Stories for 18 July 2007

Billericay Weekly News News

Councillor's plan can go ahead..finally

CONTROVERSIAL plans from a Tory councillor's firm to build homes on a former council car park have finally been approved - on the sixth time of asking.   more...

Brave Megan gets Diana award

AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who is recovering from bone cancer has received the Diana award for her outstanding contribution to the community.   more...

Doorstep shooting: Man in court

A MAN is appearing in court in connection with the shooting of a businessman.   more...

Braintree And Witham Times Sport

Football: Witham boss stays positive

Witham Town boss Ken O'Donnell refused to feel too downbeat after watching his side crash to a comprehensive defeat against Southend United.   more...

Football: Archer aims to hit the target

Leon Archer has said he does not feel any pressure despite becoming Braintree Town's record signing.   more...

Football: Braintree will stand firm

Braintree Town boss George Borg has insisted the club will not back down on wantaway duo James Baker and Robbie Martin.   more...

Brentwood Weekly News News

Brave Megan gets Diana award

AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who is recovering from bone cancer has received the Diana award for her outstanding contribution to the community.   more...

Chelmsford Weekly News News

School reaches £1.5million target

A CHELMSFORD school has raised £1.5 million for a new sixth-form centre in just nine months.   more...

Residents prepare for round two of development battle

RESIDENTS who successfully fought "against all the odds" to save a green lung in Chelmsford from development are preparing for a second battle.   more...

Hogwartstone's set for Deathly Hallows

CHELMSFORD is set to go Potty this weekend.   more...

Text teacher freed after sentence is cut

A MID Essex teacher who sent suggestive text messages to a pupil has been freed by the Court of Appeal.   more...

Camera cash handed over to government

ALMOST £500,000 which could have been spent improving Essex road safety has instead been ploughed into Government coffers, it has been revealed.   more...

Pub attack man sentenced

A MAN launched an unprovoked attack on his victim near Chelmsford town centre, a court heard.   more...

Bus route faces axe

A BUS route between Chelmsford and Southend is to run less often because few people are using it.   more...

Initiative set to keep pensioners' purses safe

A CHARITABLE trust has provided cash for purse chains as part of an anti-theft initiative.   more...

Can you help solve the mystery of the missing sweetshops?

AN appeal has been made by staff at Chelmsford Museum for help in solving a sweet mystery.   more...

Chelmsford Weekly News Sport

Eagle triumph in play-off

THE Eagle confirmed their position as darts kings of the Ridley League last week by beating Rayne Cock in their divisional champions play-off at Dunmow's Flitch Snooker Club.   more...

Striders win silver at Thrift Green

After a busy few weeks, Springfield Striders top runners took a well-earned rest and left the way clear for some less familiar names to feature in the prize lists.   more...

Mixed performances at Chelmsford CC

Chelmsford CC produced an array of mixed performances this weekend.   more...

Chelmsford beat Shell to set up quarter final

The third round match between Chelmsford Bowling Club and Shell BC, Corringham in the London & Southern Counties BA four fours Shield' competition ended in a six-shot victory for Chelmsford.   more...

Echo News

Missing sailor: Body found

A MAN'S body recovered from the sea off the Dutch coast is thought to be that of missing Southend sailor Dudley Cooper.   more...

Ferraris and bikes help sick children

EVENTS involving fast cars and speedy cyclists have managed to raise £30,000 for a children's charity.   more...

Raising the roof on iron age roundhouse

ARTISANS are putting the final touches to an iron age roundhouse in preparation for its opening in September.   more...

Road widening for new Sainsbury's

A TRAFFIC bottleneck could be widened as part of the proposals for a new Sainsbury's superstore and housing at Southend United's ground Roots Hall.   more...

'Doctors failed my husband'

A WIDOW is suing two doctors for £100,000, after a stroke on a plane led to her husband's death.   more...

Mum's phone mast campaign

A MOTHER has collected almost 600 signatures to back her battle against a phone firm's plans to build a mast in a residential area.   more...

