Archive
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Golf: Seber all set for Royal Lytham tester
Basildon golfer Michael Seber today stepped out for a major challenge in the grand final of the Help the Aged Golf Charter Championship at the famous Royal Lytham and St Anne's links course. Seber was one of over 30,000 amateur golfers from almost 300
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Great Clacton: Elderly couple's lucky escape
An elderly couple had a lucky escape when a car crashed into the front wall of their home. Patricia Rice, 66, and her husband Gordon, 68, were sitting watching television in the lounge when the Volkswagen lost control, mounted the pavement, careered across
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Clacton: Pooches take a bow (wow)
It's got to be cute, hairy and four-legged. The search is on for a star-struck, well-behaved doggie to take the leading role of Toto in the Wizard of Oz. Clacton Amateur Operatic Society performers have been on the look-out along the seafront and the
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Angling: Sergeant earns his stripes with Howard
A doubles match at Hockley Angling club saw pairs chasing carp and silver fish, with the placings decided by points. The champion duo were Andy Howard, with 67lb 10oz of carp and Peter Sergeant with 11lb 13oz of silver fish. In second place were Frank
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Vange: Thug could have blinded me
A man with a rare form of diabetes today told how he could have been blinded by a thug who repeatedly punched him in the face. Michael Lara, 41, of Lambourne Crescent, Vange, is now afraid those responsible may strike again. He was hit in the face after
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Essex: Tour of county's cultural hot spots
A two-day tour of cultural Essex is being held in a bid to improve the county's image. National journalists have been invited to take a walk on the quality side of Essex. In the first move of its kind, Essex County Council is launching its £10,000 Real
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Witham: Repetitive crime incidents tumble
A police scheme to target repetitive incidents of crime has been hailed a success by senior officers. The incident reduction programme, piloted in the Witham section of Braintree police division, has led to a significant fall in the number of incidents
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Harwich: First aid group launched to help heart attack victims
A new residents' group is to be launched to help heart attack victims. Harwich and District Fellowship for the Sick has bought a defibrulator, which will help the trained residents respond to calls. The new equipment was given to Trevor Redburn, area
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Basildon: Labour throw in the towel
The Conservatives took control of Basildon Council today after Labour admitted defeat in its bid to cling to power. The Labour group - which has ruled since May with the help of the Liberal Democrats - has thrown in the towel after the resignation of
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Ongar: Step up parking enforcement call
Calls for parking enforcement to be stepped up in Ongar have gone out ahead of a district council report on the decriminalisation of parking being presented tonight. High Street traders are insisting more patrols are needed to police the stretch of free
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Billericay: Stairlift success for Scott
A struggling mother of a disabled child is to finally get financial help to transform her home and her son's life. Single mum Pat Bilby, of Goldington Crescent, Billericay, has been battling to get some help with her son Scott, who is physically and mentally
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Tennis: Warming to winter
Southend and District LTA chiefs were cock-a-hoop this week after securing the largest amount of entries for the men's singles winter championship for many years. Among the top seeds in the 32-strong field are Westcliff Hard's Simon Bonham, Simon Chesher
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Colchester: Bomb squad called out after ticking package found
Bomb disposal experts were ordered to stand down after a ticking suspect package turned out to be a Dictaphone. Colchester High Street came to a standstill and police prevented cars entering the busy road yesterday afternoon. Army bomb disposal experts
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Dovercourt: Sex claims delay youth shelter
Youth shelter plans for Dovercourt have been postponed following claims the nearby skatepark is home for drugs and under-age sex. Harwich Crime Prevention Panel said it had put its project on hold until problems at the town's new skatepark subsided. The
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Basildon: Shop pervert alert
A mother today warned parents to be on the alert after claiming her three-year-old daughter was followed around a supermarket by a man. The family have been left so fearful by the incident that the child is no longer allowed to go outside unless strapped
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Benfleet: Silent night for families
Families in Benfleet were today celebrating their first decent night's sleep for months after a victorious battle to resurface their street. Residents were rattled in their beds every night as coaches and trucks thundered along the rickety Kents Hill
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Castle Point: Pat's the way to bring a smile
Castle Point hounds are queuing up to audition for roles as therapy dogs, thanks to an Evening Echo appeal. The borough's volunteer bureau was inundated with calls from dog owners wanting to put their hounds forward for the honour. Every day dogs known
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Braintree: Problem pupils at school?
