Archive
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Basildon: Kilroy's chance for needy teens
Needy young people from Basildon today visited the BBC's London studios to meet top chat show host Robert Kilroy-Silk. The host was presenting certificates to the teenagers, who were also being given the chance to appear in tomorrow's edition of Kilroy
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Basildon: Regeneration boost for town
A joint agreement to transform Basildon's Gardiners Lane South into a multi-million pound business park has been signed. After more than a decade of stalemate, the land looks set to become a hub for business. Councillors and bosses at English Partnerships
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Colchester: Hospice team clocks up miles
The St Helena Hospice marathon team has been out in Colchester getting in some last-minute training as well as holding a collection. The idea to be in St Nicholas's Square came from marathon runner Kevin Davies, who will be completing his second marathon
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Soccer: Wycombe Wanderers 0-0 Colchester (Nationwide League Division Two)
Colchester United recorded their third away draw in five outings against Wycombe Wanderers at Adams Park. The U's did have the ball in the net ten minutes from the end via Adrian Coote, but the effort was ruled out for offside. Joe Keith, Thomas Pinault
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Clacton: Revamp for superstore
The oldest town centre supermarket in Clacton is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a month-long revamp. Tesco's in Station Road will close from Easter Sunday to become a modernised Tesco Metro store. Tesco spokesman Katherine Edwards said: "It will
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South Essex: Lorry crash shuts M25
The M25 was brought to a standstill after a three lorries were involved in a seven-vehicle pile up. The accident happened after two lorries travelling into Essex collided on the Essex side of the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. No one was injured in the incident
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Heybridge: Derring-do at herring do
In a hard-fought match between England and arch rivals Holland, the Brits have finally walked off with the cup. Not in football - but in herring eating. Down the hatch - competitors do their best at Heybridge at the weekend The regulars at the Old Ship
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Basildon: Mums' relief as sex monster jailed
Sex monster Mark Thorne, who targeted lonely Basildon mothers in their homes at night, was today starting a seven-year jail sentence. He also received a three-year extension to his prison licence for him to undergo a sex offenders' programme. Thorne's
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Grays: One-man crime wave caged for four years
Thief Dean Fraser, described by a judge as "a one-man crime wave", has been locked up for four years. Fraser, 19, often preyed on elderly women, leaving them shocked and in tears, Basildon Crown Court heard. In sentencing Fraser to a young offenders'
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Colchester: Bogus officials strike again
Suspected bogus officials visited at least two more Colchester homes over the weekend. At Ladbrook Drive, Old Heath a man who claimed to be from the council called at an elderly woman's home and said he wanted to check the water pressure. She let him
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Soccer: Bishop's Stortford 1-2 Northwood (Ryman League Division One)
Bishop's Stortford relinquished top spot in Ryman Division One with a disappointing home defeat to Northwood at Woodside Park. The first goal came after only five minutes as a long ball through the home defence saw Micky Desborough come well off his line
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Mid-Essex: Lights swict-on marks end of A12 works
New environmentally-friendly lights were switched on this week to mark the completion of the last stages of the major maintenance scheme on the A12 at Hatfield Peverel. The road-side lighting has been installed along a mile-long stretch of the A12 as
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Soccer: Canvey Island 3-0 Harrow Borough (Ryman League Premier Division)
Canvey comfortably overcame the challenge of relegation-threatened Harrow on Saturday, running out 3-0 winners at Park Lane. Former Harrow man Spencer Knight broke the deadlock on 25 minutes - the defender pushed forward to stab the ball home from close
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Canvey: Cemetery delay sparks protest
A leading councillor has hit out at delays to Canvey's new cemetery and demanded a swift start to work. The project to create a new burial ground on the site in Northwick Road was announced to a trumpet fanfare two years ago. Castle Point Council forged
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Maldon: Beer gift for pair who halted robber
Two workmen have raised a toast to each other after they stopped a robber in his tracks following a dramatic till snatch. Don Kenneally and Jason Boutwell were rewarded with a crate of lager each from a shop's grateful owners for helping to bring the
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Clacton: Purse-snatcher jailed
A thief who preyed on an 86-year-old woman waiting at a bus stop has been jailed. Christopher Keeling, 25, of Marine Parade West, Clacton, admitted stealing pensioner Alice Baker's purse from her shopping bag on June 1 at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday
