Archive
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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
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Billericay: Cool conman tricks victims
A smooth-talking conman tricked his way into an elderly couple's home and fleeced them out of £200 for work he never did. The workman also seemed to know that a plasterer was due at the couple's Billericay home. Police today appealed for help to catch
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Clacton: Residents flee flat fire
Residents of a block of flats had to be evacuated after a fire. The blaze, which began at about 8.30pm on Saturday in one of the third-floor flats in a block of 13 in Pallister Road, Clacton, is being treated as arson. They spent two hours at the scene
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Southend: Shops cash in on Euro funding
Southend town centre managers have launched a new project to win back shoppers. And they announced that they had already signed up 15 stores to the scheme to improve shop staff skills. The European Union funded scheme, called Talking Shop, will feature
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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
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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
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Soccer: Duguid blames offside decision
Colchester United striker Karl Duguid felt the game was lost when referee Barry Knight ruled out his first half effort for offside. The U's speedy striker had the ball in the back of the net in the 36th minute when he headed home after David Gregory's
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Women's soccer: City put nine past Norwich
Lowly Norwich United visited Writtle College for last 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
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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 last Sunday. The total number of paddlers was reduced due to rescheduled events elsewhere but Chelmsford Canoe Club still came out on top as
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Soccer: U's offer for White
Colchester United have made a five-figure offer - believed to be around £20-£30,000 - for 23-year-old Luton defender Alan White. White is in a similar situation to David Greene, who last week was the subject of a £30,000 offer from Cardiff City, as both
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Soccer: Who has the longest throw of all?
Best by a long throw - that's Tony Gilbert. The 17-year-old, of Rye Mill Lane, Feering, has acquired a reputation as the owner of the fiercest throw in the Colchester Youth League. Tony, who plays for Feering in the Ke-Connect League when he is not on
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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 last week. Councillor Dennis Ramshaw warned that the number of near misses was inevitably growing -- and one error could be catastrophic
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Essex: Mapping out our future
GRAHAM HUTSON looks at the preparations being made in the run up to the electoral boundary changes - changes that if implemented, will re-shape the face of the Essex countryside map You probably don't know this, but the boundaries of your council ward
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Soccer: Steady Billericay keep their feet on ground
With excitement mounting over next Saturday's New Lodge battle with Rushden and Diamonds for a last 16 FA Umbro Trophy spot, Billericay made certain of keeping their Ryman League Premier Division ship on an even keel with this home draw against Hitchin
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Colchester: Mayor warns of 'mob rule'
Colchester could fall under mob rule because of a lack of proper police funding, mayor Martin Hunt warned. Prettygate suffered another vandal attack on Thursday night when church windows were broken. Mr Hunt, a councillor for the ward, said on Friday:
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Basildon: Firm's panto power merges fun and fundraising
The Panto season is over....Oh no it isn't! At least, not for workers at insurance giant CGU in Basildon, who swapped their suits for a bit of slap and tickle on the stage. It was a panto with a difference called Dial M for Merger - based loosely on Charles
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Colchester: MP to look at security measures
Colchester MP Bob Russell has told how he was forced to eject a man from his office just days before his close friend was attacked by a sword. Lib Dem MP Nigel Jones was slashed by a sword-wielding attacker at the Liberal Democrat office in Cheltenham
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Basildon: £10m HQ brings jobs to town
Top engineering company MSX International is to open its £10 million European headquarters in Basildon tomorrow. The motor industry supplier has moved to the town to be close to its key client, Ford. A total of 350 jobs have been created through the building
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Leigh: 'I've found Atlantis!'
The secret location of the mythical island of Atlantis has finally been solved - according to Leigh author Andrew Collins. Over the years, philosophers, historians and explorers have debated the reality of Atlantis and have searched in vain for its whereabouts
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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
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Gymnastics: Champions for the 19th year!
