Archive
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Southend: Cheerful train drivers wanted
Cheerful, wannabe pier train drivers are required by Southend Council to ferry about the thousands of tourists set to descend on the town. With the summer season rapidly approaching and the pier back in business, council officers are calling for people
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Clacton: Work to start on nursing home
Work on demolishing a fomer nursing home on Clacton seafront will start in the next couple of weeks. Retirement homes specialists McCarthy and Stone bought Beaumont Hall on Marine Parade East from Essex County Council. The building has stood empty while
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Wickford: Drink-driver jailed 'to protect the public'
Motorist Paul De'ath was today starting a prison sentence after being found nearly five times over the drink-drive limit. The 45-year-old was sentenced to three months in prison and banned from driving for five years at Basildon Magistrates' Court following
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Rochford, Southend: MP - Bring back grants
Children from poorer homes would have a better chance of university education if loans to students were replaced by the old grants system, Rochford and Southend East Tory MP Sir Teddy Taylor told the Commons. He quizzed further education minister Margaret
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Rugby: Romford and GP 39-7 Rochford Hundred (London Three NE)
An error-strewn encounter went the way of champions Romford as Rochford Hundred eventually capitulated 39-7 to a pacy, direct-running side after holding their own for large portions of the match. Winger Chris Knight sped through half the promoted side's
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Westcliff: Marathon man ran through pain barrier after mauling
A painful dog bite was not enough to stop avid runner Howard Dimmock completing the gruelling London Marathon. Just 48-hours after being mauled by an alsation dog in the street, Mr Dimmock, 58, ran the 26 miles in four-and-a-half hours. Pain marathon
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Thorpe Bay: Wine bar plan for station
A new wine bar could be coming to Thorpe Bay under plans revealed today. Thomas Franks Property Developers, based in Castleton Road, Southend, lodged proposals with Southend Council for the former stationmaster's house which is attached to the railway
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Southend: Flat fire leaves family homeless
A family-of-five were today homeless after a fire raged through their ninth floor flat. Mum Karen Fletcher returned home last night to find her fire alarm ringing and the sound of explosions coming from inside the high rise flat, in Pantile Avenue, Southend
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Canvey: Fundraisers put their best feet forward
Energetic walkers put their best foot forward when they took part in a charity fundraising event in Canvey. Clients and staff from the Canvey Island Resource Centre joined friends from the Holy Family Parish, Benfleet, in a mammoth 13.5 mile walk. Walk
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Chelmsford: Safe haven for cyclists
Cyclists of all ages are being asked to get on their bikes for the popular annual Little Haven Bike ride in Chelmsford, which is taking place on Sunday, May 11. Last year more than 400 people took part in the event and raised a grand total of £6,000 for
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Canvey: Couple get apology for electric firm's treatment
Electricity bosses today apologised to a Canvey couple who had to take their new born baby home to a freezing house with no electricity. British Gas admitted its delayed response to several calls the couple made to the company. The apology comes after
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Southend: Fools rush in as Gill and Paul tie the knot
While traditional brides opt for Here Comes the Bride to herald their arrival at the wedding service, Gill Martin walked down the aisle to Fools Rush In. Having been brought up on a non-stop diet of Elvis records, the glitzy Las Vegas ceremony seemed
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Rayleigh: 'Final chance' for skatepark
A last-ditch bid to provide a skatepark on Rayleigh's King George V playing field is being made by the town council. If its scheme is rejected by planners, local youngsters could have to wait a long time for a purpose-built facility. A new plan for a
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Clacton: Hi-tech future for high school pupils
A Clacton high school today unveiled its plans for a major facelift costing about £8 million. Pupils and staff at Clacton County High School are to benefit from £6 million worth of improvements under a private finance initiative for the town and a further
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Colchester: Woman held by armed raiders
A young woman was subjected to a terrifying ordeal when she was held at gunpoint in her own home Her boyfriend had managed to flee the house, in St John's Street, Colchester, last night and alert the police. A handgun and an axe have been recovered. The
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Brightlingsea: Air ambulance crew in right place at right time
The Essex Air Ambulance crew were in the right place when they flew into Brightlingsea for a presentation. Brightlingsea and District Rotary Club and the Brightlingsea Carnival Association were handing over new equipment for the ambulance when an emergency
