Archive

  • Tendring: Girl, 15, dies in bike crash

    A teenage girl has died after the motorbike her father was riding was involved in a collision with a car. The 15-year-old from the Tendring area, who was riding as a pillion passenger on the black Honda bike, was certified dead at the scene after the

  • Braintree: Three new ways to tackle yobs

    Roadshows, awards and 20,000 leaflets are the latest initiatives in the bid to combat anti-social behaviour in Braintree. Braintree Council has produced the four-page A3 size colour leaflets, which will be circulated throughout the district. Titled "A

  • Canvey: Seafront land grab bid

    The Monico Leisure group is hoping to buy up two prime Canvey seafront sites, sparking speculation about their development. The company, which runs the Monico pub and club in Eastern Avenue, has put in a bid to buy sites it currently rents from Castle

  • Vange: Couple are a glass act

    A retired couple from Vange are flying off to Romania next month to teach underprivileged youngsters how to make stained glass crafts. Romania-bound - Betty and Martin Picture: ROB BROWNE 2TG7J3 Betty and Martin Read, of the Vale, learnt the skill of

  • Southend: Discuss issues over coffee

    Labour party chiefs in Southend are to start a round of informal "coffee-style" meetings with local residents at the party's new headquarters in Sutton Road. The meetings will be hosted by Labour group leader Kevin Robinson and the party's prospective

  • Soccer: Boss in hunt for signings

    Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson today underlined his ambition to bring 'one or two' new faces to Layer Road. Phil Parkinson He warned that while he has quality in his squad for the forthcoming campaign, there are still not the numbers he wants.

  • Basildon: Appeal for transport

    A club which takes disabled and able-bodied people on day trips and holidays is appealing for transport. Basildon Phab, which meets at Bradberry House, Witchards, every Friday from 7pm, is having difficulty finding disabled friendly transport to aid members

  • Golf: Late Open call for Southend golfer

    Former Southend based golf professional Brett Taylor, 29, who has been working at Rayleigh Karting to raise extra cash, has won himself a late call-up to play in the world's greatest golf championship. Late withdrawals from the big event, which starts

  • Billericay: Listing puts delay on memorial plan

    A decision on the future of Billericay's Second World War memorial may not be made until next year, it has been revealed. Billericay Town Council was forced to temporarily shelve plans to renovate the memorial, at the junction of Chapel Street and the

  • Cycle Speedway: Grand Prix staged at Wakering

    Great Wakering Rebels played host to the third and penultimate round of the Essex and London Grand Prix series. Senior, four team, tournament and individual events were contested, along with under-16 and 12 age group races. The U16 four team event represented

  • Maldon: Church plans put on show

    Protesters opposed to a controversial annexe planned for a Maldon church have had the chance to inspect the finer details of the proposals. Canon David Atkins, of All Saints' Church in High Street, says an information session on Saturday saw many local

  • Chelmsford: MP raises abuse issue

    The abuse of elderly people has been raised in the House of Commons by West Chelmsford MP, Simon Burns. He told the Commons during a debate on the subject that he wished the government would be more adventurous with definitions of such abuse. 'The obvious

  • Bradfield: Priory splits into four houses in £1m project

    Youngsters at a Bradfield home are looking foward to living in small family groups instead of one large unit. The Priory Foundation, which has recently opened a second home to cater for those over 16 years old, is hoping to build four houses within the

  • Bowls: Watkins on hot streak of form

    Essex County's Kevin Watkins continued his Southend Men's Open Bowls Tournament run of form with a fine win in the opening stages of the pairs tournament. He and partner John Warman stormed into today's third round with victory over Southchurch's Ernie

  • Canvey: Land bid set to be rejected

    A bid by a developer to buy a tract of seafront land on Canvey is likely to be refused. Kings Park Homes wants to buy the open space between Kings residential park and Canvey Heights Country Park for "private open space purposes". The site is currently

  • Canvey: Residents urged to call police

    Police have urged residents to keep calling them with information after a tip-off led to an arrest. Canvey officers have arrested a woman from Chatham, in connection with a burglary in Norton Avenue, Canvey. The move came after a resident from nearby