Tyrrells County Primary School has been crowned the county's Primary Schools' Gymnastics champions for the 19th successive year. The annual competition was held at Riverside Leisure Centre and produced an exciting afternoon's sport. Over 80 local gymnasts
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Maldon: Man airlifted to hospital after four-car smash
A driver was airlifted to hospital after a four-car accident. The crash happened on the A414 Spital Road just outside Maldon between the Safeway roundabout and Limebrook Stables. Scott Anderson, of the Hythe, Maldon, was taken to Broomfield Hospital in
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Colchester: Sixty new jobs created at call centre
Sixty new jobs will be created in Colchester over the next 12 months. Eastgate Assistance, which provides telephone helpline services, is offering the new jobs at its Colchester Business Park premises after getting the contract to provide call centre
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Clacton, Chelmsford: Somerfield stores to stay open after U-turn
A supermarket giant has made a dramatic turnaround and decided not to sell up. Three of the Somerfield stores, one in Newland's Spring, Chelmsford, and two in Clacton, are set to stay open after no suitable buyers were found for them. Around 140 of the
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Chelmsford: Praise for major overhaul of flats
A block of flats is set for a dramatic £260,000 facelift. But the renovation of Melbourne Court in Chelmsford is just one step towards revamping the area, according to ward councillor Russell Kennedy. Melbourne Court, which was built in 1962, is to have
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Billericay: Homeowners wait on planning decision
Billericay residents must wait until March to find out if their homes are to be affected by a new development. It has been revealed that a decision on the controversial housing plan for Perry Street won't be resolved until councillors have more information
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Soccer round-up: Southend Sunday League...
Southend Sunday League Oakwood Sports are through to the quarter-finals of the FA Umbro Sunday Cup. After a thrilling 4-4 extra-time draw last week up North against Northwood at Bridlington Town - they recovered from being 3-0 down and having goalkeeper
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Soccer: Blues are back with a bang
Southend United have finally found a cure for their Roots Hall jinx, turning the form book upside down to sweep aside promotion-chasing Swansea City. Blues striker Martin Carruthers ruffled the Swans' feathers on Saturday with a brace of headers, bringing
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Soccer: Rovers in Cup action
Great Wakering Rovers go into Essex Thames-side Trophy action at Premier Division Purfleet tonight confident in the knowledge that a rare weekend of inactivity has not damaged their Ryman League Division Three title hopes. For East Thurrock United, level
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Soccer: Launders loses tribunal
Former Colchester United midfielder Brian Launders is to appeal against the Football League tribunal which threw out his claim for unfair dismissal. The one-time Eire Under 21 international, who was sacked by the U's in October for gross misconduct, claimed
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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 was announced today. Shell revealed it had granted exclusive rights to P&O to redevelop
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Soccer: Howard Southwood - speaks his mind on the Blues
Tilly deserved millennium title It was interesting to read a letter from a supporter in Echosport last week questioning the choice of Steve Tilson as Blues' Player of the Millennium. I reckon even Tilly, honest man that he is, would agree that there have
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Soccer boost for youngsters
Working closely with schools across the district is one of the main jobs of the council's football development scheme. Youngsters from around 25 schools a year benefit from the support given to their schools by Gary Piggott and the rest of his team. The
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Colchester: Soldier on sex charges flees Army
A soldier due to appear in Colchester charged with sex offences has fled the Army. Civilian and military police are now searching for Private James Gordon, of the Royal Anglian Regiment. Private Gordon, in his 30s, was reported absent without leave on
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Chelmsford: Woman harassed former boyfriend
A city worker was banned from contacting a former boyfriend after he was forced to turn to police in a bid to end her harassment. Susan Hammett, 41, of Parklands Drive, Chelmsford, has worked in London as a successful personal assistant for more than
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Southend: 'Double agent' found guilty
A former Southend Tory party chairman has escaped the death penalty after he was cleared of waging war against India - but still faces up to ten years behind bars. Peter Bleach - ex-Conservative party chairman in Southend's St Luke's ward - was found
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Frinton: Man murdered at holiday home
Tributes were today paid to retired businessman Tony Fetherston, who was murdered at his Caribbean holiday home. His friends at Walton and Frinton Yacht Club - where he was a lifelong member - told of their shock and sadness at the tragedy. Mr Fetherston
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Essex: Archbishop's visit
