Archive
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Volleyball: Partners are tops
In their latest Women's National League Division Three match, Chelmsford Partners Women stayed on course for the title with a 3-0 win over Camden to go into the Christmas break unbeaten in the league Chelmsford had a full squad to call on for the match
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Colchester: Jumbo 'fish tank' plan scrapped
Controversial plans to turn Colchester's famous Jumbo water tower into a "fish tank on legs" have been ditched. Two schemes put forward by Plater Claiborne Architecture and Design involved converting the listed Victorian tower into modern living space
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Stansted: Airport growth sparks alarm at county
Alarm bells are ringing at Essex County Council over plans to hugely increase the number of passengers using Stansted Airport to 25 million a year. Today's figure is 11 million. Councillors are warning the overcrowded Essex skies will come under even
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Soccer: Howard's Say...
Where have all the fans gone? Whatever happened to the missing thousands at Roots Hall on Saturday? That must be the burning question on the lips of Southend boss David Webb and his men. More than 7,000 Blues "fans" turned up for the previous weekend's
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Soccer: U's first win against Luton
This handsome three-goal win wasn't just a great result for Colchester United - it was another chapter of history in the making. Never before have the U's recorded a League or cup triumph against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road since the clubs first met
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Wickford: Curry kitchen theft
Thieves stole a fully-equipped mobile kitchen worth £12,000 from a curry delivery business. Ron Eldridge, 61, who together with his wife Maureen runs the Great British Curry Pot, fears the loss of the trailer has dealt his business a devastating blow
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Soccer: Leaders fall to spirited Shrimpers
Sheer guts and determination drove Southend United towards a thrilling 3-2 Roots Hall victory over Third Division leaders Chesterfield at Roots Hall on Saturday. An impressive brace from striker Ben Abbey, sandwiched either side of another goal from Shrimpers
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Soccer: Rovers fall to Edgware
Wakering stay fifth in the Ryman League Second Division - despite being beaten 2-1 in an excellent game at Edgware. The exciting encounter, full of good football, saw players of both sides complimented by the referee at the end. The village side could
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Braintree: Pedestrian injured in collision
A PEDESTRIAN was in intensive care this morning after being involved in a collision with a car in Braintree. The 33-year-old man, from a village in the Braintree area, was walking along Courtauld Road on Friday evening when the collision happened. He
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Wickford: Blackspot smash tragedy
A man was killed and his teenage passenger is fighting for his life after a head-on road smash. The 20-year-old man was driving an Austin Maestro along Runwell Road in Wickford when it crashed into a Ford Mondeo at 8.45pm last night (Sunday). His 19-year-old
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Harwich: Urgent talks on fishing quotas
Fishermen in Harwich are to hold emergency talks following the news of further cuts to fishing quotas in an attempt to save dwindling fish stocks. The trawlermen of the town believe better protection of British waters from foreign trawlers is also needed
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Chelmsford: Prison inspector 'too critical' says board
A damning report on Chelmsford Prison was "unnecessarily critical", its board of visitors has said. The watchdog claims the situation at the Victorian jail had improved. The annual report, released by Chief Inspector of Prisons Sir David Ramsbotham last
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Brentwood, Ongar: Bell blasts Sunday tabloid slurs
Martin Bell who is fighting the Brentwood and Ongar seat in the next General election has hit back at claims his campaign has got off to a bad start. Two Sunday tabloids mocked Mr Bell claiming that only a handful of people turned up to his book signing
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Tennis round-up: Minnows in the spotlight...
The first round of the Winter Cup got under way this week with a noticeable absence - the big boys. For the first time in the league's history it has not included the First Division clubs in the opening round of the competition. The aim is to give the
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Chelmsford: Children of eight drunk
Children aged eight and nine are regularly drunk in Chelmsford, and there are known alcoholics as young as 13. It is believed that many parents are giving their children alcohol because they think it is preferable to drugs. Chelmsford police crime reduction
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Bradwell: N-plant objectors pledge to fight
A new power station may be built at Bradwell to replace the current nuclear plant which is due to close in 2002- but the idea has prompted a mixed reaction. The debate has been sparked by remarks made by chairman of British Nuclear Fuels, Hugh Collum,
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BRENTWOOD: Masked highwaymen shoot at driver
A MAN was lucky to escape with his life following an attack by masked gunmen in a village near Brentwood. Now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about the frightening incident. The 41-year-old victim was a passenger in
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Colchester: Extra £34m boost for town transport
Motorists and passengers in Colchester are set to benefit from £34 million to be pumped into the county's road and transport network. The majority of the money, announced by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, is to be divided up for programmes of work
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Witham: Shopping event out of touch
Witham's Christmas late night shopping has been dubbed "out of touch with youngsters" by one of its organisers. Paul Ryland, chairman of the town's strategy group and one of the chamber of commerce members who organised the event, said it needs "modernising
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Essex: Red tape 'halting business growth'
Red tape and lack of investment cash is stopping small businesses from getting bigger in Essex and the East of England, a new survey has revealed. The Federation of Small Businesses has published the findings of the survey carried out on its behalf in