Flats plans protest

CAMPAIGNERS fear Wickford will soon be overrun with flats without the roads, schools and GP surgeries to cope.   more...

Councillor's plan can go ahead..finally

CONTROVERSIAL plans from a Tory councillor's firm to build homes on a former council car park have finally been approved - on the sixth time of asking.   more...

It’s a fond farewell to popular teachers

TWO Thurrock teachers who have racked up 87 years experience between them have retired.   more...

Brave Megan gets Diana award

AN INSPIRATIONAL teenager who is recovering from bone cancer has received the Diana award for her outstanding contribution to the community.   more...

Technical hitch hits Lee's first night

A TECHNICAL problem put a damper on Lee Mead's dream debut in Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.   more...

Schools are reaping rewards of going4it

TWO Basildon schools set to become a £42million academy have been praised for giving pupils the business brains to become tycoons of the future.   more...

Awards for childcare heroines

OUTSTANDING childcarers have been honoured for their dedication and hard work.   more...

Amazing drug puts skinny invalid back on his feet

Growing up as a sports-mad youngster Rob Harman knew he wanted to share his love of physical activity with others.   more...

Doorstep shooting: Man in court

A MAN is appearing in court in connection with the shooting of a businessman.   more...

Clocking up 200 years

Two Castle Point residents have have notched up 200 years between them.   more...

Playgroup fears summer rise in attacks

PLAYGROUP bosses say they are dreading the summer holidays after being targeted by vandals eight times this year.   more...

Badger block to tree felling?

A BADGER sett may prevent Network Rail from knocking down several trees between tracks and a housing estate.   more...

Bikers’ £1,000 gift for Alison

SUPPORT from a motorcycle club has kept the dream of competing at the 2012 Paralympics alive for a courageous horse rider.   more...

Spate of attacks on animals - by children

THE owners of a wildlife sanctuary have urged parents to teach their children to respect animals, after a spate of nasty attacks.   more...

Woman cut free from car

Firefighters had to cut a woman free from her car following a collision in Great Wakering this morning (Wednesday).   more...

Council to resist more traveller sites

A BATTLE to stop more traveller sites being built in Basildon could go to the High Court, council bosses today warned.   more...

Why won't we close Crays Hill? The cost!

A STRUGGLING school is being kept open because it would cost taxpayers £500,000 to close it, the county council's leader has claimed.   more...

Two arrested, but tower arson probe goes on

TWO people have been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks at a tower block.   more...

Man and schoolgirl injured in two-car smash

A SCHOOLGIRL suffered serious chest injuries and a man received a deep face wound and broke his arm and leg in a Basildon road smash.   more...

We're winning waste plant battle!

THE Echo's campaign to stop a huge waste plant being built in south Essex has been given renewed hope.   more...

A right Royal treat for John the local hero

A DEDICATED volunteer was recognised for his work with an invitation to the Queen's garden party at Buckingham Palace.   more...

Garden development is rejected again

A SCHEME to build five new homes in the back garden of a house has been turned down for a second time.   more...

66 flats can be built despite opposition

A DERELICT factory will be demolished to make way for a block of 66 flats up to five storeys high.   more...

MP pushes for third road for Canvey

INNOVATIVE new funding methods are being sought to pay for major road schemes such as a third access road for Canvey, according to a Government minister.   more...

Hall for island war dead gets revamp

A COMMUNITY hall has been renovated with the help of a £50,000 grant.   more...

Hi ho, hi ho, it’s on the stage we go!

EIGHTEEN gifted youngsters have hi ho-pes after winning pint-sized parts in the first Towngate Theatre pantomime for a decade.   more...

'Smelly' brewery turned down

CONTROVERSIAL plans for a brewery 100 metres from homes have been ditched in the face of fierce opposition.   more...

Maria’s book tour for island adventure

AN author will be taking her book on a tour of Waterstone's shops.   more...

Daniel’s EastEnders role packs a punch

A BUDDING actor was thrilled to make his small screen debut, even if it meant getting punched in the process.   more...