  • Dovercourt: Eileen invited for tea at the palace

    An environmental crusader will be taking tea with the Queen in recognition of the community work she does. Eileen Tyrer, of Larksfield Crescent, Dovercourt, has been invited to go to Buckingham Palace later this month. She was nominated by some people

  • Frinton: Veteran Bill goes back to Arnhem

    Arnhem veteran and ex-paratrooper Bill Bloys has had his wish of revisiting the scene of the wartime battle granted thanks to the lottery. Mr Bloys, 80, of Frinton, has been back to the Dutch town several times already but had been hoping to attend the

  • Thurrock: Costco help for children

    Staff at Costco, West Thurrock, are hoping to make a wholesale profit for Children In Need when they hold a fun day in August. The store, in Cygnet Way, will be organising a funfair in the car park, balloon races, various stalls and hope to have Essex

  • Harwich: A120 can handle increased traffic

    A top transport expert has said the Harwich stretch of the A120 does not need dualling to accommodate extra port traffic. An inquiry into the proposed expansion of Harwich International Port yesterday heard widening the road could cope with more vehicles

  • Soccer: Boss in hunt for signings

    Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson has underlined his ambition to bring 'one or two' new faces to Layer Road. Phil Parkinson He warned that while he has quality in his squad for the forthcoming campaign, there are still not the numbers he wants. Parkinson

  • Speedway: Lanham relief at week's respite

    Arena Essex star Leigh Lanham was relieved to see last week's fixture rained off as he battled to recover from a hip injury. But the rider is relishing the chance to get back in the saddle tonight at the Purfleet Raceway. "Last week would have been difficult

  • Rugby League: World heaps praise on triumphant Eels

    Congratulations have been coming from all around the world following Essex Eels' first ever National League victory at the weekend. After 10 straight defeats the Eels finally broke their duck with a nerve-wracking 34-22 success over Carlisle Centurions

  • Colchester: Racing for charity

    An Essex charity is gearing up for its biggest annual fundraiser - with a little help from a Colchester racing driver. The NSPCC's two-day book sale is held every October at Holmwood House School in Chitts Hill, Colchester. Over the past 14 years it has

  • Colchester: Bosses against travellers' site

    Concerned business bosses are battling against a bid to to build a travellers' site on their doorstep. More than 50 firms on Colchester Business Park have voiced opposition to the proposals. Three potential sites have been earmarked for travellers by

  • Thundersley: Dylan wins prize for his balloon trip

    Italy, Holland and Margate were the unlikely destinations for balloons released by youngsters for a charity race. Winner - Dylan Camp gets a goodie bag off Heather Pownall Picture: ROB BROWNE 2PLAZ2 Pupils at the Thundersley Infant School released 150

  • Hadleigh: An offering from the Art Ministry

    Blind art students at a Hadleigh church have created a mosaic for an aromatherapy garden beside the church hall. Perfect picture - tutor Gill Underhill and club members making the mosaic Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY 2NDU22 The piece is the latest triumph for

  • Braintree: Councils to consult over posters

    A consultation will be held with parish councils over the problems of fly posters. Braintree council's cabinet agreed at its meeting two nights ago held at Causeway House, Bocking End, Braintree, to speak to the district's various parish councils over

  • Vange: £80,000 haul of electric motor scooters

    A businessman has been picking up the pieces after organised thieves broke into a warehouse and stole 800 motor scooters worth £80,000. Following the theft at GT Commercials, in Vange Park Road, Vange, police have warned parents to be on the lookout for

  • Benfleet: Brother's accident is a warning to all

    The devastated brother of a motorcyclist injured in a serious accident at the weekend today called for greater road safety. The 28-year-old injured male rider, from Shotgate, is being treated at a specialist hospital in west London after the crash on

  • Karate: Dragons roar in Club Clash challenge

    The Hockley based "Silver Dragons" enjoyed superb success at the recent club clash championships held at Greensward Fitness Centre. Trophy parade - Hockley's Silver Dragons Karate Club show off their latest haul of medals and trophies from the Club Clash

  • Thorrington: Homeless told: you must leave

    Dozens of homeless people who have been living in crisis accommodation in a former motel are to be kicked out after increased protests by villagers. Tendring councillors have decided the one-time motel at Thorrington must resort to its old use or something

  • Soccer: Randers 0-0 Ipswich Town (Friendly)