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Colchester: Mast allowed despite fears
A mobile phone mast will be built just 300 metres from a Colchester primary school. Orange Personal Communications applied to Colchester Council to put up the mast, three supporting antennae and an equipment cabin in a grass area opposite St Christopher
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Basildon: Sculpture is the height of art
A major new work of art is taking shape in Basildon to bring a fresh look to the regenerated town centre. The five-metre high sculpture, by Rochford-born artist Michael Condron, was commissioned after his idea was put out for public comment. The new sculpture
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South Essex: Postal 'blip' sorted insists Royal Mail
Workers and management at the Royal Mail sorting office in Southend say they have put last month's "blip" in service behind them in time for Christmas. Following complaints and horror stories about a backlog of post and late deliveries, Royal Mail management
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Ingatestone: Grandmother in a coma saved by cat
A cat saved his mistress's life after she had collapsed and slipped into a diabetic coma. Ten-year-old Misty stood over the prone body of Irena Scott-Tillbrook and cried until she slowly regained consciousness and summoned help. "If the coma had deepened
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Southend: CCTV cameras set to double
The number of CCTV cameras in Southend could double after a £1 million cash bid was officially lodged with the Government. The town's police and the council have already secured £1 million in the summer to boost the eye-in-the-sky cameras from 24 to 38
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Rettendon, South Woodham: Alert over cowboys
Unscrupulous "cowboys" posing as bona fide workmen are targeting homeowners in the Rettendon and South Woodham area. Essex Trading Standards has issued the warning after reports of people claiming to be highway contractors with spare materials operating
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Witham: Race track fears after road repairs
Residents in a Witham town centre road whose lives have been blighted for years by heavy lorries and noise - now fear that improvements will turn their street into a high speed race track. Contractors are soon to start resurfacing The Avenue, after totally
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South Essex: Shout about making new friends
Everybody needs somebody. That is the message to be screened on regional television from a south Essex group offering a route back onto the social circuit. Viewers of Carlton television will this week spot some familiar scenes as the Your Shout slot films
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Basildon, Chelmsford: Safer sex tips for students
Basildon students were given some tips on safer sex when a double-decker party bus came to town. The bus, emblazoned in blue and gold with the words Freedom with Durex, spent a day at the sports hall car park of Basildon College in Nethermayne. Students
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Messing: Come home Mr President
America's new President has been flooded with invitations to visit his home county of Essex. Ancestors of George W Bush hail from the tiny village of Messing near Colchester. Research proves that Reynold Bush, a farmer's son, left Messing for Cambridge
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Basildon: Man collapses in nightclub mystery
A 30-year-old man was left fighting for his life after suffering a serious brain haemorrhage at a Basildon nightclub. Detectives are trying to piece together the vital moments before the man, believed to live in Corringham, collapsed in the middle of
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Witham: Fond tributes to crash victim
A family has paid tribute to their wonderful and free-spirited brother, who died following a road accident in Witham. Keith and Ian Buet fondly recalled how their brother Philip - who would have been 32 on Sunday - lived life to the full. Speaking from
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Mid-Essex: New mini-town on the way
A new mini-town at either Boreham or Battlesbridge is on the cards. Councillors are grappling with the problem of where to accommodate the thousands more homes being forced on Chelmsford over the next decade. But, after a packed meeting of the borough's
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Basketball: D'Silva shines as Swifts soar high...
SWIFTS 83 IPSWICH BOBCATS 39 With the senior side taking a well-earned breather, Swifts' under-16s took centre stage by winning through to the last eight of the National Cadet Cup. The cadets were taking on the might of Ipswich, previous winners of the
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Lexden: Banned driver escapes prison term
A motorist who drove while disqualified narrowly escaped a jail sentence after he launched an appeal. Carl Brassington, 42, of Collingwood Road, Lexden, was told to do 180 hours community service instead of serving the one-month in prison which Colchester
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Brightlingsea: Tribute to man who died at work
A friend has paid tribute to a 42-year-old family man who died at work following a heart attack - despite efforts by his workmates to save him. Billy Egan, 42, of John Street, Brightlingsea, was part of a gang of bricklayers building a house at Old Barn
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Chelmsford: Health watchdog
A Chelmsford-based health worker has been appointed as a Mental Health Act Commissioner by the Secretary of State for Health. Felix Cofie, a team leader with the Chelmsford North Community Mental Health Team run by Mid Essex Community and Mental Health
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Soccer: U's boss faces headache
Manager Steve Whitton's plans to field a strong squad at Luton Town have been hit by illness and suspension. With three days to go to the Second Division clash at Kenilworth Road, two Colchester United players are already definitely ruled out while another
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BRENTWOOD: Bell blasts Sunday tabloid slurs
MARTIN BELL who is fighting the Brentwood and Ongar seat in the next General election has hit back at claims his campaign has got off to a bad start. Two Sunday tabloids mocked Mr Bell claiming that only a handful of people turned up to his book signing
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Soccer round-up: Southend Junior League
