Archive
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Rochford: Work need on leisure
Rochford District Council needs to develop "clear priorities" in its leisure services, according to a report by the Audit Commission. The commission carried out an inspection of the council's leisure services and awarded the area one star because there
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Billericay: Travellers told 'no' to site plans
Extension plans for a travellers' site have been refused to the delight of 100 residents who packed out a meeting. Harsh words were spoken over the plan to increase a caravan site in Billericay. About 100 angry residents and travellers packed the small
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Braintree: Hopes rising for new watch groups
New neighbourhood watch groups are likely in Braintree after a high-profile police operation in the town. Since extra officers were seen out on patrol in the streets during Operation Relentless last week, people have been contacting Braintree police about
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Point to Point: Double for Braithwaite
Andrew Braithwaite, the 20 year-old jockey attached to the Sporborg yard at Bishop Stortford, will have happy memories of Horseheath, the Cambridgeshirecourse hosting the Thurlow point-to-point last weekend. Not only had he ridden his first winner there
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Thomas Wray Bolingbroke (Danbury)
Thomas Wray Bolingbroke, former managing director of Chelmsford's long established family-run departmental store Bolingbroke and Wenley's, has died at the age of 85. Mr Bolingbroke died peacefully at St Joseph's Nursing Home near his Danbury home on Friday
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South Essex: Mortgage firm's new award
Staff at a South Essex mortgage advisers have been celebrating another honour. On-Line Financial Management, which has staff in Rayleigh, Basildon, Billericay, Grays, Southend, Benfleet, Westcliff, Shoebury and Great Wakering, was presented with an Investors
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Tendring: Skateboarding park is priority
The newest and youngest councillor in Tendring has been getting his skates on to publicise his top pledge. The first thing newly-elected Lib Dem Gary Scott, 26, wants to do is get a skateboarding park built in Alresford and a recycling bin in Frating.
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Grays: Man clubbed with wheel brace
Police are appealing for key witnesses to come forward to help them in the hunt for a man who carried out a brutal assault in a town centre. A man was clubbed on the face with a metal wheel brace during the attack which happened near Woolworths store
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Basildon: Denise makes all-time top 100 lookers list
Basildon babe, Denise Van Outen has been voted among the top third of the 300 most beautiful women of all time. The former Big Breakfast presenter, who recently landed a part in the New York hit musical, Chicago, came 65th in the Sunday Express survey
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Thurrock: Concerns over adult education funding
Changes to the way adult education is funded nationally has sparked concerns for the service in Thurrock. John Kent - chairman of the Thurrock Adult Community College governors - quizzed cabinet member for education Carl Morris on the issue at last Thursday's
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Athletics: Runners to get England vests
Two young athletes are to appear for their country after outstanding performances in the English Schools Cross-Country Championships at Hylands Park, Chelmsford, on Saturday. Over 2,000 of the most outstanding young runners in the country took part in
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Chelmsford: Building award at Bishops Mead
Architecture-based on delightful styles of historic north Essex houses has won a new accolade for top architects Reeves Bailey for their designs at Chelmsford's Bishops Mead development. The Chelmsford Society has awarded a link-terraced multi-faceted
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Bulphan: Cycles stolen from lorry
Police are appealing for help after 16 £400 bicycles were stolen from a French lorry while the driver was asleep. The lorry was parked in a lay-by on the A128 Brentwood Road near Bulphan on Thursday night. Some time between 8.30pm on Thursday and 6am
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Leigh: Gregory's toys for brave kids
The parents of brave cancer victim Gregory Culff made a moving gesture minutes after burying their five-year-old son. Grieving Tony Culff and Rachel Clark said yesterday they were to donate all his toys to children's hospitals and cancer units for other
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Frinton: Determined Alex making progress
Footballing teenager Alex Campbell, whose neck was broken in a car crash, has undergone a long-awaited operation to get him back on the road to recovery. And while he still faces many hard months of intensive rehabilitation and treatment, his family believe
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Shoebury: Any Questions puts town on the map
Is Robert Mugabe getting away with murder? Have the courts become a playground for lawyers at the expense of justice for crime victims? Opposing views - Simon Heffer, Romola Christopherson, Oliver Walston and Peter Tatchell are kept in order by Jonathan
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Soccer: Newman blasts players
Southend United boss Rob Newman launched a scathing attack on three of his star players ahead of tomorrow's Roots Hall clash with high-flying Rochdale. The Shrimpers chief lashed out at goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, defender Leon Cort and midfielder Kevin