    Ipswich Town were held to a 0-0 draw in their pre-season friendly against Danish side Randers. Richard Naylor hit the woodwork with an 88th-minute header but that was the closest either side went to breaking the deadlock. Town - who now play AaB Aalborg

  • Angling: Carp fishermen kept busy by big catches

    Seasoned carp angler Neil Raynor and newcomer Steve East, enjoyed a tremendous session at Basildon's Gloucester Park lake landing an astounding 74 carp between them. In total their haul, taken during a 34 session at the big bay, weighed well over 500lbs

  • Tolleshunt D'Arcy: Teenage mum is found dead

    Villagers have been left in "total shock" after the teenage mother of an eight-week-old baby was found dead. Jim Errington, landlord of the Queen's Head, Tolleshunt D'Arcy, said the death of barmaid Toni Treadwell, 18, had left everyone reeling. Miss

  • North Essex: Palace visit is highlight for hospice pair

    All dressed up and somewhere very special to go - that's Ruby Fenner and Pat Whalley. Off to the palace - Ruby Fenner and Patricia Whalley Picture: STEVE BRADING (37075-a) The pair, whose fundraising work for St Helena Hospice tops 28 years, were invited

  • Croquet: Park pair beaten in final

    Southchurch Park's Judith Hand and Sylvia Richardson were beaten doubles finalists at the East Anglian Croquet Federation and National Trust competition. The pair were up against 16 other teams at Anglesey Abbey, near Cambridge, and won their block, before

  • Witham: How did my mum get superbug?

    A son is demanding to know how his mother contracted a strain of "superbug" MRSA. Nora Thompson, of Medway Avenue, Witham, was admitted to Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, on June 21 with breathing problems and blisters on her legs. The 72-year-old, who

  • Southend: A snapshot of the past

    A new exhibition has been launched in Southend, providing a glimpse into the town as seen by the Victorians. The Very Image, at the Central Museum in Victoria Avenue, offers an introduction to each of the 15 historic photographic collections in the museum

  • Essex: Camera trial to begin

    Essex's last five front-facing safety cameras will be installed this week ready for a six-month trial into frontal photography. The cameras do not detect speed but support existing rear-facing cameras, and are part of 10 trial sites aimed at aiding fairness

  • Basildon: Fish are looking good

    Last week saw some good fish on the banks of Basildon's Aquatels. John Ashton fished a couple of sessions over the back area, landing tench to more than 8lb, roach and perch over 2lb and good bags of smaller fish. Lloyd Mahoney also enjoyed good bags

  • Harwich: Survey shows jump in users of road

    Campaigners will step up their fight to dual the A120 after reflecting on alarming new figures. A survey carried out at the end of June found that the volume of traffic was 30 per cent greater than the estimate made by the Highways Agency. A petition

  • Canvey: Disaster warning on flood merger

    There will be "disastrous" consequences for Canvey with the abolition of Essex flood defence committee, a leading councillor has claimed. Tracey Chapman, Essex County Council executive councillor for community safety and emergency planning, condemned

  • Westcliff: Religious leaders go to school

    Westcliff pupils found out all about religions from around the globe at a multicultural conference. All ears - Pritam Singh Bahra, chairman of Southend Sikh Society, talks to pupils about his faith Picture: ROB BROWNE 2QLHT1 Children at Milton Primary

  • Braintree: Council 'good overall' audit

    A national performance watchdog which gave Braintree Council an overall "good" rating has been recognised by councillors. The Audit Commission's comprehensive performance assessment (CPA) of Braintree Council found it was doing well in some areas. The

  • Basildon: Waste sites study binned

    Studies into the effect a waste site would have on the environment in Basildon, and other possible sites in Essex, have been shelved by Essex county council. Today it is still unclear which three of the six earmarked disposal sites across Essex would

  • Athletics: Hickey races to gold glory at Gateshead

    Adam Hickey's latest sporting triumph has gained him international recognition. The 16-year-old Southend High School for Boys pupil produced a scintillating performance at Gateshead International Stadium to win the intermediate boys' 3000m crown at the