Matches between Trinity Juniors 2nd and Ashingdon Boys in the Southend Junior League B Division have a tradition of ending up high-scoring affairs. A few weeks ago Ashingdon pulled off a 9-3 success, but Sunday's return at Jones Memorial Ground was a
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Cycling: Biketrial world champion among honours at Thriftwood
The annual BikeTrial Team Competition was held at Thriftwood, Brentwood on Sunday with a total of 122 riders. There was a strong foreign contingent including riders from Spain, Czech Republic, Slovakia and USA. The riders completed one lap of 20 observed
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Soccer: Wardley set to join Blues
Southend United boss David Webb is hoping to tie up a deal for Cambridge City left-back Shane Wardley. Earlier in the week, the Shrimpers chief made an offer to the Dr Marten's League Premier Division outfit for the defender and his team mate, striker
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Boxing: Danny shapes up with world champ
Leigh boxer Danny Hunt has been sparring with world featherweight champion Paul Ingle as he shapes up for his next fight in the new year. Ingle takes on Mbulelo Botile at Sheffield Arena on Saturday night in defence of his IBF title. And Danny - who is
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Gymnastics: Triple gold Annika quits
Basildon-based Annika Reeder, the most successful British woman gymnast of all time, is quitting the sport competitively. After much soul-searching the popular 21-year-old, whose career has been an inspiration to thousands of young girls taking up the
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Soccer round-up: Southend Mini Soccer League
On a heavy pitch and in driving rain, only penalties separated Leigh Rockets and Dons Academy in their Bukta South-East Essex Mini-Soccer League Cup second round affair. Rockets under-nine eventually went through 1-0 on spot-kicks following some fine
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Soccer round-up: Chelmsford Invitation League
With the weekend's fixtures programme yet again destroyed by the elements only one match, a division two fixture, was completed. Chelmer Village Athletic beat visitors Duke Street 4-3, after Duke Street had taken an early lead. Village equalised when
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Women's hockey: Chelmsford slip to second defeat
Chelmsford slumped to their second consecutive league defeat with a disappointing performance against Olton & West Warwicks at Chelmer Park on Saturday. The victory for Olton means they leapfrog their opponents to leave Chelmsford in sixth position
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Chelmsford: Top jobs axed at diocesan HQ
The Bishop of Chelmsford has taken the unusual step of writing to every member of the cash strapped Church of England diocese to explain why 11 head office jobs were axed just weeks before Christmas. Bishop John Perry says the redundancies were necessary
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Brightlingsea: Schoolboy forced to study at home
A schoolboy is at the centre of a row over a lack of places at a Brightlingsea school. The 12-year-old moved to Brightlingsea this year during the summer holidays, but Colne Community College, his nearest school, turned down a request for him to start
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Yachting round-up: Shaffer on course for a double success...
Gary Shaffer, sailing his half-tonner Secrets, who won the Class 1 trophy in Crouch Yacht Club's Autumn series, which ended last month, put himself in with a chance of an end-of-season double when he took the honours in the third of the Nutcracker Trophy
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Athletics: Lara stars on England duty...
Up-and-coming Basildon AC multi-eventer Lara Carty has once again distinguished herself on international duty. Lara, 16, helped England to team gold at the junior Home Countries international at Kelvin Hall, Edinburgh, finishing second behind Irish starlet
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Soccer: Burley plans waiting game
George Burley believes patience will be the key to Ipswich Town beating Southampton at Portman Road. The Blues boss has urged fans not to be complacent ahead of Saturday's clash, especially after the setback of losing to relegation-haunted Derby County
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Soccer: Maher's glory mission
Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher aims to play a key role in toppling Third Division leaders Chesterfield when they visit Roots Hall. Away day specialists Chesterfield travel to the Essex coast tomorrow (Saturday) having gone the whole league season
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Boxing: Jacob's on ladder to boxing success
Teenage boxer Matt Jacobs is fighting for glory in the final of the National Association of Boys' Clubs Championships. The 15-year-old is poised to become the most successful youngster in the history of Harwich Boxing Club. But first he must beat Sunderland's
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Soccer round-up: Essex Intermediate League
Only seven games survived the rain on Saturday, and the only positive thing is that it was three more than the previous week. There were four ties in various cup competitions but no games were played in any of the senior divisions, two were played in
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Essex: Royal Mail slammed for poor performance
Essex Chambers of Commerce has sent a scathing broadside against Royal Mail to Essex MPs claiming performance to be ''universally unacceptable.'' Chief executive David Crozier, says its effect on Essex's economic infrastructure is ''giving great cause
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South Essex: Rebels get off train
Furious passengers marched off a Southend-bound delayed train - forcing other trains to cut their speed to avoid an accident. As passengers walked along the railway track, train drivers on the line between London Liverpool Street and Southend had to slow
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South Essex: Blackspot hit by cash delay
A multiI-million pound plan to build an overpass or underpass at the notorious Sadlers Farm roundabout is being put on hold until Government ministers get more information. The project is one of four in Castle Point put up for funding in the Essex bid
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Great Baddow: Tragic mother took own life
A mother-of-two killed herself on the day of her lover's funeral. Kaya Sherwood deliberately took a lethal cocktail of drugs and alcohol days after boyfriend Roy Bethell had died, accidentally, the same way. An inquest at Chelmsford Coroner's Court yesterday