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Athletics: Hickey's best of British
Southend's hugely talented athletics star Adam Hickey capped his first international appearance by proving he is the best in Britain. The 13-year-old Southend High pupil, running for England Schools in the SIAB Cross-Country home international, won the
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Gymnastics: Compulsory title for Francesca
Francesca Humphries has another British title under her belt at the age of 11. The South-East Essex Gym Club, Basildon, member, having won the level three competition last year, found herself under pressure in the British Compulsory level two event in
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Wix, Wrabness: Pupils find eggs at end of Easter arithmetic hunt
Little egg-hunters went in search of the Easter Bunny - with the help of a few mathematical clues. Children from Wix and Wrabness Primary School, in Colchester Road, spent the day solving mathematical problems to make a word which led to the Easter treasure
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Athletics: Date switch boosts Pitsea Five
The Pitsea Five is going big time... After years of being run as a relatively minor end-of-season affair in November when major athletes were winding down, the Pitsea Running Club race has moved to April 7 this year. Organisers hope the new timing --
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Southend: Balloon race for Easter
A total of 100 balloons were released in the centre of Southend as part of a special promotion that aims to spread a touch of Easter cheer. The promotion, organised by the Chicago Rock Cafe in Warrior Square in conjunction with Cadburys, will reward those
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Soccer: Heybridge Swifts 1-6 Hendon (Ryman League Premier Division)
Heybridge suffered their biggest Premier Division home defeat on Saturday against Hendon, a side who began the day three places below them. The Swifts were never in this one, pulverised by constant waves of attacking pressure from Hendon, who scored six
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Southend: Sorting office set to close
Southend's Short Street sorting office is to close in a radical national shake-up of postal services which will result in thousands of workers losing their jobs. Consignia, the company which handles mail throughout Britain, has announced a series of radical
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Rayleigh: Town centre may get high life and fast food
The heart of Rayleigh could have high-rise flats, a multi-story car park and a new fast food outlet if ambitious plans for a revamp are adopted by councillors. Rochford District Council met to consider a presentation by David Beardmore, managing director
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Soccer: Chelmsford City 0-3 Havant & Waterlooville (Dr Martens League Premier Division)
Third-placed Havant were far too good for Chelmsford City on Saturday, romping home 3-0 winners at New Lodge. The Hawks added to their 4-1 home success only a fortnight ago with this convincing victory, which was started by Tim Hambley's tap-in on 33
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Stansted: Sorry - I can't land - it's foggy!
A pilot flying to Stansted Aiport told passengers he had to divert because he was not qualified to land in fog. The routine no frills Go flight, from Newcastle, was due to land at Stansted airport on Friday evening, but had to be diverted 100 miles to
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Canvey: Cocaine lure to take away pain
A spinal problem led Robert Beard into the seedy world of drugs, a court heard. He used cannabis resin as a pain relief before moving on to amphetamine and then the class A drug, cocaine. But ailing Beard's money ran out and he got into debt with his
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Soccer: Blues not reliant on TV cash
The loss of ITV Digital cash would not be catastrophic to Southend United, club chief Ron Martin has declared. The company wants to renegotiate its £315m TV deal signed last year but Football League bosses have thrown out the proposals. The league insists
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Soccer: AFC Sudbury 0-2 Tiptree United (FA Vase semi-final first leg)
Underdogs Tiptree United's fairytale FA Vase run continued with an inspired 2-0 victory at AFC Sudbury in the semi-final first-leg. Action from Saturday's clash in the FA Vase The Jam-makers stand just 90 minutes away from a Villa Park final, on May 11
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Southend: Pier man in jump fear
Southend police and lifeboat crews were called out on Friday after it was feared a man might jump off the town's pier. A passerby who saw the man alerted officers and the Southend lifeboat crews - who managed to persuade the man not to jump. He is believed
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Southend: Campaign to save theatre
A campaign is under way to safeguard the future of Southend's New Empire Theatre. Petitions have been drawn up and councillors are being lobbied as director Julie Robertson moves to save the playhouse, in Alexandra Street, and buy it. Earlier this week
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Soccer: Gravesend 2-0 Grays Athletic (Ryman League Premier Division)
Grays put up a good fight at title favourites Gravesend & Northfleet, succumming eventually however in a 2-0 defeat in Kent. Home skipper Jimmy Jackson made the most of stout home defending, springing upfield to fire past Mel Capleton on 16 minutes
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Westcliff: Theatre seeks midnight drink limit