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Tendring: Gun amnesty 'disappointing'
A high-profile weapons amnesty has proved disappointing in north-east Essex. Tendring police appealed to people to hand over their weapons without fear of repercussion with two weeks to go under the scheme. Police are hoping firearms and other weapons
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Harwich: Boost for port works scheme
Harwich's planned port development has been given a major boost by an investment group. Invest East of England has pledged its support for the Bathside Bay development at Harwich and a similar scheme at Felixstowe. The Bathside Bay development centres
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Benfleet: Pensioners left stranded by fire
Pensioners have been left stranded after their electric scooters were destroyed by fire. They were evacuated from their beds after a blaze ripped through a store room at Stansfield Court residential home, in Stansfield Road, Benfleet. Gutted - residents
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Tiptree: Water tower overflow close to sub-station
Trouble was narrowly averted after an overflow of water pooled just yards from an electricity sub-station in Tiptree. Firefighters and experts from Anglian Water were called out after there was an overflow from water on ground below a water tower in Kelvedon
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Cycle Speedway: Rebel with a cause
At an age when most grand-dads could be excused for thinking of putting their feet up and getting out the carpet slippers and pipe, Vic Duffy has no plans to cut down on his busy sporting programme. Despite being 73 years old Vic travels regularly throughout
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Rugby: Wyverns promoted for first time ever
Some of the gloss may have been taken off their promotion by Loughton's no-show for the big showdown on Saturday, but there is no disguising Rayleigh Wyverns' achievement in finishing as Three South runners-up. "We have proved all season that we deserve
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Bardfield Saling: Fly-tipper fined for rubbish
A fly-tipper was caught after he left a parking permit lying in a heap of rubbish he illegally dumped at a farm, a court heard. At Witham Magistrates' Court yesterday, James Smith, of Pollards Villas, Bardfield Saling, admitted depositing waste with no
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Thorpe: Call for club to be open more
A villager has requested a club for Thorpe youngsters be opened more often to try to curb vandalism. The club, based in Landermere Road, is open two nights a week but Les Ellis believes it should be opened for five nights. He raised the matter at Thorpe
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Thorpe: Father fights for damages
The father of body-in-the cupboard victim, Justin Chant today has said he will fight on for compensation. Builder Terry Chant and his former wife, Jean, Justin's mother, had applied to the Government-run Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA)
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Wickford: Keeping workers safe
Police have been offering advice and tips to make women health workers feel safe. A personal safety awareness training day took place at the Wickford Clinic, in Market Road. The audience of 12 were given advice and tips on how to keep safe while doing
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Chelmsford: Crackdown on cash machine crime
Police in Chelmsford are taking steps to crack down on cash machine crime. Plain clothes officers have been out in the town this weekend trying to tackle groups of thieves who trick people using the machines. Inspector Jim White, of Chelmsford police,
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Clacton: Bailey's going to be a star!
They say never work with children and animals! Well the producers of a show in Clacton have their work cut with their adaptation of Annie. Top dog - Bailey meets Annie cast members Harriet Hartley, 10, Megan Wenn, 8, Alice Parker, 8, Rebecca Hyde, 8,
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Romford: Fake goods trader jailed
A fake goods trader has been sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay £5,000 costs at Chelmsford Crown Court for offences related to selling counterfeit goods and misleading consumers. Hadji Tourni, of Marlborough Road, Romford, exposed for
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Silver End: Hunt for illegal dumpers
Cyclists of all ages are being asked to get on their bikes for the popular annual Little Haven Bike ride in Chelmsford, which is taking place on Sunday, May 11. Last year more than 400 people took part in the event and raised a grand total of £6,000 for
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Stanford-le-Hope: Stab-threats robber foiled by shop staff
Detectives were today hunting a teenager who threatened to stab a shopkeeper unless he handed over cash from the till. The would-be robber fled empty-handed after the shop owner refused to give him any money. Police believe within 30 minutes the same
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Southend: Clubbers DJ for charity
Two Southend clubbers are holding a fundraising night for a disabled people's charity. Adventurers Soo Turner, 29, and Darren Lane, 35, will be at Chinnery's, in Marine Parade, on Saturday night for the 80s disco. The pair are heading off to hike through