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Tennis: Brentwood Hard win tense play-off
Local clubs figured among the title winners when the Pope & Smith Chelmsford Junior Tennis League concluded recently. The boys from Brentwood Hard won the 14 & under division title after a play off. In the league season they finished runners up
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South Essex: Healthy way to survive winter
Health chiefs in south Essex are planning an action replay of their millennium winter plans - only this year they vow they will be better. Health and social services have been in discussions since the summer to make sure that, whatever the coming months
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Colchester: Driver wins car appeal
A man who drove while disqualified will be able to keep his Porsche motor car after appealing against a court order to take it away. Dale Ingram, 35, appeared before Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday to get the deprivation order revoked. The court heard
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Harwich: Urgent talks on fishing quotas
Fishermen in Harwich are to hold emergency talks following the news of further cuts to fishing quotas in an attempt to save dwindling fish stocks. The trawlermen of the town believe better protection of British waters from foreign trawlers is also needed
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Chelmsford: Prison inspector 'too critical' says board
A damning report on Chelmsford Prison was "unnecessarily critical", its board of visitors has said. The watchdog claims the situation at the Victorian jail had improved. The annual report, released by Chief Inspector of Prisons Sir David Ramsbotham last
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Canvey: Tory steps up plea for CCTV
New CCTV cameras will not be installed in a notorious area of Canvey plagued by late-night vandalism - despite desperate calls from worried residents. Castle Point Tory councillor Sylvia Waymark had hoped council members would decide to take action at
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Westcliff: Czech boy faces deportation ordeal
A Czech family has been summoned to a crunch immigration meeting which could mean a father and son being deported before Christmas - leaving a mother and young sister behind in Westcliff. Deaf five-year-old Zdenek Dzudza and his father of the same name
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Laindon: Brothers robbed at gunpoint
Two brothers are recovering from shock after armed robbers burst into their home and stole a bundle of cash. The intruders, brandishing a handgun, barged their way into the house in Pound Lane, Laindon. After pushing the men to the ground, they thrust
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Colchester: Fire wrecks bedroom
A bedroom in the loft of a house was left uninhabitable after a fire caused 100 per cent smoke damage. The three-bedroom house in Causton Road, Colchester, is occupied by three tenants. Two fire engines from Colchester fire station were called to the
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Colchester: Triple blaze arson probe
Fire and police investigations have been launched into a spate of potential arson attacks in Colchester. They all happened in the Mile End area of the town - including an attempt to set the visitors centre at High Woods Country Park ablaze. Colchester
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Clacton: Baby killer sentenced
A teenager convicted of killing his four-month-old stepdaughter in Clacton has been sent to a young offenders' institution for four years and nine months. David Sandiford, 17, of Springfield Gardens, Upper Clapton, had been living with the baby's mother
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Essex: County's 'millennium city' snub
Colchester, Chelmsford, and Southend all learned today (Monday) they had failed in their bid for city status. Never hot favourites, the three Essex towns - and nearby Ipswich - were hanging on to the hope they would be one of the three "millennium cities
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Colchester: Town man in road rage attack
A MOTORIST was left injured and badly shaken following an unprovoked road rage attack. The 22-year-old from Colchester suffered bruising and swelling to his face and head when he was beaten by two men. The man was in his silver Vauxhall Vectra at the
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Colchester: Inquest into sea death
Fisherman John Sibley was not wearing a lifejacket the day he drowned, an inquest heard today (Monday). The fact came in a statement from his wife Marilyn, 45, who said he was not a strong swimmer. Ipswich Coroner Peter Dean read out the statement from
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Soccer: Newman back to boost City
Chelmsford City manager Gary Bellamy welcomes back a key midfielder for City's Dr. Martens League Eastern Division clash at home to Banbury United tomorrow (Saturday), (kick-off 3pm) at Billericay. Promising youngster Craig Newman, 18, is available again
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Wickford: Global reputation for firm
Wickford printers Broadgate, an Investors in People firm which recently hosted a French delegation looking at introducing a similar scheme in France, is getting a world-wide reputation for its skills in that area. Another delegation, this time from Pretoria
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Chelmsford: Town celebrates £260m Marconi order
There has been a delighted reaction to last week's announcement that Chelmsford's Alenia Marconi Systems has won its biggest radar order ever - worth £260 million. The company will produce the radar tracking system for the new updated Seawolf missile
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Maldon: Call for primary places thrown out
A call to increase the number of primary school places in Heybridge has been rejected. Essex County Council claims more provision for youngsters is not needed but parish and Maldon town councillors say numbers are rising. Heybridge Parish Council chairman
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Witham: Fond tributes to crash victim
A family has paid tribute to their wonderful and free-spirited brother, who died following a road accident in Witham. Keith and Ian Buet fondly recalled how their brother Philip - who would have been 32 on Sunday - lived life to the full. Speaking from
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Brentwood: Masked highwaymen shoot at driver
A man was lucky to escape with his life following an attack by masked gunmen in a village near Brentwood. Now police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information about the frightening incident. The 41-year-old victim was a passenger in