The Palace Theatre, Westcliff, could soon be serving alcoholic drinks after 11pm - if managers get their way. Its bosses are looking to extend its licence to midnight if they are holding a function or entertaining sponsors. At the moment the theatre has
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Elmstead Market: Rollercoast world record bid
A rollercoaster fanatic is planning a world record attempt travelling on 11 white-knuckle rides in less than an hour. Mick Fryer-Kelsey, of Elmstead Market, who describes himself as "a bit of a card", will need a stomach of steel during the attempt at
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Thundersley: Denise to teach with stick of rock
An adventurous teacher will be bringing a taste of Essex to Canada when she embarks on a special teacher placement this Easter. Canada-bound - teacher Denise Cooper will tell youngsters about life in Essex. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 8FFUU6 Denise Cooper,
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Athletics: Nick's on track to be marathon man
Basildon AC's Nick Wetheridge is turning his sights on the London Marathon and Commonwealth Games after one of his best results in 18 months. Marathon bid -- for Basildon's Nick Wetheridge. Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 8DKXV21C Wetheridge, 29, scooped bronze
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Soccer: Ryman League Round-Up (Divisions 2 and 3)
Great Wakering slipped further back from the title hunt on Saturday as they lost 2-0 at struggling Chertsey Town. Rovers' 10th defeat of the campaign was confirmed by goals from Neil Breslin on 38 minutes and a Colin Gould header midway through the second
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Silver End: Stuart calls it a day
Billions of years of history are coming to an end with the closure of Silver End's "Fossil Hall". Also known as Baldwin's Scientific Books, the Boars Tye Road shop has attracted those seeking specialist titles on geology and science for more than 20 years
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Essex: On-the-spot fines to hit crime
Drunken thugs and vandals are to face instant fines of up to £80 as part of a pilot scheme to be launched in Essex. Under the project, police will issue tickets for £80 or £40 for a range of offences including drunkenness, obstructing a highway, throwing
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Soccer: Bognor Regis 0-0 Harlow Town (Ryman League Division Two)
Harlow and Bognor frustrated each other's promotion ambitions on Saturday with a 0-0 draw on the South coast. The Rocks counter-attacked their way through the first period, going close through Jack Midson. The second half saw them pose more of a constant
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Clacton: Fingers crossed
Daring customers put their faith in hairdressers who were blindfolded - and on rollerskates. The hairdressers from Oxygen, in High Street, Clacton, took on the challenge to raise money for St Helena Hospice. Salon owner Claire Lee said the event had gone
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Soccer: Newman a happy man
Southend United chief Rob Newman was a happy man after watching his side cruise to a 2-0 Roots Hall triumph over Third Division promotion candidates Scunthorpe on Saturday. That's the way -- Boss Rob Newman congratulates Leon Cort on his goal. Picture
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Soccer: Hell of a year for Keeble
Life has been hell for Colchester United midfielder Chris Keeble since he ruptured an Achilles tendon at Wycombe Wanderers in the final game of last season. Painful - Keeble hobbles off after rupturing an Achilles tendon Eleven months and two career-saving
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Witham: Site for cannabis cafe revealed
Plans to open Essex's first cannabis cafe have been narrowed down to near Witham's Humber Road estate. Reporter MICHAEL POWELL asked residents what they thought of the idea. Controversial it may be. But not everyone is against the idea of a Dutch-style
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Shoebury: Probe's 'concern' over day centre
An investigation into working practices at a day centre for adults with learning disabilities has found there was "cause for serious concern". Southend Council, Essex County Council and Essex Police launched a joint probe last October after "allegations
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Soccer: Stewart's pride hurt by Villa
Marcus Stewart admitted his pride had taken a dent after Ipswich Town's goalless draw with Aston Villa. Town found themselves sucked back into the relegation zone after doing everything but score in Saturday's stalemate at Portman Road. And Stewart said
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Ashingdon: Head's last bit of horseplay
A headteacher who has retired after 25 years bowed out gracefully when he arrived at the school in a horse-drawn carriage. Carriage trip - retiring headteacher Brian Baldrey arrives by carriage at Ashingdon School. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8CD4N2 Brian
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Basildon: Cuddly walkers cash in
Pupils at a Basildon primary school were each given a cuddly dog to take on a sponsored charity walk. Well led - pupils who took part in the sponsored walk show off their fluffy toy dogs. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 82KCW4 The children, accompanied by their
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Colchester: Refugee settled in home