The Archbishop of Canterbury is coming to Chelmsford for a four-day visit. The Most Rev Dr George Carey has announced that he will be touring the Chelmsford diocese, spending much of the time in the town itself. Dr Carey and his wife will start their
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A130 inquiry: New road will be 'obnoxious'
A man whose house was bulldozed by road developers has described a proposed bypass as "obnoxious". Barrie Sanderson lost his Rawreth home six years ago under a compulsory purchase order when moves were first made to start building the controversial A130
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Laindon: How to name a new school
The man who helped name a Laindon school has unearthed details of yet another leading educational light. The amalgamation of the Laindon and Nicholas schools lead to an appeal by governors for an appropriate name. Danny Lovey, of Ross Way, Langdon Hills
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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
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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
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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
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Colchester: Friends share bingo jackpot
Devoted friends have 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
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Soccer: Knight's a hero in Walton Cup quest
Knight's charge took Eton House OB through to the third round of the Combination's senior knockout competition, the Walton Cup. They triumphed 1-0 at Battlesbridge with Knight scoring the only goal, while Shoebury Old Boys, thanks to Day and Fearon doubles
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Soccer: Blades cut into Ipswich promotion hopes
While Ipswich Town were struggling to a 1-1 draw with Sheffield United, Marcus Stewart banged in two for Huddersfield - and the irony will not be lost on boss George Burley. Ipswich, who last week made a bid for the Huddersfield striker, were simply crying
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Rugby round-up: Winchester left blue by Thurrock's Green...
Thurrock stayed fifth in London One despite a convincing performance against second-placed Winchester. The home side notched up eight tries and five conversions after finding themselves 10-0 down in the first ten minutes after conceding a converted try
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Langenhoe: Fire hits dream home
A couple who moved into their dream home just weeks ago had to call out the fire service twice in one night. Matthew and Mandy Aldridge, of Mersea Road, Langenhoe, near Colchester, awoke to find smoke bellowing from their bedroom floor at around 1am on
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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
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Soccer: Warnock tips Town for promotion spot
Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock has tipped Ipswich Town for automatic promotion despite his team holding the Portman Road side to a 1-1 draw. George Burley's team were disappointingly below par in the draw, which keeps them in fourth place in Nationwide
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Leigh: Mobile phone saves anglers
Two anglers were today lucky to be alive - thanks to their mobile phone. They used the phone to call for help as their boat began sinking off the Essex coast and were dramatically rescued as the vessel was shipping water. Royston Teeder, of London Road
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Southend: Bingo jackpot - yet again!
It's happened again! Lady Luck is definitely smiling down on a Southend bingo club as it notches up yet another massive jackpot win. Bosses at Mecca Bingo Hall in Greyhound Way were amazed when a middle-aged man called house on the national game. The
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Essex: Tackling car crime
Police today revealed details of their biggest-ever crackdown on car crime in Essex. Operation Resolve saw hundreds of officers working countywide to ease a crime which has become one of the biggest headaches for Essex Police. The week-long operation
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Athletics: Stuart at his best
Chelmsford AC's Stuart Ohrland competed at the South of England Championships in Bedford last weekend where he won the Senior Men's high jump. The win came off the back of a good performance in Birmingham two weeks ago, and at Bedford his clearance of
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Swimming: Youngsters with the Midas touch
Two youngsters swam their way to a golden hoard in Holland. Colchester Phoenix ASC's Natalie Jones, 15, and Robert Pulford, 14, returned home in triumph from an international swimming event held in Deventer, Holland. They brought back a haul of nine golds
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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
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Hockley makes the history book...
Out of the blue, TOM KING received a weighty hand-bound volume of history in the mail. He visited the publisher and author Frank Prior to hear the tale behind the tome. Last month an extraordinary volume thumped resoundingly onto the floor by my desk.
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Colchester: Disabled pensioner imprisoned by thugs
A disabled widow was locked inside her own home by thugs who wired her front door shut. Phyllis Knight, 78, feared she would not be able to get out and was worried she would be trapped if a fire started. She is still shocked and upset by the ordeal and
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Southend: Who torched my Mercedes?