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Soccer: Last takes Witham post
Tony Last has been appointed the new manager of Witham Town. The former Braintree stalwart was handed the job last night and will be in charge for tomorrow's match at home to Corinthian Casuals. Witham chairman Dave Knott said: "Tony has a wealth of knowledge
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Pitsea: Man targets young girls
Police have urged young girls to be on their guard following a spate of indecent exposures in Pitsea. There have been several incidents in the last six weeks, usually between 6.30pm and 7.30pm on Mondays. The man police are hunting is said to target girls
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Basildon: More lottery cash for 'needy' town
Basildon is to benefit from a Government review into areas short-changed by lottery handouts. The town is one of 51 areas, but the only one in Essex, chosen to take part in a new initiative, Fair Share. Lottery minister Tessa Jowell said this recognition
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Soccer: Canvey Island 3-3 Bedford Town (Ryman League Premier Division)
Canvey's title hopes suffered another setback on Saturday as Bedford left Park Lane with a deserved point in a 3-3 thriller. In reality, the Islanders should be grateful for the solitary point as they rallied from 3-1 down late on to snatch an unlikely
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Soccer: Heybridge Swifts 0-2 Boreham Wood (Ryman League Premier Division)
A goal either side of half-time saw visitors Boreham Wood record a deserved 2-0 success at Heybridge on Saturday. The Swifts were never really at the races on Saturday, with Wood being given a host a chances before finally making the breakthrough. Corey
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Frinton: School's expansion gets the go-ahead
An overcrowded private school in Frinton will be able to expand and create more space for pupils and staff. The Catholic school, which was set up in 1926 by the Order of the Sisters of Mercy, has 176 children on the roll. Tendring councillors decided
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Canvey: Phone mast fight
Worried protesters have joined forces in a renewed fight against plans for a mobile phone mast on a Canvey industrial estate. Mast worries - Samantha Duffield, her son Jack, with councillor Lionel Hart and Nicola Dowsett, who are springing into action
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Stansted: Airport praised for environmental management
The owners of Stansted Airport have been heralded by Business in the Environment (BiE) as the best example of environmental management by a transport company. BAA also came third overall out of 83 FTSE 100 companies that participated in BiE's survey for
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Grays: Accommodation plans for schoolhouse
A school is looking to boost teacher recruitment by building communal accommodation for staff on its campus. William Edwards School in Grays is looking develop a schoolhouse with rooms for up to six teachers at the southern edge of the school fields.
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Soccer: Whitton's dead sorry
Apologetic U's boss Steve Whitton made a vow to Colchester fans today that the club will only make the drop to Division Three over his dead body. Colchester United are staring Third Division football in the face if they don't buck up their ideas. With
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Maldon: Cracking down on car badge thefts
Maldon Police are contacting local schools in a bid to stop a resurgence of a criminal craze which hits car owners. Police and are worried that children are prising car badges from vehicles and swapping them at school. The move comes after three youngsters
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Tilbury: Skip service dropped
A neighbourhood in Tilbury is to lose its free rubbish skip service because of the callous behaviour of a section of the community. Thurrock Council provided a skip at Dunlop Road, Tilbury, between 9am and noon on the first Saturday of every month. The
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Soccer: Chesham United 3-5 Grays Athletic (Ryman League Premier Division)
Grays kept up their superb recent form, rocketting five past Chesham United in a Buckinghamshire goal spree. With ambitions of a title charge falling the way of fantasy with Canvey and Gravesend dominating at the top, Grays have the very real chance of
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Colchester: Man robbed at knifepoint
Two robbers threatened a man with a knife then stole cash and a mobile phone as he walked along an alleyway in Colchester. The victim was in Artillery Barracks Folley at 8.50am yesterday when the men both white aged 23 to 24 approached him. One of them
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Get on your bike with Raleigh plan
Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre will host the Raleigh Challenge 2002 on March 23 (11am). This is a national cycle skills competition for under 13s and targets children new to cycling competitions. Each rider tackles a skills course to demonstrate his
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Pensioners' meals all set to rise 40p
The cost of pensioners' lunches at day centres in Basildon is set to increase by 40p to £2. Angry - pensioner Derek West makes his point. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 7ZJN31 Members of Basildon Council's community policy panel, who agreed the price hike, are
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Colchester: Man exposed himself to girls
