most notably the Ladies Open. Strong
-
Date
Soccer: Reader's choice - U's Man of the Century
We asked for your suggestions and you replied with nominations a-plenty. When we drew up our shortlist we asked for your votes and they came in by the hundred. Now we are at last able to announce the name of the player Gazette readers have chosen as Colchester
-
Date
Gymnastics: Champions for the 19th year!
Tyrrells County Primary School, Springfield, has been crowned the county's Primary Schools' Gymnastics champions - the 19th successive year the school has won the award. The annual competition was held at Riverside Leisure Centre and produced an exciting
-
Date
Athletics: Sarah puts on a golden show
South Essex athletes produced some excellent results when the annual Essex County Schools' Cross Country Championships were staged at Claybury, Woodford Green. There were some outstanding performances from Southend runners, topped by SEECAT College student
-
Date
Cross country: Chelmsford men lead the way
On Sunday, Chelmsford AC had both mens and womens teams competing in the Essex cross-country relay championships at Chigwell row. The race was 12 and a half miles, with five runners each running two and a half miles. It was a day of success for the club's
-
Date
Soccer: Gulls target runners-up spot
With leaders Dagenham and Redbridge looking odds-on certainties for the title - they went 14 points clear at the top with a midweek win over nearest rivals St Albans - Canvey Island are determined to be involved in the battle for the Ryman League Premier
-
Date
Soccer: Billericay enter League fray looking for win
With all the euphoria over their excellent cup form, it's a sobering thought that Billericay Town have not won a Ryman League Premier Division game since December 4 last year. They haven't played in the League for three weeks, but manager Gary Calder
-
Date
Canoeing: Chelmsford clear winners on the Stour
The fourth race of the Essex Winter Series of marathon canoeing events took place on the River Stour at Sudbury on Sunday. The total number of paddlers was reduced due to rescheduled events elsewhere but Chelmsford Canoe Club still came out on top as
-
Date
Soccer round-up: Pope & Smith Sunday League
PREMIER DIVISION Relegation rivals Priory Sports and Woodham Town met at Lodge Road and chances came at regular intervals at both ends. Neil Clarke opened the scoring for Priory after 20 minutes but after Woodham had equalised, the dismissal of Jimmy
-
Date
Soccer round-up: Mid-Essex League...
PREMIER DIVISION As a result of the leaders Beacon Hill Rovers and second in the table Marconi both losing, Tillingham Hotspur take over top spot after beating visitors Shelley Royals 6-2, Anthony Swanborough netting four of the Tillingham goals. Braintree
-
Date
Soccer round-up: Essex Intermediate League...
SENIOR DIVISION ONE Hatfield Peverel moved out of the bottom three as Palmer's penalty and Windibank's goal earnt them a point, visitors Essex Police's goals being netted by Fallows and Beacher. Second in the table Frenford Senior entertained Runwell
-
Date
Colchester: Pensioner power to fight fare rise
Pensioner power is going all the way to Downing Street in protest to an increase in the price of bus passes. Fare free bus passes for pensioners in Colchester look set to rise from £94 to £142 from April 1. But furious June Wilmerson, 69, of Dewberry
-
Date
Greenstead: Tributes to secret war team
A Colchester man has unravelled the secrets of a special military squadron and dedicated a website to it. Ron McKeon, of Greenstead, was researching his family tree when he uncovered details about his uncle Edmund Hurst. All his family had known was that
-
Date
Great Wigborough: Saving coast for the future
A swathe of north Essex coastline will be safeguarded for ever if Essex Wildlife Trust's ambitious plans to buy a £2.3 million farm come to fruition. Seven hundred acres at Abbotts Hall in Great Wigborough is currently under offer to the conservation
-
Date
Billericay: Arson suspected in farmhouse blaze
This is all that remains of a Billericay farmhouse after vandals burnt it to the ground. Police today urged witnesses to come forward after revelations that the blaze was started deliberately. Emergency services received 15 calls alerting them to the
-
Date
North Weald: Man threatened to kill his neighbours
Psychiatric reports have been ordered on a former North Weald man who made death threats to two of his neighbours. The order was made by Judge Gareth Hawkesworth at Chelmsford Crown Court after he heard that the threats were contained in anonymous letters
-
Date
Motorcycling: A scramble to start the new season
The Dunmow & District Motorcycling Club has recently had its fixtures agreed for the coming season. They are on Sunday, April 30 (Scramble), at Park Farm, Stebbing; on Sunday, June 4 (Grass Track), at Ugley Hall Farm, Ugley; and Sunday, September
-
Date
Colchester: Father and child flee fire
A father and his two-year-old daughter were treated in hospital after a fire at their home. The 24-year-old soldier was asleep downstairs on the sofa when a candle fell over and started the blaze. His daughter was asleep upstairs but he managed to rescue
-
Date
Thaxted: Breath test man injures special
A special constable was dragged 30 yards along the road by a motorist who drove off after being asked to take a breath test, a court heard last Thursday. Special Constable, Mark Hill, was bruised and shaken by the incident which happened in Warren Road
-
Date
Great Bentley: Roof hit by bolt from the blue
Tony Heightman hit the roof when he returned home from a night out with wife Jean and found a gaping hole in the tiles. And he was amazed to find it was not burglars or vandals who had caused the damage but a bolt from the blue - a thumping great piece
-
Date
Colchester: Mayor demands more cash for police
Colchester could fall under mob rule because of a lack of proper police funding, mayor Martin Hunt warned today. Prettygate suffered another vandal attack last night when church windows were broken. Mr Hunt, a councillor for the ward, said: "People in
-
Date
Basildon: A bullet in the head for strays
Stray dogs picked up by Basildon police are shot with a pistol if rehoming efforts fail, it has been revealed. The "barbaric" form of euthanasia has been condemned by animal campaigners who claim it causes considerable suffering to the animal. Hounds
-
Date
Colchester: Pupils get lessons in managing stress
A leading school has introduced reflexology sessions to help sixth formers manage stress. The sessions are on the timetable for pupils at Colchester County High School for Girls. They will complement other methods already in place in the school for managing
-
Date
Soccer: Fans' initiative to back U's
Colchester United fans are aiming to speak with a single voice after a meeting at Colchester Institute. More than 70 U's supporters met on Tuesday night to discuss ways of promoting fundraising initiatives and improving the club's public relations. The
-
Date
Soccer: Southend Junior League round-up...