Favourite to win Big Brother title

BASILDON boy Brian Belo is such a big hit with viewers he is currently the bookies' favourite to win Big Brother.   more...

School bus returns following fume scare

A SCHOOL bus is back on the road just days after pupils became ill from breathing in black smoke.   more...

Why won’t we close Crays Hill? The cost

A STRUGGLING school is being kept open because it would cost taxpayers £500,000 to close it, the county council's leader has claimed.   more...

Five Links refit delayed over access

THE redevelopment of Laindon's Five Links estate has been delayed.   more...

Arrests, but tower arson probe goes on

TWO people have been arrested in connection with a series of arson attacks at a tower block.   more...

Working up to a career

SCHOOL children and their parents were given an insight into future careers at an event in Rochford.   more...

Vandals can’t mess up garden’s big day

VANDALS went on the rampage in Priory Park, pulling up plants and smashing windows of a storage building.   more...

A right Royal treat for local hero John

A DEDICATED volunteer was recognised for his work with an invitation to the Queen's garden party at Buckingham Palace.   more...

Lest we forget their names

NAMES of fallen soldiers from the First World War should be included on Rochford's refurbished war memorial, a former councillor has said.   more...

Rounding off the house

AN MP has presented a plaque explaining the history behind a replica Iron Age roundhouse that is almost complete.   more...

Bloomin’ brilliant

AN out-of-school children's group put all their scary ideas together to create the winning scarecrow at Orsett in Bloom's annual competition.   more...

Lee triumphs despite first night glitch

SOUTHEND star Lee Mead has managed to pull off a dream debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat despite a nightmare technical hitch at the start of the show.   more...

Do YOUR children hurt animals?

THE owners of a wildlife sanctuary have urged parents to teach their children to respect animals, after a spate of nasty attacks.   more...

Twitchers in a swoon for spoonbill

BIRD lovers have gone all twitchy about a rare, and very special, guest...   more...

Lord of the manor title for sale

RESIDENTS with aristocratic aspirations could soon be answering to the title of Lord of Little Burstead as the noble name goes under the hammer.   more...

Bringing out the very best

PROUD teachers and pupils are celebrating after Government inspectors found their school was outstanding and gave it top grades in every category.   more...

Stone the crows

ORSETT'S now celebrated annual scarecrow contest produced the usual range of colourful figures.   more...

Don’t send our children twice as far to school

HUNDREDS of parents have signed a petition protesting against Southend Council's proposals to change primary school catchment areas.   more...

More tax jobs to be axed

AN extra tax office building in Southend will close as part of a fast-tracked cutback in Customs staff, it has been announced.   more...

Road rage attacker is locked up

A MAN has been jailed over a road rage incident in which he assaulted a taxi driver and smashed his cab with a steering wheel lock.   more...

Revamp brings new jobs hope

AN industrial estate could be given a £5million revamp to attract businesses to Canvey and create more skilled workers.   more...

Shooting suspect 'on run in Spain'

A MAN being hunted for a gangland-style doorstep shooting has been named and is believed to be on the run in Spain.   more...

River of sludge in my garden

IT should be a babbling brook - instead it looks more like an oil slick.   more...

Mental unit escapee hiding in town?

A MAN fled from a secure mental health unit 11 days ago and is thought to be hiding in Basildon.   more...

Shoebury school blaze

A BLAZE at Shoeburyness High School is being treated as a suspected arson attack.   more...

Sex offender collapses in court

A SEX offender who assaulted a schoolgirl collapsed in court before he was sent to jail.   more...

Fresh appeal in disabled man attack

DETECTIVES hunting thugs who beat up a disabled man, shattering his shoulder are reappealing for witnesses.   more...

Vandals cause £800 damage

VANDALS caused nearly £800 damage after they slashed the tyres of four cars in one night.   more...

We will fight on

SPECULATORS hoping to rake in a £20million profit from building on green belt land have vowed to fight a council that could scupper their plans.   more...