A man who exposed himself to schoolgirls has been handed a community rehabilitation order Sean Campbell, 27, of Sioux Close, High Woods, Colchester, admitted the charge, which took place on January 16, as well as possessing 1.9g of cannabis. Colchester
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Thurrock: Council finds Gateway to benefits
Council leader Andy Smith has given members an update on how the authority's membership of the Thames Gateway has benefitted the borough. Coun Smith, who is cabinet member for community leadership, first reported to Thurrock Council's overview and Scrutiny
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South Essex: Make-over dream for area's shopping precincts
Shopping precincts across Castle Point could all be given facelifts if councillors have their way. Members of the borough council's highways committee are to put in a bid for cash to Essex County Council to revamp run-down shopping areas - so they can
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Rochford: Buses axed as profits soar
A bus company planning to axe vital services in Rochford to reduce costs today announced a nine per cent annual profit increase. Arriva, which has been attacked over plans to cut bus services in Hawkwell, Wakering and Barling, made £76million profit last
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Rugby: Youngsters get a taste of tag
Canvey Island Rugby Club have been passing on their knowledge to schoolchildren from years five and six as part of an Active Sports programme on the island. Kevin Cooper and Dave Dennis, both qualified coaches and Canvey first team players, have been
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Soccer: Purfleet 3-2 Braintree (Ryman League Premier Division)
Captain Jimmy McFarlane clinched the Essex derby on Saturday yesterday with an injury time winner for Purfleet against Braintree Town. A cracking advert for non-league football was settled in typically dramatic fashion, with the game seeming destined
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Maldon: Crowds reach new Heights
A new multi-million entertainment complex for Maldon opened its door with over 1,000 people attending on their first day. After 18 months of building work, Madison Heights in Park Drive, held a public open day on Sunday, but officially opened for business
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Rayleigh: Three hurt in A130 accident
A motorist and his two passengers were taken to hospital after their car rolled over on the A130 at Rayleigh. Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene, just past the Carpenter's Arms junction, at 4.15am on Sunday. The male driver of the blue
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Colchester: Children dig up bomb in garden
A shocked father called the police after his children dug up a mortar shell in his front garden. The road was cordoned off while Army bomb disposal experts removed the device and made it safe. Jason Taylor, 38, was doing up his house in Barnardiston Road
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Soccer: Ryman League Round-Ups (Divisions Two and Three)
Great Wakering Rovers stayed third in Ryman Division Two with the top three all winning on Saturday. Rovers sat two points off top spot going into the latest round of fixtures as the pursuit of the Division Two crown reaches its crucial stages. Opponents
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Colchester: Antiques con on pensioner
A pensioner handed over £24,000 of antiques to a conman who paid her just £4,000 in a week-long sting operation. The man spent a week organising the deal with the 84-year-old woman at her home in Lexden, Colchester, after calling on her purporting to
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Southend: Busy time for lifeboat
Southend lifeboat was scrambled twice to rescue stranded sailors over the weekend. On Saturday a boat that had got into difficulties in the strong wind was towed back to Southend beach. Another boat, with three passengers on board, ran aground and suffered
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Essex: Concerns raised at schools' deal
Serious concerns have been voiced over multi-million pound plans to get the private sector involved in Essex's education system. Essex County Council, the local education authority, is seeking a private sector partner to help run school-related services
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Golf: Triumph for Cawte and Lukins
Keith Cawte and Mike Lukins triumphed as Thorpe Hall Golf Club started its competitions at the weekend. The duo won the St David's Men's 4BBB Stableford with 42 points. There was success too for Beverly and Roberto Bonaro in the Mixed Greensome Stableford
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Dovercourt: Bojit the clown's in a spin!
Slapstick star Bojit will be swapping the big top for the big drop in his most daring trick yet. Children's entertainer Tony Johnson, better known as Bojit the clown, is getting ready to parachute from a plane next month in costume. Mr Johnson, of Main
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Canvey: Shopkeeper hits out at scratchcard thieves
An angry shopkeeper today hit out at burglars who broke into his store and stole £1,200 worth of scratchcards. Lee Petch, who runs Seaview Minimarket, on Canvey, is now urging people not to buy cheap scratchcards on the street - because the stolen cards
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Harwich, Dovercourt: Cash needed to stop vandalism
An anti-vandalism campaign has been backed by police but several hundred pounds are needed to run it. The initiative would offer cash rewards to informants who help solve crimes in the Harwich and Dovercourt area. Sgt Peter Wood, of Harwich police, said
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Braintree, Colchester: High winds cause car park chaos...