A refugee from the conflict in Afghanistan is settling into a temporary home in Colchester. Tiger, the dog, was adopted by soldiers from Colchester's 216 Signal Squadron when they were in the Afghan capital Kabul as part of the International Security
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Castle Point: Sculptor MP Bob puts his Ladies on display
Castle Point MP Bob Spink has artwork on display in one of the most impressive places in the country - the Palace of Westminster. He is one of three MPs to be exhibiting work in the Upper Waiting Hall. Three watercolours and 26 of his ceramic items are
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Battlesbridge: Slice of royal history
Antiques dealer Jim Pooley thought he had pocketed a bargain when he picked up a sword at an auction in north Essex. But what he didn't know was the gleaming century-old sabre has a right royal history. Jim, who runs an antiques shop in Battlesbridge,
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Braintree: Sticky problem solved
Retailers have given a council a "pat on the back" for steam cleaning Braintree town centre. High pressure washers were brought in to get rid of the chewing gum in Braintree two weeks ago. Teams used special steam washers to blitz the sticky problem,
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Essex: Authorities urged to make training date
The Essex Association of Local Councils (EALC) which represents most of the parish and town councils in the county, is urging members to attend a training day on May 11 to learn more about the new Code of Conduct under which they must abide. Main speaker
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Soccer: U's on the brink of survival
The richly-deserved point won by Colchester United's footballers from Saturday's goalless draw at Wycombe Wanderers has hoisted the club to the brink of Second Division safety. But it was achieved at a high price - as Arsenal loanee Graham Barrett, leading
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Colchester: Disgust at duck attack
Staff at Colchester General Hospital have been left shocked by an appalling attack by yobs who stamped to death two ducks which lived on the hospital grounds. The birds, a male and female, were among a number of ducks resident at the Turner Road hospital
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Tiptree: Superstore forces shop to cut back
A family-run store has been forced to downsize following the imminent arrival of a major superstore. Down-sizing - Robinsons manager Kevin Day Robinson's convenience store in Church Road, Tiptree, has been based in the village since the 1970s but manager
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St Osyth: Robber raids shop till
A robber threatened a teenager shop assistant with a knife before grabbing money from the till. A 65-year-old woman and a 17-year-old girl were working in the Spar Store, in Spring Road, St Osyth, at 8.15 pm on Friday night when the robbery took place
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Colchester: Bid for cyber cafe at school
A cyber cafe, nursery and plans for parents to join children in class could revolutionise a Colchester school. A funding bid has been drawn up at Sir Charles Lucas School and Arts College. It forms part of the school management's aim of making the Hawthorn
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Soccer: Ipswich Town 0-0 Aston Villa (Barclaycard FA Premiership)
Football can be a cruel game. That's the conclusion Ipswich Town fans will reach if the unthinkable becomes a reality this May and their side suffer relegation from the Premiership. For the second time this season, George Burley's troops were left feeling
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Soccer: Decision day for Maher
It's contract D-Day for Southend United midfielder Kevin Maher - and Blues are believed to be close to coming to an agreement with the 25-year-old. Maher would be available on a free transfer in the summer and is wanted by Leyton Orient. Maher rejected
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Soccer: Southend United 2-0 Scunthorpe (Nationwide League Division Three)
Southend United finally achieved back-to-back League victories for the first time in 15 long months with an impressive 2-0 Roots Hall win over high-flying Scunthorpe on Saturday. Goals from Blues defender Leon Cort and player-manager Rob Newman put the
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Aveley: Man is jailed for car theft
Car crook Michael Hymes could not believe his luck when he saw an empty BMW with its engine running. He took the car for a spin and was later arrested for aggravated vehicle taking, Basildon Crown Court heard. Hymes, 32, pleaded guilty to a series of
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Colchester: Drop in centre for mentally ill
Colchester will see one of the first drop-in centres in Essex for young people who are at risk of mental illness. Children who have been bullied or face other adolescent problems will benefit from the facility to be created by Mind. The organisation has
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South Ockendon: Savage dogs kill livestock
Police are trying to track down the owners of two American pitbull dogs which savaged and killed livestock. The attack happened near Thurrock Garden Centre in South Road, South Ockendon. The dogs allegedly killed a pony and attacked guinea pigs and rabbits
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Wickford: Baking during bombing
Being surrounded by exploding bombs in Northern Afghanistan is not the most conducive of conditions in which to bake bread but Wickford baker Kevin Barke made it work for him. Mr Barke, 47, who runs the Barke Craft Bakery in Wickford's Ladygate Centre