A youngster with the apt name of Keegan kept Southend Junior League Methane Boys on the Under-13 East Anglian Cup trail. For he grabbed the only goal of the game as the Canvey-based side triumphed at Bushfield Park. Also winning through were Ekco Whitecaps
-
Date
Soccer: Veteran stars set to come out for Cup
There will be a galaxy of former international talent on duty at Basildon United's Gardiners Close ground on Sunday when Southend's Courtlands Park open their Umbro National Veterans Cup campaign. While former England Under-21 coach Peter Taylor, now
-
Date
Canvey: More taxis to meet demand
There should soon be many more licenced taxis on the streets of Canvey - in a bid to squeeze out private hire cars illegally plying for trade Councillors were urged to increase the number of hackney carriage licences to take trade away from private hire
-
Date
Athletics: Stuart at his best
Coming off the back of a good performance in Birmingham two weeks ago, Chelmsford AC's Stuart Ohrland competed at the South of England Championships in Bedford at the weekend where he won the Senior Men's high jump with a clearance of 2.17m, a new championship
-
Date
Soccer: 'Blues' bid for FA Cup
A host of former Southend United stars will be clubbing together to pull-off another giant-killing act for Gillingham in the fifth round of the FA Cup. The Second Division promotion chasers, managed by ex-Blues and England under-21 boss Peter Taylor,
-
Date
Soccer round-up: Chelmsford Invitation League...
DIVISION ONE Intersports maintained their unbeaten record with an 8-1 win over Arun Athletic. Richard Golder (2) and Paul Knock goals gave Inter a 3-0 lead at the break and in the second half they continued to add to their tally. Knock added two more
-
Date
Soccer round-up: South East Essex Mini-Soccer League
Rayleigh Leopards leapt over their nearest rivals, Beech United, in the Central Division of the Bukta South-East Essex Mini Soccer Primary League under-8 Lions section with a 3-0 win over Blackgate Gunners. Everett (2) and Fuller got the goals. Beech
-
Date
Soccer: Shrimpers draw Barking
Southend United have been paired with Barking at Roots Hall in the quarter-finals of the Essex Senior Cup. The tie will take place on Monday, February 21, kick-off 7.45pm, with the winners travelling to either Canvey or Clacton in the semi-finals. Converted
-
Date
Women's soccer: City put nine past Norwich
Lowly Norwich United visited Writtle College for Sunday's game as City were looking to extend their unbeaten run. Chelmsford took the lead after five minutes. Good work by Angelina Robinson and Lisa Blundell put Sarah Gammon free, and she cut in before
-
Date
Braintree: E-fit of man who tried to kiss 14-year-old girl
Police have released an e-fit of a man who tried to kiss a 14-year-old girl in Braintree. The teenager was walking along Browning Road at about 5.05pm last Wednesday when the man approached her and started a conversation with her. The man walked along
-
Date
Essex: The menace in our skies...
Growing public concern about the number of aircraft using the skies over Essex was highlighted at a county council meeting this week. Councillor Dennis Ramshaw warned that the number of near misses was inevitably growing -- and one error could be catastrophic
-
Date
A130 inquiry: Farmer's fears for new road
A farmer who was nearly killed by a train while driving his tractor across a level crossing has voiced his concerns over the safety of a planned bypass. John Little, of Rettendon Place Farm, Rettendon, miraculously escaped when his tractor became stuck
-
Date
Brentwood: High street hit again
The rebirth of Brentwood's town centre has already been tarnished - with the proposed closure of two established High Street shops prompting fears for the future. Just days after local business people and councillors came together and launched the Brentwood
-
Date
Soccer: Pru goes there?