High winds caused chaos in parts of Essex at the weekend - and at Braintree a car park closure hit trade. The B & Q car park in Braintree was closed on Saturday afternoon when gusts lifted corrugated sheets from the building site of the new Freeport
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Soccer: Walton and Hersham 1-1 Harlow Town (Ryman League Division One)
Harlow's promotion hopes faded on Saturday as Marcus Rose scrambled in an injury time equaliser for Walton and Hersham in a 1-1 draw at Stompond Lane. Harlow knew victory was essential were they to keep pace with the top three, and amidst difficult playing
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Billericay: Extra security for station
Commuters are celebrating after securing extra security measures at Billericay railway station. The Radford Way station car park has been blighted with break-ins and even a serious assault towards the end of last year. Beleaguered travellers responded
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Essex: County's police are off target
Essex Police blamed resource-sapping major inquiries for missing crime reduction and detection rate targets. The figures, which relate to 2001, show that while the force aimed to detect 22 per cent of burglaries, just 14.4 per cent were actually cleared
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Soccer: Posh test for Brown
Simon Brown takes his goalkeeper's gloves to Peterborough tomorrow hoping for a big change of luck and a Colchester United win. The U's keeper, one of ten Layer Road players looking to win new contracts at the end of the season, has let in seven goals
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Braintree: Ben gets No 1 reason to be sent home
First there was Faye Cowig, 15, off school because she had braided hair. Then Stephanie Piscina, 14, revealed she hadn't been to lessons because she got her tongue pierced. And now a mother is "disgusted" her 12-year-old son is missing school because
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Canvey: Mystery of mayday call
Mystery today surrounds a cry for help heard over the airwaves. Coastguards monitoring ships' radios overheard someone call out mayday - the yachting distress call - but the message was soon drowned out by another conversation. Minutes later the coastguard
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Essex: Advisers highlight route to success
Business Link for Essex has urged potential entrepreneurs not to let fear of failure stand in the way of their dreams of success. The Government's newly published Household Survey reveals that while 18 per cent of the population run their own businesses
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Cricket: County side back at Valentines Park
Essex will be playing first-class cricket at Ilford's Valentines Park this season. This follows Redbridge Council's decision to provide financial support over the next two years to stage clashes at the venue. It is believed they have set aside £10,000
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Tennis: Girls make history
A quartet of girls from Leigh Tennis Club warmed to the Essex County LTA winter league by earning themselves a place in the history books. Katrina Duffield, Sophie De'ath, Emily Hunter and Joanne Herd became the first club to enter the league and win
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Witham: Doorstep antiques dealers warning
Police are urging people to think twice before using doorstep antiques dealers. Households in Witham have been receiving flyers from antiques dealers offering to value goods or asking if people have items for sale. Geoff Butler, crime prevention officer
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Leigh: Jobs go at travel firm
A well-known travel firm has gone into receivership leaving all its employees redundant. Receivers PKF have confirmed they were appointed to "safeguard or sell" assets belonging to a long-established Crusader Coach Stop. The firm, in London Road, Leigh
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Chelmsford: City status decision due
There are only six days to go until Chelmsford knows if it is to be a city for the 21st century. MP Simon Burns has been told the official announcement is next Thursday, March 14. It comes as bookies William Hill now place Chelmsford in clear fourth in
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Brentwood: Boundary shift to shake up political scene
A massive re-shaping of electoral boundaries is set to shake up the political scene when voters go to the polls in the district council elections on Thursday, May 2. The first major ward boundary changes since the 1970s are about to come into effect with
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South Essex: House prices jump again
House prices in south Essex rose by more than £2,400 last month, new figures reveal today. A survey by Team, Britain's largest network of independent estate agents, found average prices across Essex rose by more than two per cent between January and February
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Colchester: Small - but region's best
An Essex company has been dubbed the best small business in East Anglia at a recent awards ceremony. Jim Lawrence Ironworks, a Colchester-based interior fittings supplier, took the honour at the regional final of the Parcelforce Worldwide Small Business
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Basildon: Ups and downs of being a twin...