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Canvey: Tory steps up plea for CCTV
New CCTV cameras will not be installed in a notorious area of Canvey plagued by late-night vandalism - despite desperate calls from worried residents. Castle Point Tory councillor Sylvia Waymark had hoped council members would decide to take action at
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Darts: Title rivals end unbeaten spell
ESSEX 16 YORKSHIRE 20 Essex suffered their first defeat of the season at the hands of title rivals Yorkshire in the British Inter Counties Darts Premier Division. It was always likely to be a stern test of the home side's title credentials, however despite
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Soccer: Gulls make smooth return to normality
Gulls boss Jeff King's plea that his troops should quickly put the club's fabulous FA Cup run out of their minds to relaunch their Ryman League Premier Division title bid was answered in tremendous fashion. The Islanders' produced one of those late rallies
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Soccer: Billericay in last-gasp victory
Billericay grabbed victory with two injury-time goals in an amazing Ryman League Premier Division finish at Maidenhead. Town's chances of adding to their solitary away League win this term looked dead and buried until four minutes into added time when
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Soccer: Abbey stays in the habit
Bargain buy Ben Abbey was all smiles after blasting two goals to inspire Southend United to a 3-2 win over Third Division leaders Chesterfield at Roots Hall on Saturday. The Shrimpers hitman was joined on the scoresheet by winger Scott Forbes as Blues
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Woodham: Park footpaths cash approved
Cash to build footpaths at South Woodham's Saltcoats Park has been awarded by Chelmsford Borough Council - but not without a battle. South Woodham Town Council has planned £2,500 in next year's budgets towards the paths for the borough council managed
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Basildon, Corringham: Clubber still critical after collapse
A 30-year-old man was today (Monday) still critically ill after collapsing unconscious at a Basildon nightclub. Detectives are trying to piece together the vital moments before the man, believed to live in Corringham, fell to the floor in the middle of
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Colchester: Extra £34m boost for town transport
Motorists and passengers in Colchester are set to benefit from £34 million to be pumped into the county's road and transport network. The majority of the money, announced by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, is to be divided up for programmes of work
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Essex: Bogus doorstep collections warning
Householders are being warned by Essex Trading Standards not to be tricked by bogus doorstep charity collectors, particularly over the Christmas period. The department says it has received complaints about unscrupulous businesses claiming to make collections
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Essex: Helicopter pilot 'saw power lines too late'
A pilot flew the Essex Air Ambulance round a field at 300 feet on a safety check before landing -- but did not see power lines until it was too late. The helicopter hit three power lines, and a broken one set the stubble field alight as the 53-year-old
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Soccer: Cross vows to fight
Southend United starlet Garry Cross has spoken of his determination to fight his way back into Blues boss David Webb's plans. The 20-year-old fullback was one of a trio of the Third Division club's youngsters recently placed on the transfer list, alongside
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Soccer round-up: Thundermite League
The wet weather decimated the Thundermite League over the weekend with six age groups failing to play a single game. But a handful of matches did beat the weather and in the highest scoring one of the weekend Lindford Wanderers B team enjoyed a 7-2 win
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Soccer: Two more on U's sick list
Steve Whitton has been dealt two further injury and illness setbacks ahead of Colchester United's Second Division trip to Luton Town. Andy Arnott has been ruled out with a groin problem while Ross Johnson, still waiting to kick his first ball in anger
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Women's hockey: Chelmsford slip to second defeat
Chelmsford slumped to their second consecutive league defeat with a disappointing performance against Olton & West Warwicks at Chelmer Park last Saturday. The victory for Olton means they leapfrog their opponents to leave Chelmsford in sixth position
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Billericay: Phoenix trio are black belts
Three members of the Billericay based Phoenix Karate all continued over 100 per cent pass rate for juniors in the recent Brown and Black Belt course and grading held by Sensei Kawasoe seventh Dan in London. Philip Bass, 12, from Billericay who goes to
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Chelmsford: Liz delivers her own baby
Expectant mum Liz Bird delivered an early Christmas present for her family -- her own baby. Her third baby son, Joe, arrived two weeks early. Without help from husband Kevin, who was calling the midwife, 32-year-old Liz gave birth painlessly 15 minutes
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Leigh: Fishermen fear new catch limits
A Leigh fisherman said the latest slash in fish quotas could spell the end of fishing boats in the town. After a 13-hour meeting in Brussels the permitted catches were drastically cut to prevent the collapse of the already dangerously low stocks of white
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Castle Point: Chaos over planning law
A High Court test case involving two Castle Point firms has thrown planning law into chaos. Car salvage firm Holding and Barnes Plc and developers Premier Leisure are now set to take their pioneering legal case to appeal after claiming that Environment
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Colchester: School's rat fear over goat farm
A headteacher fears children will be put at serious risk of rat-carried diseases after plans for a 17-acre goat farm next to his school were given the go-ahead. Over the next three years as many as 250 goats could be based at farmland in Peldon Road,
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Clacton: 44 years later, war hero Fred gets a new medal