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Southend: All hands on deck
Revellers were treated to some top tunes from the 1980s by a pair of adventurers looking to raise cash for a disabled children's charity. Soo Turner, 29, and Darren Lane, 35, were at Chinnery's bar, in Marine Parade, Southend, with their charity disco
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V Festival: Inspiral Carpets to make V debut
Inspiral Carpets, Turin Brakes, The Zutons and Ashley Hamilton have all been confirmed to play V Festival in August. Inspiral Carpets make a welcome return to the British music scene this summer. Fronted by Clint Boon, the organ-playing mad professor,
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South Essex: Campbell appeals over conviction
Stuart Campbell, found guilty of murdering his niece Danielle Jones, has lodged an appeal against his conviction. The 44--year-old self employed builder from Grays was jailed for life in December for abducting and murdering the 15-year-old St Clere's
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Braintree, Witham: Youngsters await new skatepark
Young skateboard enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the opening of the district's new skateparks. Developers will start work on skateparks in Braintree and Witham in less than two weeks. Now all construction details have been finalised work starts in Braintree's
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Chelmsford: Increase in allowances
Chelmsford borough councillors last week agreed an increase in their allowances starting on May 21. The rise will take a member's basic allowance from £4000 to £4,200 a year, while special responsibility allowances will go up by five per cent. Examples
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Grays: Burglaries probed
Police are investigating burglaries at two homes in Orchard Drive, Grays, at the weekend. In one, the raiders got in through an open fanlight, reaching through to open a larger window. They took a laptop computer and jewellery. In the second raid the
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Essex: Videos for crime victims
Victims of crime and anti-social behaviour will soon be able to borrow video and stills cameras to help them crack down on crime after community safety measures were passed by a panel. Interlock Northland Park's appraisal panel, made up of residents and
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Soccer: Greene refuses to push panic button
Defiant Heybridge Swifts manager Dave Greene reckons his relegation-threatened side can afford to draw against Purfleet tonight. Swifts are still in the Ryman League premier division danger zone but Greene believes his team can afford to drop two points
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Purfleet: Easter events at military centre
For many with children, the prospect of the Easter holidays will be one of dread two weeks in which to keep them occupied. Fortunately, there are cheap, local places to go, such as the Purfleet Heritage and Military Centre in Centurion Way, Purfleet.
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Chelmsford: Wessexes to visit university
The Earl and Countess of Wessex are set to visit Chelmsford for the second time this year. Royal watchers will be able to catch a glimpse of Prince Edward and Sophie when they visit Anglia Polytechnic University. The couple will be unveiling a plaque
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Mistley: Police are pleased with area's detection rate
Mistley police have the fourth best detection rate in Essex. Manningtree residents at their annual assembly heard the eight officers at the New Road station covered seven villages Mistley, Lawford, Bradfield, Great and Little Bromley, Wix and Ardleigh
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Rugby: 'Taff' blunder loses title
Harwich and Dovercourt Rugby Club's first-team captain Adrian Dalby has cost his side the Eastern Counties division three north title - and possibly a shot at promotion. An error to their teamsheet in the 93-3 victory away at Sawston, on March 13, incurred
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Soccer: Naylor is hoping to beat the clock
Richard Naylor today admitted it will be 'touch and go' whether he wins his fitness battle in time for Friday's crunch showdown with Portsmouth. The Ipswich Town defender jarred his knee and had to be substituted at half-time during Saturday's 4-2 success
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Soccer: Parking problems down at Park Lane
Park your car and walk . . . or leave it at home altogether. That is the message for soccer fans planning to attend tonight's match at Park Lane between Canvey Island and Ryman Premier league leaders Aldershot. Aldershot are said to be planning to bring
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Soccer: Southend United reserves 4-0 Gillingham reserves
Great Yarmouth Town striker Robert George hit a hat-trick on his second-string debut for Southend United against Gillingham at Roots Hall. The 21-year-old, who has scored 16 goals for the Jewson League minnows this term, inspired Blues' reserves to a
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Soccer: Parkinson pleased by baptism
Colchester United's award-winning team boss Phil Parkinson told today of his 'pleasure and surprise' at his successful baptism as a Nationwide Football League manager. Just one point away from mathematical relegation safety with still four games to play