A closed school could be used as a centre for pupils with behavioural problems. Chapel Hill Primary School in Braintree closed in June after a long-fought battle by parents, staff, pupils and governors. Building work is currently under way to allow Chapel
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Braintree: Move camper van call by residents
Residents are calling for the removal of a camper van which they claim is risking their children's safety. But the van's owner is fighting back, claiming the accusations against him are unfounded. Residents of Bartram Avenue in Braintree say the van has
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Great Horkesley, Wormingford: Glider landed too fast and too low
An air accident investigation has concluded that a glider crash was caused by the pilot landing too fast and low. An accident report has been released pinpointing the cause of the Wormingford accident, after which Tom Branton, 20 of Great Horkesley, was
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Golf: Southend edge it in Belfairs thriller
The bi-annual match between the two clubs sharing the Belfairs Park facilities could not have produced a more exciting finish, the match finishing at eight points apiece and being decided on countback of holes won. Finally hosts Southend were declared
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Castle Point: Boost for race relations
Castle Point Council has introduced a race equality scheme to ensure decisions made will be judged on how much they promote racial equality in the area. The aims of the project are to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination, promote equal opportunities
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Soccer: Stockley can't believe it
Sam Stockley says he won't believe his luck if Oxford United let him leave on a free transfer and added today he would love to join Colchester United. And the popular 25-year-old utility man, who cost the club £150,000 just over a year ago, is hoping
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Witham: Paddock development thrown out
Plans to build 68 houses on a picturesque paddock in Witham were last night thrown out by councillors. Land north of Blunts Hall Road, Witham, was allocated as a potential site for housing in the first draft version of the Braintree district draft plan
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Westcliff: Energy hope for youngsters
Youngsters at a Westcliff primary school were today given a free composter and 12 low energy light bulbs, to raise awareness of energy issues. This week is National Energy Efficiency Week and Southend Council is keen for children to get involved. The
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Westcliff: Work starting on rooms with a view
Work is under way on a glamorous new multi-million pound seafront development on the Western Esplanade at Westcliff. The Hamilton Grange complex will offer 22 one and two-bedroom apartments as well as two penthouse apartments. Residents will also enjoy
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Hockey: Brentwood I 1 - 3 Pelicans (Printwize East League Premier B Division)
Despite a promising start and ending the first half with a single goal advantage, Brentwood were unable to maintain their form in the second half and were eventually overcome by their worthy opponents. Stuart Piper poked the home side's nose in front
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Snooker: Top potter Howe earns big break
Nigel Howe has set a new target for the highest break of the season in the Vic Harris Snooker League. He produced a 96 for Wickford A in their rearranged First Division match with Romford, which ended 6-6. Daniel Piper had breaks of 60 and 56 for Basildon
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Witham: Mayor's plea for a medical centre
The Mayor of Witham has made an impassioned call for a walk-in emergency medical centre to be created in the vacant buildings of the town's Bridge Hospital. Keiron Boylan (Lab, Chipping Hill) called for the walk-in emergency medical centre at a meeting
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South Green: Aldi store rejected
A controversial plan to knock down a village pub and build a supermarket on the site has been dumped. Around 200 South Green residents cheered as German firm Aldi's scheme to reduce the Burstead Plough to rubble and put a foodstore on top was kicked out
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Castle Point: Vulnerable ready for improved support
A strategy to support vulnerable residents and those with special needs has today been welcomed by Castle Point Council. At a special meeting of the borough council's planning and community services committees members agreed to support the new Supporting
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Soccer: Robson linked with Ipswich job
Bryan Robson has emerged as the latest high-profile manager being linked with the vacant job at Ipswich Town. The former Middlesbrough chief is thought to have applied for the post and be on a short-list being mulled over by Blues chairman David Sheepshanks
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Soccer: Ship add to Class score
Troubles continue to mount for inappropriately named Southend Wednesday League newcomers Touch of Class United. Having previously lost 7-0 and 16-1, they crashed 10-0 to The Old Ship yesterday to bring their tally of goals conceded to 33 in just three