Old soldier Fred Aldis has received the best Christmas present he could have had. During the Second World War he had served in the Royal Artillery in the 1st Airborne Division and took part in a number of major operations, including Market Garden at Arnhem
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Dovercourt, Brentwood: Saved by mobile phone
A bait digger was rescued from salt flats after being cut off by the tide - by raising the alarm on his mobile phone. The 40-year-old man was cut off from dry land by the unusually fast and high spring tides. He tried to get back to shore between Dovercourt
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Stansted: Planes take-off drama
Moisture got into a switch which shorted out and caused a 49 passenger aircraft at Stansted to have steering problems as it took off. Two passengers on the British Aerospace twin turboprop aircraft were slightly injured as it wandered to the right and
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Essex: Drugs roadshow back in action
The Essex Police and Essex FM 2Smart 4Drugs roadshow is swinging into action again. The flagship production which warns youngsters from 11 to 13 years old about the dangers of drugs and alcohol abuse is now in its fifth year. The new line up for 2001
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Basildon: Judge to settle rumpus over travellers' caravans
The final decision on a legal bid to remove three travellers' caravans from green belt land may not be given until the new year. Basildon Council launched the High Court challenge after John Prescott decided to allow the mobile homes to remain on the
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Essex: Federation sets out its own white paper
The Federation of Small Businesses is challenging the Government on its attitude towards the self employed by publishing its own 'white paper.' Titled The Right to be Self Employed, it sets out its own 'bill of rights' for the sector and the FSB says
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Walton: School praised by inspectors
Walton's popular primary school has received a glowing report from inspectors. The news comes just days after the school was revealed as one of Tendring's best performers. The school, which dates from 1872 and now boasts 266 pupils, was described by Ofsted
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Harwich: Hunt for beach hut arsonists
Police are hunting arsonists after beach huts were destroyed in Harwich. Three huts were burnt down and six were damaged in separate attacks this morning. The six huts were smashed up by vandals at the West End tip and the three-hut fire occurred in the
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Canvey: Firemen's bid to save pets
Brave firemen used mouth-to-mouth resuscitation in a desperate attempt to save a cat and dog trapped in a blazing house fire on Canvey yesterday (Thursday). Tackling the flames at a house in the Witherings, they discovered the two animals upstairs and
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Southend, Canvey: Cigarette smugglers are jailed
Bootleggers who sold smuggled cigarettes in Southend are starting jail terms. In the highly-sophisticated operation, millions of cartons of cigarettes were secretly imported through Dover, Portsmouth and Folkstone by the lorry load. London's Southwark
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Basildon: Pals' final tribute to hit-and-run victim
The funeral of a tragic teenager killed in a hit-and-run accident is to take place later this week. Steve "Bobby" Simpson, who was just 17, died in hospital after being hit by a car while trying to cross the A127 last month. His parents Steve and Angela
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Southend: College fate in the balance
The future of South East Essex College could be decided within a month if two remaining hurdles are overcome. Southend would finally feature on the academic map if the ambitious £41 million university scheme, to be based in Luker Road, were approved.
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Colchester, North Weald: Road rage attack
A Colchester motorist was left injured and badly shaken following an unprovoked road rage attack in North Weald. The 22-year-old suffered bruising and swelling to his face and head when he was beaten by two men. The man was in his silver Vauxhall Vectra
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Chelmsford: Crossroads opens advice and help centre for carers
A new advice and information centre has been launched by the Chelmsford Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme to give practical and emotional support to carers of all ages. The centre, at 123 New London Road, Chelmsford, was officially opened in a ceremony
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Brightlingsea: Elsie's £100-a-mile for cancer unit
A "slow starter" runner made up for time when she pounded out a half marathon for charity. Elsie Barrenger, of Sydney Street, Brightlingsea, took two hours 50 minutes to tot up £1,263 in sponsorship in the Great North run from Newcastle to South Shields
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Cricket: Hero Hussain is home
England's cricketers returned home in triumph on Tuesday after their six wicket victory in Karachi had given them their first series win in Pakistan for 38 years. To achieve the only positive result in the three match series, the tourists had to conquer
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Chelmsford: Mum-of-three Carol races to Rolls Royce win
A mother-of-three is celebrating after scooping a £175,000 Rolls-Royce Silver Seraph in an online horse racing competition. Carol Smith, 48, of Chelmsford, beat thousands of other entrants to win the top prize and a week's holiday for two in Dubai. Mrs
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Angling round-up: Kevin collects Open honours
Gale force winds and driving rain couldn't stop Gloucester Park regular Kevin Williams from powering to a win at Sunday's Gloucester Park Open. Despite the atrocious conditions which saw branches broken from trees and many fishing umbrellas wrecked, Kevin
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Basketball: A chance to gain revenge
On Sunday the Leopards have the opportunity to avenge Saturday's defeat by the Towers when the two teams meet again at the Skydome, Coventry in the National Cup semi-final. The game tips off at 3,30pm and is being covered by BBC who are showing the game
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Athletics: Grace seeks sponsor favour
Colchester and Tendring Athletics Club's rising star Grace Greenhalgh is ready to run her heart out for a lucrative sponsorship deal to help her towards her Olympic dream. The 22-year-old Maldon-based long distance runner, who was last month selected