Veteran Southend United goalkeeper Mark Prudhoe could be handed the task of shutting-out Third Division form-team Swansea City at Roots Hall. Mel Capleton may cries off Saturday's game with an ankle injury. The Seasiders' first-choice shot-stopper has
-
Date
Rugby: Daunting trip for Basildon...
Basildon must overcome the notoriously tiring journey to Norfolk outfit Holt as they continue their drive up the League table. Holt are one of London League Three's most inconsistent teams, but their home form is strong because south Essex-based teams
-
Date
Women's hockey: Chelmsford keep up the pace
Fresh from their success of becoming National League Indoor Champions, Chelmsford Highway turned their attentions back to the outdoor game with a convincing victory at Leicester on Saturday. Although there were no league points at stake in this friendly
-
Date
Essex: Andrew lands top health job
Southend Hospital's head of operations and service development, Andrew Pike, has been named new chief executive of troubled Mid Essex Hospital Services Trust. The journey to the top post started when Andrew joined a hospital management training scheme
-
Date
Chelmsford: Dog helps fight against jail drugs
Man's best friend is proving to be public enemy number one for would-be drug smugglers at Chelmsford Prison. A 14-month-old springer spaniel has been working at the prison for more than a month. And already Toby catches two or three potential drug-smugglers
-
Date
Stansted: Call for ban on housing near airport
Alan Dean, leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Uttlesford District Council, is calling for plans for housing and industrial development in the area around Stansted Airport to be rejected in the wake of the Korean air crash. He will be asking fellow
-
Date
Southend; Stars come out for charity gala
When it comes to raising money for elderly residents of a care home, nothing is too big a challenge for their carers, finds SALLY KING Ross Farmer is a man with big ideas. And when it comes to fundraising, very big ideas. Ross is the general manager of
-
Date
Hockey: Brentwood grateful to Hull
Following their League victory over Colchester the previous week, Brentwood were keen to maintain the momentum with another win over stronger opposition on Saturday. Starting the match in freezing conditions, both sides looked dangerous on the counter
-
Date
Braintree: Shoplift gangs warning
Shoplifting gangs targeting Braintree are travelling hundreds of miles to steal, it has been revealed. Police believe Braintree is the focus for gangs since the Freeport designer shopping complex opened, luring the crooks to Braintree. Since the new shops
-
Date
Chelmsford: Man, 77, dies after crash
A 77-year-old Chelmsford man died after the car which he was driving hit a lamppost last week. He was Thomas Gibson, of Broomfield Road. The accident happened in Chelmer Village Way, Chelmsford, near the Henniker Gate junction, around 3.15pm on Thursday
-
Date
Colchester: Friends share bingo jackpot
Devoted friends today told how they plan to spend their winnings after hitting the jackpot at bingo. Patricia Smith, who lives off Ipswich Road, Colchester, won £107,181 at the Gala bingo club in Osborne Street, Colchester. She scooped the national bingo
-
Date
Essex: Traffic officers to be redeployed
A major shake-up of Essex Police's traffic and operations division will mean a reduction in senior officers, it has been confirmed. Four inspector posts will be lost through natural wastage across the county when the two divisions merge in April. And
-
Date
Colchester: Help sought with tree planting
Lots of help is needed to plant 2,000 trees over the next couple of months. Rangers at High Woods Country Park, Colchester, are to hold a tree planting event for anyone interested in helping to create woodlands for the future on February 5 and 6. High
-
Date
Basildon: Bogus caller alert
Police today warned householders to be on their guard against bogus callers after a man with a clipboard raided an elderly woman's home. Crime prevention officers said they wanted to head off a possible outbreak of the attacks amid fears the man could
-
Date
Soccer: City desperate for players
Injury-hit Chelmsford City face another major crisis before they visit Dr Martens League Eastern Division leaders Folkestone Invicta tomorrow (Saturday), because they will be without leading goalscorer Ollie Berquez. The 19-year-old striker, who netted
-
Date
Soccer: Johnson and McGavin may miss Reading trip
Colchester United manager Steve Whitton has been rocked by news that two key players are doubtful for Saturday's match at Reading after being laid low with a virus. Influential midfielder Gavin Johnson - whose return to fitness and form has been one of
-
Date
Chelmsford: Driver pulled from wreckage
A driver whose car took off after it hit a bollard early on Monday was pulled from the wreckage as the car lay on its side on a busy main road. The accident happened in Main Road, Broomfield, opposite School Road, around 6.45 am. Julie Sullivan, 36, who
-
Date
Southend: Women's refuge in crisis
A ground-breaking south Essex drop-in centre for domestic violence is facing a funding crisis due to overwhelming demand. The Dove Project was set up in 1997 with a three-year grant from the National Lottery. Assessors from the Charities Board will be
-
Date
Southend, Laindon: Butcher sorry about racist rabble
Rebel butcher Dave Stephens today apologised for racist comments made by his supposed supporters at a public meeting. The rowdy rent-a-mob turned up at a Southend full council meeting last night to hear questions about the butcher's refusal to change