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Walton: New plan for leisure centre
A major scheme has been unveiled to improve Walton's leisure complex. It is proposed to build four rooms at the front of the Columbine Centre which can be rented out as either for meeting or lecture. The cost of the extension programme is expected to
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Wickford: Our double delight
A Wickford construction firm has scored an unusual double by winning two Investors in People awards. Newport Building Services won awards for its main business of fitting out the interiors of retail buildings and for its subsidiary Century Diamond Drilling
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Soccer: U's skipper's point approved
Colchester captain Scott Fitzgerald was highly delighted to take a point off his old Wimbledon team-mate Lawrie Sanchez's Wycombe Wanderers team. Fitzgerald added: "I would have preferred to have taken all three, especially as we had Wycombe under all
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Rochford: Man charged with spying offences
A 45-year-old man from Rochford has been charged with spying offences under the Official Secrets Act. The charges follow a joint operation between Essex Police and the security services. The identity of the man has not yet been made public, but he is
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Soccer: Enfield 0-2 Billericay Town (Ryman League Premier Division)
Enfield failed to follow up last week's win over Braintree with a second successive win against Essex opposition, instead going down 2-0 at home to Billericay. Enfield's two-pronged strikeforce of George Georgiou and George Gregoriou looked the biggest
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Colchester: Upgrade work on old ward begins
Work on a £183,000 project to upgrade one of the oldest wards at Colchester General Hospital was due to start today. Patients on the 30-bed West Bergholt Ward were transferred to a spare ward at the hospital on Friday, where they will stay until the 10
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Pitsea: Estate revamp faces final hurdle
Ambitious plans to spruce up a Pitsea estate with £1.5m of Government cash have one final hurdle to clear. The Northlands Park estate has been identified as a deprived community and is set to tap into the Government's £45m Pathfinder initiative. But,
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Canvey: MP backs skate park plan
Castle Point MP Dr Bob Spink is backing efforts to secure a BMX and skate park on Canvey. Mr Spink has been in touch with Karen Hoffman, who is spearheading the campaign, and told her he will do all he can to help in the project. The MP feels the park
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Soccer: Basingstoke Town 1-2 Braintree Town (Ryman League Premier Division)
Braintree inflicted Basingstoke's first home league defeat in over three months as a storming first half-hour of this match in Hampshire. Having seen early chances for Paul Catley and Toby Sumner go begging, Braintree broke the deadlock on 27 minutes
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Essex: Railtrack blamed for rail chaos
North and mid-Essex commuters faced rail chaos today - and a train company put the blame on the collapse of Railtrack. Stranded - commuters stare vainly at information screens at Colchester North station today Passengers were left stranded at stations
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Southend: Seafront set to go its golden jubilee mile
Southend's seafront illuminations are set for a £50,000 revamp to mark the Queen's golden jubilee. Funds raised by the Southend Seafront and Illuminations Business Association will be matched by Southend Council up to a maximum of £25,000. The cash will
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Essex: Rail chaos hits commuters
Severe train delays today between north and mid-Essex destinations and London have been blamed on the collapse of Railtrack. Commuters were advised to abandon all plans for rail travel this morning as services from Colchester and Chelmsford to Liverpool
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Soccer: Purfleet 3-0 Hampton & Richmond Borough (Ryman League Premier Division)
Six wins out of six now for Purfleet, who went third in the Ryman Premier with a resounding success against Hampton & Richmond Borough on Saturday. They led at Thurrock Hotel after only four minutes, as Paul Linger and Cliff Akurang combined to keep
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South Essex: Firms unite to spread ideas
Firms based in some of south Essex's least prosperous areas are being targeted in a new multi-million pound scheme designed to ensure a more equitable spread of new ideas and technology. The Innovative Actions Fund, due to run for two years from April
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Canvey: 'Giant' rats terror in island car park
An anxious mother fears children could be at risk from injury or serious illness after she spotted rats in a Canvey car park. The woman, who does not want to be named, was waiting for a bus with her young son near the Haystack pub, in Furtherwick Road
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Runwell: Girl cubs Jodie and Georgia flag up big change for the boys
Jodie Bath and Georgia Harrod could go into the history books for breaking down the last bastion of male domination - in Runwell at least. Breakthrough - Jodie Bath and Georgia Harrod carry the cubs' standards, watched by delighted pack leader Alan Lines