Visitors to a children's playground should expect to see double - or even triple - this weekend as a multiple birth group appeals for new members. The South Essex Twins and Triplets Club is holding an open day tomorrow. They meet twice weekly at the adventure
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Tennis: Gaffe hands Lawn team a win bonus
Westcliff Lawn III turned a 4-2 points reverse into a 5-1 win thanks to an oversight by Westcliff Hard IV. The Men's Division Four hosts saw Roy White and John Jackson beat Lawn's Simon Ravinet and Steve Hickson 6-4 6-2. But then it was discovered Jackson
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Essex FM to switch towns
Southend's prestige was dealt a blow today as Essex FM revealed it is set to quit the town in favour of Chelmsford. The radio station has been broadcasting from Clifftown Road, Southend, for the past 20 years. The move was revealed after planning permission
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Walton: Club's lap-dance plan
A new lap-dancing club is set to open in a seaside resort. The Sanctuary Bar, on Walton seafront, has revealed plans for a private members' lap-dancing club above the bar. The plan would include women wearing only lingerie serving behind the bar from
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Tilbury: Father guilty of wounding
A father has been found guilty of unlawfully wounding a doorman at Tilbury Dock working men's club. William Brazil, 38, was convicted by a jury at Basildon Crown Court of wounding Chris Pease, a charge he had denied. Brazil, of Sullivan Road, Tilbury,
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Colchester: Mum's courage in commerce
Brave mum Sharon Moor, who has battled back to health after a kidney transplant, is the new owner of the former Navy and Army store in Colchester. She is to open a second health and beauty salon at the Head Street premises following the success of her
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Gestingthorpe: Family safe and well after thatched cottage fire
A family of four had to flee after their 14th century thatched cottage caught fire. The cottage, in Church Road, Gestingthorpe, which belongs to Michael and Anne-Marie Garrett, caught fire at about 10.30pm last night. Mrs Garrett said: "We heard a noise
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Southend: Troubled firm's jobs put at risk
A Southend computer services company has warned staff of impending redundancies, in spite of signs that its fortunes are improving. Rebus Insurance Services has told staff that "economic pressures" mean that 35 people across its UK operation will lose
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Woodham: Rush-hour smash up
Morning traffic was plunged into chaos following a two-vehicle smash in South Woodham Ferrers. A man driver was trapped in a car following the accident at 6am, in Burnham Road. Published Monday, March 11, 2002
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Tennis: Garon's promotion at Writtle expense
Garons Tennis Academy were the aces of the pack when Southend Leisure & Tennis Centre hosted the Essex Junior League finals on a home and away basis. The Garons team -- Matthew Pearce, 11, David Watson, 10, Ross Worsfold, 11 and captain Zak Power,
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Witham: Parents tell of heartbreak at toddler's death
Parents of quadruplets have told of their heartbreak after one of their baby sons died. McCartney, Lennon and Harrison Cooper Dave and Michelle Cooper described how they made the agonising decision to turn off the life support machine of their three-month-old
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South Woodham: Young skaters get cash
The unveiling of a blueprint for a new skateboard park could mark the revival of a town's youth council. The scheme for the young people of South Woodham Ferrers in Compass Gardens still needs a lot of funding to make it a reality. However, what appears
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Maldon: School fire is investigated
A fire at a Maldon school is being investigated by police. There are fears the blaze at the Upper Plume School could have been started deliberately. The small fire started in the toilet block at about 11.40am yesterday. The building, in Fambridge Road
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Harwich: Backing for Bathside project
The controversial Bathside Bay development at Harwich has received a major boost with two of the town's leading groups agreeing to back it. Harwich Conservation Panel and The Harwich Society have both unanimously agreed to support the multi-million pound
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Soccer: U's boss looking to fill defensive spot
Manager Steve Whitton has revealed that he would like to bring in at least one new face before this season's transfer deadline. With the March 28 deadline just three weeks away, the U's boss said he is still 'very keen' to fill the left-sided defensive
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Colchester: End of the robe for wedding shop
A new gallery coupling work by local artists with refreshments for visitors could be coming to Colchester based at a closing wedding shop As well as paintings and photographs, the gallery could display a range of media, including sculptures and video.