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Rugby: Norwich 12-60 Southend (London One)
"What a fantastic way to end the season," beamed coach Paddy Dunston after his side demolished Norwich 60-12 to seal a National League place in style. "It could not have been a better day," added the former Wasps man. "A great win, promotion, a good night
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Colchester: Man struck cab driver in the face
A man who attacked a taxi driver was so drunk that he couldn't remember what he had done, a court heard. Joseph Szmodics, 31, was with another man when the assault took place on September 29 last year. Magistrates heard Szmodics had been drinking in the
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Southend: Teachers face axe as money runs out
Schools are being forced to decide whether to axe teachers and their assistants in a bid to solve a growing cash crisis. Teachers and non-teaching staff could lose their jobs because Southend's schools are struggling to balance their budgets. An emergency
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Basketball: National runners-up place for girls
Hockley's Greensward College have enjoyed another fine season on the basketball front. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL Here two of their girls' teams, the under-16s and 19s, celebrate getting through to the national schools cup, where unfortunately both were beaten
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Basildon: Tobacco break-in
Police are appealing for witnesses after two young burglars ransacked a house for nothing but a pouch of tobacco. The young raiders were seen trying to break into a number of houses in Methersgate, Basildon, on Friday afternoon. Police said one witness
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Colchester: 'We'll build bike track ourselves'
Give us shovels and we'll dig our own bike track. That's the message from teenagers in Old Heath, Colchester, who claim there is nothing for them to do. Youngsters who turned up to Old Heath Residents' Association meeting last night told other residents
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Braintree: Axe looms for two post offices
Two post offices in Braintree face the axe The branches in Bradford Street and Clare Road are set to close in July. Post Office bosses said they will close because too many branches are competing for too little business. They say it is part of nationwide
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Colchester: Council on split sites
Colchester Council is to be spilt between two sites. The outcome of the council's accommodation review, started because of problems of having offices dotted around the town, is a new two-site base. Steve Clarke, head of economic and social regeneration
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Rugby: Bury St Edmunds 13-10 Basildon (London Three NE)
A storming second-half comeback was too little, too late for Basildon as they went down 13-10 at Bury St Edmunds -- a result which means they are condemned to a rock-bottom finish. On the back of two wins that had given them half a chance, the newtowners
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Braintree: Birthday couplets for the Bard
Braintree pub-goers are being asked to write a Shakespearian verse to celebrate the bard's birthday. Barry Chainey, landlord of Fowlers Farm, on Cressing Road, came up with the idea to celebrate the playwright's birthday which is also St George's Day
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Rugby: Burnham 90-0 Westcliff (Eastern Two)
Westcliff completed their league grand slam -- 18 wins from 18 outings -- in spectacular style on Saturday as they buried Burnham 90-0. Duncan Richardson set them on the way with an unconverted try and when Pat Redding touched down after a slick passing
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Westcliff: Just a Minute at Palace Theatre
Popular radio programme Just A Minute is on its way to a south Essex theatre. The BBC Radio Four programme has been established for more than 30 years. The 30-minute show will be recorded at the Palace Theatre, in London Road, Westcliff, on Tuesday, June
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Hockey: High School French settles cup final
Rayleigh's Fitzwimarc were given a French lesson by Southend High for girls when the two schools clashed in a top hockey final. Jolly hockey sticks - Southend High's winning line-up Picture: LUAN MARSHALL For Charlotte French scored two of the goals as
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Bowers Gifford: Open day raises money for bunnies
More than 200 people took advantage of the spring sunshine and helped raise funds for sick and homeless rabbits. Warren Lodge Rabbit Rescue Centre, in Osborne Road, Bowers Gifford, opened its doors for an Easter Bunny Day. Easter bunnies - volunteer rescue
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Trampolining: Sarah springs to UK honours
Sarah Ainsworth, from South East Essex College, recently won the individual competition at the National Trampolining Championships, held at Loughborough University. Overall the College team came second, just being pipped to first place by Taunton College
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Basildon: Wardens net the dealers
Eagle-eyed traffic wardens are helping to drive drug dealers out of Basildon. The newly deployed "flying squad" of mobile wardens, equipped with vans and state-of-the-art communication equipment, have tipped off police with vital information about drug