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Canoeing: Cozens and Wallis take pole position at Barking
Having had the second race of the series at Harlow cancelled due to high water levels, it was good to get the Chelmsford paddlers back on the water at Barking Creek for a race on the tidal section of water. The weather can totally set the mood for this
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Maldon: New local help for heart attack victims
A new cardiac rehabilitation course has been started at St Peter's Hospital, Maldon. Up until now cardiac rehabilitation sessions were provided at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, but Maldon patients have found it too far to travel. Now the local sessions
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Dunmow: Motel plans thrown out
Uttlesford district councillors have given the thumbs down to plans for a motel scheme in the heart of Great Dunmow's conservation area. The plan by landlord Douglas Whitney was to build a freestanding two-storey brick weatherboarded building on the children's
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Ice hockey: Chieftains return to winning ways
Following two successive defeats, it was imperative for Chieftains to return to winning ways at Solihull on Saturday, but although they dominated the match, the scoreline at the end was closer than it should have been. The first five minutes were quite
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Essex: Judge slams bid to seize money
A High Court judge has hit out after tens of thousands of pounds were wasted in a bid to seize "paltry" assets from Rettendon murderer Michael Steele. Steele, who was convicted of ordering the execution of three rival drug dealers in 1995, was forced
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Maldon: Dropped kerbs plea
Maldon District Access Group has pledged to carry on fighting for dropped kerbs and parking in the High Street to aid disabled shoppers. The group held its annual meeting at the Brickhouse Farm Community Centre. Chairman David Rookard said that some improvements
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Soccer: U's skipper set for comeback
Simon Clark is set to make his comeback for Colchester United almost a month after being involved in a fatal car crash. And the influential U's skipper just cannot wait to kick a football in anger again during tomorrow's (Saturday's) trip to Luton Town
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Chelmsford: New APU degree
A new BSc honours degree in complementary medicine is to be offered by Anglia Polytechnic University, APU, from September next year. The course will be available at APU's central campus in Chelmsford. A BSc and a diploma in higher education in the subject
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Soccer round-up: Pope & Smith Sunday Football League
COWARD CUP SECOND ROUND On an awful pitch, Writtle led hosts Redstones 1-0 at the break and extended that to 3-0 in the second half before Paul Fletcher netted a deserved consolation goal. For Writtle who confirmed their superior league status, Mark Gribble
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Soccer round-up: Essex Junior Trophy
ESSEX JUNIOR TROPHY THIRD ROUND Old Brentwoods continued their fine start to the season with Saturday's 6-1 win over Potter Street Reserves . The Old Boys were 3-1 ahead at the interval and added three more goals to run out convincing winners. Jay Denham
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Southend: Landlords cash in on asylum seekers
A leading Southend councillor has blasted laws on asylum seekers which allow some landlords to cash in on lucrative deals. Jean Sibley, Southend's Lib Dem deputy leader and spokesman for social services, said the existing laws were "flawed and unworkable
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Mid-Essex: Lottery cash bid for net health scheme
A new internet health scheme is bidding for £1.5 million of lottery funding. Called the Colne Valley Healthy Living Project, it is based on teams of staff with laptop computers which can connect to the internet. Each member of the team will get direct
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BASILDON: Man collapses in nightclub mystery
A 30-YEAR-old man was left fighting for his life after suffering a serious brain haemorrhage at a Basildon nightclub. Detectives are today trying to piece together the vital moments before the man, believed to live in Corringham, collapsed in the middle
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Colchester: Councillor facing assault and dangerous driving charges
HIGH-PROFILE Labour councillor Tim Young will appear before Colchester Magistrates next week on four charges including assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving. Mr Young, 39, of Damask Road, Stanway, is leader of the Labour Group for Colchester
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Eight Ash Green: Fast food shop 'in wrong place'
Plans for a new fish and chip shop in a village near Colchester have been put on hold - to allow councillors to visit the site first. Eight Ash Green villagers fear problems with smell, noise and traffic if a proposal to transform Wood Corner Newsagents
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Southend: New Citizencard looks just the ticket
Teenagers can now prove how old they are with the flash of a new photocard. Southend's first proof of age card was officially launched as 17 and 18-year-olds flocked to sign up for the scheme. The Citizencard aims to cut down on the abuse of age-restricted
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Colchester: Councillor facing assault and dangerous driving charges
High-profile Labour councillor Tim Young will appear before Colchester Magistrates on four charges including assaulting a police officer and dangerous driving. Mr Young, 39, of Damask Road, Stanway, is leader of the Labour Group for Colchester Council
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Stansted: Airport growth sparks alarm at county
Alarm bells are ringing at Essex County Council over plans to hugely increase the number of passengers using Stansted Airport to 25 million a year. Today's figure is 11 million. Councillors are warning the overcrowded Essex skies will come under even
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Black Notley: Fears historic cottage in village may be lost
A Black Notley resident fears an historic home in the village is in danger of being pulled down. White Cottage is the oldest building on the old Notley hospital site. The hospital grounds were designated for residential housing in 1998, but some of the
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Soccer: Ipswich match 'should never have started'