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Brentwood: Youth counselling launch
A Brentwood-based counselling service for young people aged 13 to 25 is preparing to set up surgeries in local secondary schools after receiving a £5,000 grant from the Jack Petchey Foundation. The award comes almost ten years after the Young People's
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Laindon: Battling school's sixth form
A school which linked up with a neighbouring college to improve its failing standards today announced it is to expand to include a sixth form. James Hornsby High School, in Leinster Road, Laindon, is preparing to open its doors to students over the age
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Colchester: Men con £800 from couple in their 80s
A couple in their 80s paid hundreds of pounds to "mean" bogus callers who gave them scraps of carpet but never returned to fit them. The two men turned up at their Simons Lane home in Colchester and told the elderly residents they had been working on
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Soccer: Fry satisfied with Posh performance
It was a very satisfied Peterborough boss Barry Fry who readily heaped praise on his players after they dominated the wind-swept clash with Colchester United. Fry said: "Considering the conditions this was a great performance by my lads. They played throughout
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Chelmsford: City status decision due
There are only a few days to go until Chelmsford knows if it is to be a city for the 21st century. MP Simon Burns has been told the official announcement is on Thursday, March 14 It comes as bookies William Hill now place Chelmsford in clear fourth in
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Alresford, Thorrington, Frating: Scott takes seat
Liberal Democrat Gary Scott was today celebrating after winning a seat on Tendring Council. Mr Scott won the by-election at Alresford, Thorrington and Frating by 66 votes. There had been problems after more than 3,000 polling cards had not been sent out
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Essex: War hero dies four days after wife
A Polish man who came to Essex after liberating his wife from a Nazi concentration camp died just four days after she did telling his family he could not live without her. Adam Krzykowski, 88, saw his wife Jadweiga die from stomach cancer last Wednesday
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Chlemsford: Cash boost to slash op wait
A £4.6 million cash boost has been secured to build urgently-needed hospital facilities for mid Essex patients Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford is celebrating after the Eastern Regional Office confirmed the money was being made available to help cut
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Stanford-le-Hope: Part of store to become clinic
Planners have granted consent for part of a large store in Stanford-le-Hope to be turned into osteopathic clinic despite the community's determination to protect shops in the town centre. Thurrock Council's development control committee granted planning
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Soccer: Colton fires winner for Chalvedon
Chalvedon Boys reached their first ever Roots Hall cup final thanks to a Billy Colton goal against Outwood Common. Colton's second half strike was enough to settle the hard-fought game, and booked Chalvedon a place in the April 28 under-14 junior league
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Southend: Man knocked out in attack
A man was left unconscious for five hours after an attacker jumped up and down on his chest during a horrific early morning assault in Southend. The 19-year-old victim also suffered facial injuries during the assault outside the Rendezvous Casino, near
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Benfleet: Lamp post snaps
Benfleet High Road was shut for an hour yesterday afternoon while firefighters removed a broken lamp post which was dangling on some telephone cables. Crews were called to the scene at 1.40pm after the lamp post was snapped off at the base and was left
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Chelmsford: Week-long crime blitz
Criminals beware! Prepare for a major crackdown in Chelmsford as part of the borough's Crime Reduction Week. Police and council officers are teaming up with the Chelmsford Crime Reduction Partnership for a high profile initiative between March 18-24 aimed
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Laindon: Wife row man killed himself
A wealthy businessman, whose death sparked fears of a murder, shot himself after an argument with his wife about his excessive drinking, an inquest has heard. Michael Andrew - also known as Micky Roman - from Kennedy Avenue, Laindon, had just finished
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Junior Soccer: Rangers seek sponsors
Fairfax Rangers have been established in the Southend area for over 20 years and, in that time, have built a reputation for quality and excellence. Rangers cater for over 130 boys and girls currently playing football each weekend. Fairfax are seeking
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Brightlingsea: Man dies in horror road accident
An elderly man from the Brightlingsea area died after his Renault Laguna car was in collision with a lorry. His woman passenger was today "poorly" in the intensive care unit at Colchester General Hospital. A Toyota Corolla travelling behind the Renault
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Chelmsford: Carnival hoping for brighter outlook
Christine Rolfe is hoping to bring the financially strapped Chelmsford Carnival back as a torchlight procession this autumn. Ms Rolfe who has suspended the annual event for the last few years - once because it clashed with the Carnival Against Capitalism
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Soccer: Marshall shoulders responsibility for defeat