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Chelmsford: Repairs grant for waterways association
The Chelmsford branch of the Inland Waterways Association has been awarded nearly £25,000 towards the cost of repairs and maintenance to the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation. The Essex Environment Trust grant of £24,500 will be split into two parts to
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Harwich: Mixed reaction over port's wildlife offer
Harwich International Port's decision to create a new wildlife area as compensation for developing Bathside Bay has received a mixed reception from campaigners. Port owners Hutchison revealed last week it would make new inter-tidal mudflats, possibly
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Canvey: Island 'needs more police'
More police officers could be pounding the beat on Canvey if a campaigning county councillor gets his way at a key meeting. Canvey's Ray Howard has set up a meeting with police representatives and fellow councillor Dennis Williams. Chief Supt John Mauger
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South Woodham Ferrers: Dogs collect charity cash
Guide dogs have visited pupils to pick up a cheque they raised with a non-uniform day, sponsored walks, cooking and art work. The dogs were accompanied by representatives from the Guide Dogs' Association when they collected £12,000 from the William de
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Thundersley: Alcohol ban bid for leisure area
A Thundersley recreation ground could become an alcohol-free zone if councillors and locals agree. Members of the local area forum are set to discuss implementing a ban on anti-social drinking in Common Lane Recreation Ground when they meet on October
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Soccer: Southend United reserves 2 - 1 Brentford reserves
Southend United's reserves earned the praise of player-coach Steve Tilson after rallying to beat Brentford 2-1 at Roots Hall last night. Midfielder Stephen Evans got the Bees buzzing with an early goal, but the Shrimpers hit back after the break to clinch
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Basketball: Milton Keynes Lions 78 - 85 DG Essex Leopards Kool Kats (British Basketball League)
Leopards travelled to the Bletchley Leisure Centre on Sunday to take on the Milton Keynes Lions in determined mood. Coach Mike Taylor rearranged his starting five, countering the physical threat posed by Lions Jason Siemon with twin centres David fisher
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Rugby: Beccles Bulls 17 - 10 Braintree I (London North East Four)
Braintree's away woes continued on Saturday as they slumped to a disappointing defeat against a side newly promoted from the Eastern Counties League. The black and ambers paid for giving away a host of penalties in the first half, leaving them with too
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Castle Point, Rochford: Rave organisers face clampdown
Rave organisers were today warned by police to forget about setting up illegal parties - or face the consequences. Insp Andy Parkman told how such events would not be tolerated at "inappropriate venues" and said arrests would be made. The warning comes
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Ongar: A taste of bygone days
Take a remarkable trip down memory lane thanks to a special talk being staged by Edwin Gilmour at St Martin's Church off Ongar's High Street. The evening, organised by the Friends of St Martin's and St Peter's, is aimed at giving those attending a unique
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Boxing: Juniors star in curtainraiser
Junior pugilists Jordan Gosling and Mikey Hanger will be topping the bill when Southend ABC holds its first boxing show of the season. Jordan will be taking on B Humphrey (New Astley ABC), who is the brother of Southern Area light middleweight champ John
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Witham: Under-strength team clear crime
Police in Witham are clearing up more crime than most police section in Essex. And this is despite being up to 30 per cent under strength, according to senior officers. Detection rates in the Witham section are above the county average. Officers there
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Harwich, Dovercourt: Car park charges may be reversed
Car parking charges may have to be reversed if sites in Harwich and Dovercourt are common land, it has been claimed. Investigations will be carried out to establish whether Tendring Council is entitled to impose fees in Lower Marine Parade and Wellington
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Southend: Workmen pull down bandstand
Demolition workers were today pulling down half of Southend's Cliffs Bandstand after parts of the building were on the verge of collapse. Heavy rain has left the eastern end of the building seriously affected by subsidence, council engineers have discovered
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Rochford: Toilets shut - to improve others
A set of "utterly disgraceful" public toilets in Rochford are set to close for good. District councillors want to shut down the loos in Old Ship Lane, so more funds can be ploughed into the refurbishment of others. Heather Glynn (Ind, Hawkwell) said:
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Southend: Whitehall talks on town's homeless
Southend is holding a top level meeting with senior Whitehall staff to help ease the town's homeless crisis. A raft of measures before the council include: Encouraging private landlords to accept homeless tenants Boosting the rough sleepers grant to get
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Soccer: Witham Town Ladies 1 - 10 Brentwood Town Ladies (Essex FA Womens League, DivisionTwo )
Early season league leaders Witham Town were simply no match for a rampant Brentwood Town at Spa Road on Sunday. Playing a wing back formation for the first time to exploit the very wide pitch, Brentwoods passing was fluent and incisive from the start
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Southend: Council bid to halt parking chaos
The central verge in Prittlewell Chase outside Southend Hospital was today lined with cones in a council bid to end the chaos caused by desperate motorists. Southend Council moved swiftly today to impose an emergency traffic order agreed by councillors
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Brentwood: New hope over St Charles site
New hope has been inspired over the future of the former St Charles site after it emerged the Government was set to scrap plans for a Secure Training Centre (STC) in Brentwood. Cautious optimism has been expressed that a more appropriate housing development
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Colchester: Warning to train graffiti vandals
Vandals spraying graffiti on to trains are putting their lives at risk as well as causing inconvenience to passengers The stark warning to the paint sprayers has come from the British Transport Police. Over the past couple of months two trains have been
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Colchester: What a way to treat a Queen
It's like history is repeating itself as Colchester's first lady is marching again. The ancient warrior queen Boadicea has been moved as the Northern Approaches road takes shape. The 16ft sculpture was moved from the Asda roundabout by heavy lifting equipment
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Witham: Assault youth set free by top appeal judges
A youth who assaulted a love-rival has been freed after top judges heard he was not responsible for his victim's serious head injuries. In August, Kieran Marshall, of Brent Close, Witham, admitted common assault at Chelmsford Crown Court and was handed
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Dovercourt: Traders plan Christmas lights event
Plans for Dovercourt's Christmas lights and late-night shopping event are well underway. The event, on December 6, sees traders club together to decorate the town with lights and also boost business in the run-up to Christmas. A meeting last night heard
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Brentwood: Pick your local heroes for awards
Do you know an unsung hero who has shown amazing dedication to the selfless service of others? Now there is an opportunity for the people of Brentwood to say a special thank you to some of our outstanding residents. Brentwood Borough Council is inviting
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Tilbury: Fun night's message on safety
Hundreds of people braved an evening of chill and rain to enjoy a fireworks display and other fun events at Tilbury's Asda store. But the night out had a serious message too. Opportunity - Grays Cubs fundraising at the event Picture: DAVE HENDERSON With
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Hockey: Southend motor on as Fords fail to start
Southend's unbeaten start continued in the Printwize league, but they were helped by a no-show from Fords. The first XI were awarded a default 3-0 win but skipper Rob Saunders was disappointed to miss the chance for revenge against a squad which beat
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She's got legs and she knows how to use them
Lovely Lisa Hall, the Heybridge girl renowed for her impressive natural assets, a pair of 49-inch long legs, has been chosen to launch a quest for the sexiest pins in Britain. Lisa, 20, rocketed to fame when she came within a quarter of an inch of claiming
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Basildon, Thurrock: Best wishes for MP Angela
MP Angela Smith has been congratulated on her new job in Northern Ireland by Essex County Council and a neighbouring MP. Both the Conservative-controlled county and Tory MP John Baron wished her good luck in the most important role of her political career
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Langdon Hills: Man jailed for two years
A martial arts' fan was jailed for two years for threatening his former business partner with a handgun and holding him prisoner. David Kent, 35, of Fern Walk, Langdon Hills, held a gun to the head of Ken Holmes and threatened to shoot him. The Southend
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Little Braxted: Angling to meet demand
The soaring popularity of angling as a sport has led a mid-Essex man to plan another fishing lake on his land. Gerard Bibbey, of Little Braxted, near Witham, has applied for planning permission to create another lake for coarse fishing with car parking