Matt Holland believes Ipswich Town's Worthington Cup farce at Maine Road - abandoned after 21 minutes due to a waterlogged pitch - should never have begun. Stewart grabbed an early headed goal for Ipswich Town before Paul Dickov levelled the tie with
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Thurrock: Mum and toddler saved in blaze
A woman and young boy were recovering after being rescued when fire broke out at the top of a 13-storey block of flats. Two fire crews from Orsett and one from Grays were called to the incident in Poole House, Chadwell St Mary, near Thurrock. Flames were
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Basketball: Leopards let derby slip
When R.Kelly sang "If I could turn back the hands of time" basketball was probably not the first thing on his mind, but at 7.30pm on Saturday, turning back the clock for just 11 seconds would have made sweet music for the Leopards. In reality the clock
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Colchester: Man, 20, locked up for stealing cheque books
A man who stole cheque books from fellow students has been sentenced to a total of six months in a young offenders' institution by Colchester magistrates. Danilo Obradovic, 20, who is staying at the Globe Hotel, North Station Road, Colchester, had admitted
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Essex: Christmas trains alert
Train users will have to prepare themselves for further disruptions over the Christmas and New Year period and should watch out for services finishing early on Christmas Eve. Due to on going track repairs First Great Eastern has announced there will be
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Dovercourt, Brentwood: Saved by mobile phone
A bait digger was rescued from salt flats after being cut off by the tide - by raising the alarm on his mobile phone. The 40-year-old man was cut off from dry land by the unusually fast and high spring tides. He tried to get back to shore between Dovercourt
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Bradwell: N-plant objectors pledge to fight
A new power station may be built at Bradwell to replace the current nuclear plant which is due to close in 2002- but the idea has prompted a mixed reaction. The debate has been sparked by remarks made by chairman of British Nuclear Fuels, Hugh Collum,
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Colchester: Jumbo 'fish tank' plan scrapped
Controversial plans to turn Colchester's famous Jumbo water tower into a "fish tank on legs" have been ditched. Two schemes put forward by Plater Claiborne Architecture and Design involved converting the listed Victorian tower into modern living space
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Mid-Essex: Training centres get £280,000 Euro award
Braintree and Witham's two specialist IT training centres have won European cash that will secure their future for the next two years and help provide jobs skills for more than 200 people. A total of £280,000 - spread over two years - has been awarded
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Chelmsford: Children of eight drunk
Children aged eight and nine are regularly drunk in Chelmsford, and there are known alcoholics as young as 13. It is believed that many parents are giving their children alcohol because they think it is preferable to drugs. Chelmsford police crime reduction
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Basildon: My boy Bob hits the top
Could he fix it? Yes, he could! Bob the Builder, created by Basildon-born Keith Chapman, has edged ahead of bad boy rapper Eminem to take the number one slot in the nation's pop charts. Keith, 42, hopes the record Can We Fix It? will stay at the top for
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Basildon: CCTV saves bullied girl from torment
A high-tech anti-bullying scheme has again proved successful at a Basildon school. CCTV cameras, installed in key areas of Chalvedon school, have led to the discovery of culprits who made a schoolgirl's life misery. Amy Heather, 14, was bullied for weeks
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Canvey: Police investigate councillor's claims
Police are investigating a Canvey millionaire over claims of alleged harrassment of a councillor. However, Terry Holding, who owns car salvage plant HBC, insisted he stood by everything he had said. Jenifer Howlett (Lab, St Peter's) spoke to officers
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Colchester: Daniel leads donor call
A brave schoolboy, who underwent life-saving surgery, put his face to a national campaign to encourage people to donate organs. Just over a year ago 11-year-old Daniel Whybrow, of Princess Drive, High Woods, Colchester, underwent a major heart operation
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Harwich: Hunt for beach hut arsonists
POLICE are hunting arsonists after beach huts were destroyed in Harwich. Three huts were burnt down and six were damaged in separate attacks this morning. The six huts were smashed up by vandals at the West End tip and the three-hut fire occurred in the
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Great Wakering: Chat room sex attack man jailed
Police have warned youngsters to be on their guard after a VAT officer was jailed for a sex attack on a 15-year-old schoolboy. Douglas Creak, of Conway Avenue, Great Wakering, was sentenced to 18 months in prison after he admitted committing a serious
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Soccer: South Essex non-league weekend fixtures
SATURDAY RYMAN LEAGUE Premier Division: Canvey Island v St Albans; Maidenhead United v Billericay Town. Division 2: Edgware Town v Great Wakering Rovers. FA CARLSBRERG VASE Round 3: Westfield v Bowers United. SCHWEPPES ESSEX SENIOR LEAGUE Basildon United
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Soccer: Canvey turn attention back to league title
With their great FA Cup run over, Canvey Island could hardly return to Ryman League Premier Division action with a more intriguing game than tomorrow's home clash with St Albans. For, after a poor start to the season, the Hertfordshire side are swiftly
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Basildon: Council's sums add up to praise
Basildon Council has been given the thumbs-up from independent auditors. Accountants Pannell, Kerr and Forster have just released their annual report, and for the fourth year running there are no significant issues to be raised. All local authorities
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Braintree: Pedestrian injured in collision
A pedestrian was in intensive care on Saturday morning after being involved in a collision with a car in Braintree. The 33-year-old man, from a village in the Braintree area, was walking along Courtauld Road on Friday evening when the collision happened