Andy Marshall held his hands up and accepted full responsibility for Ipswich Town's 2-0 defeat at Leeds United. The keeper dropped a rare clanger seconds after half-time in last night's clash at Elland Road, allowing a weak volley to squeeze inside his
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Soccer: Worcester City 1-1 Chelmsford City (Dr Martens League Premier Division)
Chelmsford returned from St George's Lane with a useful point on Saturday, holding hosts Worcester City to a 1-1 draw. Chelmsford went closest early on with Ian Cambridge floating in a corner that almost deceived Danny McDonnell. Worcester hit back through
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Chelmsford: River to become healthier for wildlife
Water in the River Chelmer will be healthier for wildlife and better for drinking as a result of cuts in nitrate pollution from sewage treatment works. Environment Minister Michael Meacher this week announced that a stretch of the river would be designated
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Essex: Student bus service faces axe
Essex County Council is planning a growing up lesson for future 16-19 year old school and college students - by axing their school bussing arrangements. The measure that will save £500,000 a year for the 1000 students in mid-Essex who use the scheme every
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Soccer: Peterborough 3 Colchester United 1 (Division Two)
Colchester United produced their worst performance of the season when being blown away by lowly Peterborough in farcical galeforce conditions at London Road. The U's simply never got going against a Peterborough outfit who displayed far more passion and
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Soccer: Gravesend and Northfleet 1-0 Billericay Town (Ryman League Premier Division)
Billericay gave a good account of themselves on Saturday though eventually fell to Ryman League title favourites Gravesend and Northfleet. Blowing gales ruined this game as much of a spectacle, and it was evident at time that both sides were going to
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Great Bentley: Secrets of village green
Metal detector enthusiasts want to seek out hidden treasures under Great Bentley's 43-acre village green, the biggest in the country, if residents agree. The parish council has backed the proposal so long as an area is agreed upon and archaeologists are
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Purfleet: Blaze on industrial estate
Firefighters from Grays spent much of early Monday attempting to put out a large bonfire on the Juliet Way industrial estate in Purfleet. They were called to the scene at around 3.30am and with help from colleagues from the Orsett fire station, spent
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Colchester: Alison's night to remember
It was a night to remember in more ways than one for a Colchester woman who sang a duet at Wembley with a world-famous pop star - and was then proposed to the same evening! Colchester dry cleaning worker Alison Russell joined Bryan Adams on-stage at Wembley
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Soccer: Blues looked goal-shy, says boss
Southend United manager Rob Newman admitted his players rarely looked capable of conjuring a goal during Saturday's 0-0 Roots Hall draw with high-flying Rochdale. Eyes down looking -- Stephen Broad tussles with Rochdale striker Kevin Townson. Picture:
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Southend: Award for safety record
A Southend factory's exemplary safety record has won a major award. The 43 disabled staff at the Remploy factory in Sutton Road, who produce electromechanical assemblies - ensured the site went an entire year without an accident of any sort, earning them
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Soccer: Southend United 0-0 Rochdale (Nationwide League Division Three)
The Blues made it three draws in a row as they held promotion-seeking Rochdale to a dull stalemate at Roots Hall. Goal-scoring opportunities were at a premium for both teams as the Shrimpers attempted to do the double over Dale this season, following
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Brentwood: Volunteers wanted for Hospice
Volunteers to help comfort someone suffering from bereavement are being sought by the Saint Francis Hospice. The hospice, which is based at Havering-atte-Bower is looking to recruit new helpers for its bereavement support service to help people who are
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Grays: Mystery liquid scare
Police and fire crews cordoned off a road close to Grays town centre for several hours on Saturday after a mystery substance came up from the drains. Cromwell Road was shut from its junction with Orsett Road in the town north to Stuart Road at just after
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Colchester: Hotfoot over the Sahara
Fitness trainer Jim Mazzoni-Dalton is preparing for a tough challenge crossing the hot Sahara Desert. Lance-Corporal Mazzoni-Dalton is a physical training instructor with 3 Para and is swapping his somewhat colder home at Hyderabad Barracks in Mersea
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Motor Sport: David aiming for life in fast lane
Speed king David Guy is within touching distance of fulfilling a life-long ambition to become a professional racing driver. Having learned to drive when he was just six years old, the Laindon racer has put his experience to good use. The 20-year-old is
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Chadwell St Mary: Sniper rifles found
Police are appealing for help after two .308 sniper rifles were discovered in a field behind flats in Chadwell St Mary. The two unloaded AI rifles - complete with telescoping sights - were discovered on Friday morning behind Godman Road. A man was seen
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Tollesbury: Who wants to be 'Queen'?
