Weekend sport

Colchester United lost away to Oldham Athletic despite going ahead first.

Kemal Izzet scored for Colchester but Oldham won 4-1.

In Division Three there was better news for Southend United who managed a 2-2 home draw against Oxford United.

Goals came from Tes Bramble and Leon Cort for Southend.

Result of the weekend though was Tiptree United's 2-1 victory over Burgess Hill Town to make it in to the semi-finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase for the first time in their history.

Monday news

Essex could be heading for a spring of strike action affecting services from postal deliveries to refuse collection.

Two of the country's biggest unions, the General Municipal and Boiler Workers (GMB) and the Communication Workers Union (CWU) were locked in talks aimed at getting their members substantial pay rises.

A Southend singer who starred with chart-topping dance band Soul II Soul was run over and killed as she fled a store after being caught shoplifting, police said.

Doreen Waddell, 36, who had a four-year-old son, was challenged by staff at a Tesco store in Shoreham, West Sussex.

She ran from the store and tried to cross the nearby A27, but was struck by three cars and died later in hospital.

Rail passengers in Essex were set for more bad news after operators announced plans to raise prices on thousands of off-peak network railcard fares.

Sensational win - Tiptree's Dave Barefield receives close attention during Tiptree's FA Carlsberg Vase quarter final 2-1 victory against Burgess Hill Town.

Monday sport

Tiptree found out they would be taking on their Suffolk neighbours AFC Sudbury in the semi-finals of the FA Carlsberg Vase.

AFC Sudbury are the only other Jewson League side still in the competition.

Oldham boss Mick Wadsworth praised the club he onced managed despite his current team beating the U's by four goals to one at the weekend.

He said: "Colchester deserve a lot of credit."

Tuesday news

Firefighters investigating a blaze which left three children in hospital revealed there were two smoke alarms in the house -- but neither had a battery inside.

Fire crews battled thick smoke and flames at the house in Westborough Road, Westcliff, after a fire was started by a blocked storage heater at around 5am on Sunday

Police staff went beyond the call of duty and dug deep when an 11-year-old boy's presents were stolen.

When the boy, who does not wish to be named, reported the theft, staff at Braintree police station dipped into their own pockets and gave him money to replace them.

A bitter war of words broke out between mail company Consignia and industry watchdog Postwatch ahead of a meeting in Southend to discuss poor performance in the town.

Bride-to-be Elisa Kemp of Stanley Road, Halstead, has dropped four dress sizes in anticipation of the big day, and says she has never felt better.

Tuesday sport

Both Essex sides remaining in the FA Umbro Trophy were knocked out.

Canvey Island, last year's winners of the trophy, were defeated 2-1 away against Yeovil Town.

Braintree Town also lost in their replay against Margate by the same scoreline 2-1.

In Division Two Colchester United lost 3-1 against promotion-chasing Stoke City.

Southend United in Division Three managed to play out a 0-0 draw to earn a point away at Carlisle United.

Wednesday news

Southend Council's cabinet gave unanimous backing for controversial plans to widen Priory Crescent.

Despite months of fierce campaigning, the scheme - which will see the road turned into a dual carriageway - is likely to go ahead.

A man froze in terror when a robber held a knife to his throat and made off with his mobile phone.

The robbery is the latest in a spate of incidents showing criminals in Southend are continuing to target the devices.

Chelmsford town centre could entertain nearly 7,000 revellers a night this summer as yet another late-night venue was granted a licence.

The Chelmer House office block, in Springfield Road, will be transformed into a bar by the end of June after a £1.2 million refit.

Hand-knitted bunting is being used for decoration as part of a street party for the residents of Bentley Avenue, Jaywick, to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee.

Wednesday sport

Ipswich Town found themselves just a point clear of the relegation zone in the Premiership after they lost 2-0 away to Leeds at Elland Road.

Canvey soccer boss Jeff King refused to be downhearted after seeing his side's love affair with non-league soccer's top knockout competition -- the FA Umbro Trophy -- come to an end.

Thursday news

A £4.6 million cash boost has been secured to build urgently-needed hospital facilities for mid Essex patients.

Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford was celebrating after the Eastern Regional Office confirmed the money was being made available to help cut waiting lists.

A night worker was recovering from shock after he came home to find a blaze sweeping through his home.

He discovered the fire in the garage of hishome in Leigh Road, Canvey.

House prices in south Essex rose by more than £2,400 last month, new figures revealed.

A survey by Team, Britain's largest network of independent estate agents, found average prices across Essex rose by more than two per cent between January and February - almost twice the rate seen in the previous month.

Speed king David Guy of Laindon was within touching distance of fulfilling a life-long ambition to become a professional racing driver by reaching the semi-finals of the Michelin Renault Scholarship.

Thursday sport

Southend United manager Rob Newman was demanding answers from the six players he has offered new contracts at a crunch Roots Hall meeting.

And the Shrimpers chief promised to get tough with the men in question if they refused to commit themselves to Blues by ripping up the deals he has put on the table.

Friday news

Commuters were celebrating after securing extra security measures at Billericay railway station.

The Radford Way station car park has been blighted with break-ins and even a serious assault towards the end of last year.

A family of four were safe and well after they had to flee after their 14th century thatched cottage, in Church Road, Gestingthorpe, caught fire.

Blues goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, seen here being sent off against Rochdale in December, was criticised for rejecting a new deal by Southend boss Rob Newman.

Friday sport

Southend United boss Rob Newman launched a scathing attack on three of his star players ahead of Saturday's Roots Hall clash with high-flying Rochdale.

The Shrimpers chief lashed out at goalkeeper Darryl Flahavan, defender Leon Cort and midfielder Kevin Maher, who have all refused to sign new contracts with the Third Division club.