  • Chelmsford: MP in health debate clash

    West Chelmsford Conservative MP Simon Burns, who is shadow health minister, has clashed with health minister, John Hutton in the House of Commons during a debate on GP contracts. Mr Hutton suggested that Opposition front bench health spokesmen, who include

  • Soccer: Wardy commits to King's troops

    Steve Ward, Canvey Island's popular longest-serving player, will have at least one more season at Park Lane. The central defender, who joined Gulls from Grays Athletic, has signed a new one-year contract which will tie him to the club until May next year

  • Athletics: Olympic dream in the balance

    Sporting star Dean Macey is crossing his fingers and hoping his hamstring holds. If it doesn't the 26-year-old Canvey decathlete fears he will not make it through his last chance to qualify for this year's Olympics. It's Macey's last chance to book a

  • Colchester: Teacher's long journeys almost over

    A teacher has travelled the equivalent of nearly 14 times round the world - just to get to school. Nick Carter lives in Suffolk, but he has spent the past 31 years teaching design and technology at St Benedict's College, Colchester. But now, with his

  • Purfleet: Probe of builder killed by digger

    The Health and Safety Executive will be carrying out an investigation into the death of a construction worker at a Purfleet site. The 24-year-old builder, believed to be from Europe, was killed during an industrial accident in London Road, at about 9am

  • Stanford-Le-Hope: Exchange visit to China

    Excited secondary pupils jetted off to China this week to get a taste of school life on the other side of the world. Earlier this year St Clere's School, Butts Lane, Stanford-Le-Hope, hosted its first Chinese exchange Visit where five pupils from its

  • Hadleigh: It is 'invevitable' that someone will be killed

    More than 100 Hadleigh residents have united against speed problems in their area, calling for traffic calming measures to be put in place before the "inevitable" happens and someone is killed. Castle Point council's chairman of highways and leisure,

  • South Essex: Lifestore M&S plan scrapped

    Plans to develop a Marks and Spencer furniture shop in Lakeside have been axed. The Lifestore chain, nationally officially launched only five months ago, has been scrapped as part of a billion pound shake-up by new boss Stuart Rose. The Lakeside Lifestore

  • Southend: More Saxon king finds go on display

    Stunning new discoveries from the burial site of Southend's Saxon king, including an ornate drinking horn, scythe and iron stand, have been revealed. Amazing - Elizabeth Barham with the drinking horn Picture: LUAN MARSHALL Late last year, archaeologists

  • Tendring: Fish shop plan has had its chips

    A controversial bid to open a fish and chip shop, takeaway and restaurant in a residential area has been narrowly blocked after protests. Campaigners who packed into a meeting of Tendring councillors celebrated as the planning bid in Holland Road, Clacton

  • Wickford: New angling shop opens its doors

    Wickford's new Angling Superstore enjoyed a successful opening last Saturday, helped by fishing stars Bob Nudd, Gary Bayes, Jim Shelley and Kevin Nash. Open for business - Anglers queue up to get a peak inside the newly opened Wickford Angling centre

  • Southend: Big lift on NHS trust status bid

    Hospital bosses were delighted to register the 1,000th application for membership of the proposed NHS Foundation Trust. Southend Hospital chairman John Bruce was working in the busy communications department as part of NHS week when the completed form

  • South Woodham Ferrers: Landlord fined

    A South Woodham pub landlord has been fined £3,000 for repeatedly disturbing his neighbours with loud music. Thomas Nash, of The Whalebone Inn, on Old Wickford Road, had already been served an order by environmental health officers in September last year

  • Stansted: Clubbing dummies seized

    Trading standards officers have seized a shipment of 4,000 baby dummies at Stansted Airport which were intended for the hard-core clubbing market but could prove dangerous to children and adults. The dummies contain a small circuit board and have flashing

  • Southend: Help mum, I think my drink's been spiked

    A mother has urged clubbers to be careful after her 19-year-old daughter believes her drink was spiked at a Southend club. Lindsey Firth, from Cedar Drive, in Hullbridge, says she is still suffering blurred vision and headaches after last Friday's incident

  • Soccer: Boss in hunt for signings

    Colchester United boss Phil Parkinson has underlined his ambition to bring 'one or two' new faces to Layer Road. Phil Parkinson He warned that while he has quality in his squad for the forthcoming campaign, there are still not the numbers he wants. Parkinson