Tollesbury is pushing out the boat to celebrate the Queen's Golden Jubilee, and a committee has been formed to co-ordinate a weekend of fun, games and events from Saturday June 1 through to Tuesday June 4 reigned over by the village's own "Queen Elizabeth
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Grays: Mystery liquid scare
Police and fire crews cordoned off a road close to Grays town centre for several hours on Saturday after a mystery substance came up from the drains. Cromwell Road was shut from its junction with Orsett Road in the town north to Stuart Road at just after
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Squash: Disasterous result for Tek Sing
Tek Sing Lexden had a disastrous result against Lee-on-Solent, losing 4-1 in the penultimate match of the season. This places their chances of gaining a semi-final place in severe jeopardy. An understrength Lexden side had to play their two junior players
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Clacton: Historic dolls going under hammer
Unique historical dolls including two famous Essex women are set to go under the auctioneer's hammer. The nine dolls, up for auction in Clacton, are made of papier mache and are thought to have been made in about 1910. The collection includes Lady Darcy
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Wix: A quiet corner to remember Oliver
A village pre-school will build a memorial to remember a little boy who died of cancer. A quiet corner is planned for Wix and Wrabness Pre-school as part of a wider scheme to develop an outside play area. Oliver Hyde, a four-year-old who went to the pre-school
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Laindon: Fox cubs home alone
A family of foxes found themselves homeless after builders moved onto their territory. The mother and her six newborn cubs had hunted out shelter from the winter winds under the floorboards of a derelict house in Laindon. However, when builders were asked
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Stanway: Head vows to appeal over plans
A headteacher today vowed to appeal after plans to sell off disused playing fields to fund vital improvements were rejected. Jonathan Tippett, of Stanway School, said his buildings would become further dilapidated unless something was done to repair them
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Tendring: Man jailed after dozens of raids
A prolific burglar who stole more than £40,000 worth of goods from people's homes in the Tendring area has been jailed for four years. Paul Cockayne, 20, of no fixed address but formerly of St Osyth, admitted breaking into three houses when he appeared
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South Essex: Hospital workers celebrate
Staff at Basildon and Southend Hospitals were celebrating today after scoring five stars each in a guide to hospital services across the UK - but a Chelmsford centre fared less well. The two south Essex hospitals featured in The Mail on Sunday's Good
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Colchester: University research boost but teaching grant falls
Research funds for Essex University are to receive a £1m boost of Government cash but an after-inflation cut in its teaching grant. University chiefs have criticised the decision made by the Higher Education Funding Council to hand out less funding per
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Cruisers fight back at out-of-town nuisances
Local cruisers have blasted claims that they are a menace to society and urged residents to get off their backs. Rachael McLean, 21, of Southend Road, Rochford, is part of a group of around 50 youngsters who cruise the area at night. Angry - Rachael McLean
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Chelmsford: Former department store boss dies
Thomas Wray Bolingbroke, former managing director of Chelmsford's long established family-run departmental store Bolingbroke and Wenley's, has died at the age of 85. Mr Bolingbroke died peacefully at St Joseph's Nursing Home near his Danbury home on Friday
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Brightlingsea: Probe into fatal crash begins
Investigators were today probing the cause of a three-vehicle pile-up in which a motorist died after his car was in a collision with a lorry. The crash scene The smash blocked the only route into and out of Brightlingsea for more than four hours, but
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Soccer: Bishops Stortford 3-0 Thame United (Ryman League Division One)
There were no troubles for Bishops Stortford on Saturday, with a comfortable 3-0 win against Thame - a result which sees them climb to 2nd in the Division One table. It did take until the 41st minute for the Blues' obvious superiority to show however,
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Basildon: World Cup fans hit by booze ban
Magistrates look to be on a collision course with pubgoers as landlords compete for World Cup and Golden Jubilee celebration trade. They are to refuse pubs the right to sell alcohol during early morning televised World Cup games, but will allow extra
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Southend: Boss pledges better post service
An opposition party leader on Southend Council has renewed calls for a referendum on controversial plans to widen Priory Crescent. Tory Cabinet members unanimously agreed the proposals on Tuesday despite a storm of protest around the town. A dispute has
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Essex: Profile for a better job
Personality profiling could spell the end of the misery that afflicts the lives of thousands of business people every year - the realisation that you have given years of your life to the wrong job. Essex-based business coach Elaine Jenking, of Solo Flight
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Southend: Knifeman robs shop
A woman shop worker was left shocked after a robber burst in brandishing a knife. The 40-year-old was serving behind the counter of Budget Cards in Woodgrange Drive, Southend, when the man ran into the shop and threatened her with a cutlery knife at around
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Castle Point: Green light for traffic calming
Plans for traffic calming measures outside Castle Point schools are to go ahead - despite local objections to the scheme. Residents in Bowers Road and Albion Road, Benfleet, wrote to Castle Point Council opposing the proposed 20 mph speed limits near
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Westcliff: Face of con man who preys on elderly
Police today released this e-fit of a man calling himself Stephen Martin who preyed on elderly residents at a Westcliff sheltered housing complex. He conned his way into the complex by claiming over the intercom system he had catalogues to deliver. He
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Soccer: Newman demands decisions
Southend United manager Rob Newman will demand answers from the six players he has offered new contracts at a crunch Roots Hall meeting today. And the Shrimpers chief promised to get tough with the men in question if they refused to commit themselves