Nightclub supremo Dick De Vigne 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 on Friday
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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
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Leigh: Mugs mark main event
As millennium fever dies down, pupils of a Leigh school have been given a lasting memento of this important time in history. Everyone at West Leigh junior and infants schools has been awarded a souvenir mug to remember the first year of the new millennium
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Wickford: Gun drama
Armed police raided a Wickford house after reports a firearm had been seen inside. Laburnum Avenue was closed for around five hours while 20 officers kept a careful watch on the home and made sure neighbours were out of danger. Police sniffer dogs were
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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. Although there were no league points at stake in this friendly fixture,
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Southend: 20 refugees in my six-bed house?
A homeowner who put his house on the market was offered £100 a head each week to house up to 20 refugees in his six-bed house. Roy Ive, 50, decided to move out of Old Southend Road, Southend, because he believed the area had become caught in a spiral
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Golf round-up: Hadley nets award...
Former Southend United soccer ace Tony Hadley was Captain Richard Campbell-Carr's choice as Rochford Hundred's golfer of the year at the club's presentation night on Monday. Hadley, who played for Blues in the late '70s and '80s, was named after his superb
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Ice hockey: Chieftains thrash the Dynamos
Chelmsford Chieftains consolidated their lead at the top of the English Premier League with last 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
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Leigh, Thundersley: Boy hit by train in deadly game
A teenager from Thundersley who played chicken on a railway line was today lucky to be alive after being hit by a train. The 17-year-old boy was playing the daredevil game in Leigh when a speeding train passed, clipping him on the way. The teenager, who
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Pitsea: Desperate bid to sell failed eaterie
A desperate attempt is being made to sell a failed Italian restaurant, which has now sat empty in Pitsea for a whole year. The Bella Pasta restaurant, under the A13 opposite Pitsea market, closed its doors in February last year. A lack of profit was blamed
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Wickford: Children pelt drivers with fruit
Troublesome youngsters have been putting drivers in danger by hurling fruit at their cars. Contractors resurfacing Wickford bypass reported seeing a group of children aged between 10 and 13 several times on the bridge above the road. They were spotted
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Soccer: Gulls make ground
On a day when three of the teams above them in the Ryman League Premier Division were forced to share the spoils, Canvey Island gave their hopes of a high finish in their first year in the top flight a massive boost with victory at relegation-threatened
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Soccer: It's home, sweet home for Southend
Southend United manager Alan Little was a relieved man after watching Blues finally end their Roots Hall hoodoo with a gutsy 2-1 triumph over high-flying Swansea City on Saturday. The third-placed Welshmen had chalked up an awesome record of nine consecutive
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Basketball: Saints struggle to repel Hornets' sting
In a match that constantly ebbed and flowed, second placed Colchester Hornets recorded an excellent away victory over Southend Saints in their Essex Basketball League men's division one clash. Saints came out like greyhounds, opening an 11-2 lead before
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Soccer round-up: South Essex non-league weekend results
SATURDAY RYMAN LEAGUE Premier Division: Billericay Town 1, Hitchin Town 1; Harrow Borough 1, Canvey Island 3. SCHWEPPES ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Basildon United 4, Stansted 0; Ilford 1, Saffron Walden Town 2; Sawbridgeworth 0, Burnham Ramblers 1; Southend
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Soccer round-up: Schweppes Essex Senior League...
While Southend Manor stepped up their championship challenge and Basildon United continued their big improvement, Concord Rangers won a place in the semi-finals of the Harry Fisher Memorial Trophy. This was the news on a good weekend for local clubs in
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Maldon: Thousands of CDs and cassettes discovered in shed, court told
Illegal compact discs were bought for around 80p and then sold for up to £12 each, a jury has been told. And a court also heard how two of the men allegedly involved in a music scam visited a court to see the trial of a man facing similar charges. Another
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Colchester: Ex-judo boss stole cash
A former judo association boss stole more than £6,000 when he pocketed cash he was supposed to pay into a bank account. Leslie Nicholass, 71, used the money in a bid to pay off a second mortgage on his Colchester home but a court heard how the thefts
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A130 inquiry: Problems dog hearing
A trouble-hit public inquiry has been dogged by further problems. The inquiry into the proposed A130 bypass has been plagued by difficulties since it began on Tuesday last week. Protesters were due to campaign against the controversial bypass when the