Police: Sun Rooms attack was robbery

POLICE are now treating an attack on a 64-year-old cleaner in a locked bar as robbery.   more...

Echo Sport

Pro40 win trio would make Essex 'great'

ESSEX can become a great' one-day side if they can win the Pro40 League for the third year running, says all-rounder Ravinder Bopara.   more...

Islanders Rayne supreme as improvement continues

CANVEY Island maintained their improved form in Division Two of the T.Rippon Mid-Essex Cricket League with a hard-fought two-wicket win over Rayne at Smallgains Park.   more...

Gazette Features

What lies ahead for our schools?

What happens to Essex's schools is, it seems, down to one woman.   more...

Gazette News

Tiptree: Cyclist hurt in three-car crash

A woman was in a serious condition today after a three-car crash involving an elderly cyclist.   more...

Colchester: Charity chief is accused of racism

A leprosy charity boss branded people from Bangladesh "snakes" as he believed they were dishonest, a tribunal has heard.   more...

Brightlingsea, Wivenhoe, Colchester: Save our bus from axe

Campaigners will fight to save a bus route from the chop.   more...

Colchester: Youths stone bus

Police were called out after six youths were seen throwing stones while a bus driver was at the wheel.   more...

Clacton: Family of seven flee flat blaze

A family escaped with their lives after an arsonist started a fire outside their home.   more...

Frinton: Charity bid hit by thick fog

Charity water-biker Justin Humphrey has had to be rescued off the coast of Scotland - just days after setting off on his challenge.   more...

Colchester: Summer bed closures defended

Hospital bosses have insisted bed closures on two wards for elderly people are based on statistics, not money saving.   more...

Essex: Views wanted on planned gipsy sites

Time is running out for residents in Essex to have their say on plans for gipsy and traveller pitches around the county.   more...

Tiptree: Kelly’s sports message

Sporting superstar Dame Kelly Holmes has been encouraging children to get active during school.   more...

Holland-on-Sea: That’s our summer wrecked, now

Four generations of a family were left devastated after an arsonist burned down their beach hut.   more...

Tendring: Dirty? Come and see for yourself

A seaside council has rubbished claims it is the second dirtiest district in Essex and Suffolk.   more...

Walton: Music to their ears

Coastal recorder players are ending the school year on a high note.   more...

Wivenhoe: Attack prompts call for more officers

Residents have called for more police in their town after a gang violently attacked a couple.   more...

Tendring: Not as sick as first thought

Plans for a state-of-the-art medical centre are to be dramatically scaled down after health bosses miscalculated the number of patients who would use it.   more...

Harwich: Lifeboat plummets 50ft

A ferry company has launched an investigation after four men plummeted 50ft into the water while carrying out work on a rescue boat.   more...

Colchester: Recycling red tape at fire station

Firefighters are not being allowed to recycle their rubbish, because the council won't pick up from their station.   more...

Colchester: School needs you to help them fight

A battle group has been formed by parents determined to keep open a school threatened with closure.   more...

Clacton: Health fears over rubbish

There are fears that abandoned rubbish could lead to a rat problem in a Clacton street.   more...

North Essex: Fewer wanted people on run

Scores of criminals are on the run after committing crimes in north Essex, the Gazette can reveal.   more...

Essex: Controversy in waste debate

Controversial plans to deal with Essex's growing problem of waste will be scrutinised by a new group.   more...

Colchester: Break out of jail and get as far as you can – for charity

Wanted - Jailbirds with far-reaching travel ambitions - that's the appeal from four Essex charities.   more...

Colchester: Student robbed in group attack

A student was taken to hospital after he was robbed and beaten in a "sustained" attack on his way home from a night out.   more...

Maldon And Burnham Standard News

Hook meets Holmes in floral fantasy

THOUSANDS of people flocked to Woodham Walter for the annual festival of flowers last weekend.   more...

Book pulls in after 30-year delay

A POPULAR booklet commemorating Maldon's long-lost railways has been reprinted in a new edition - nearly 30 years after it first appeared in local bookshops.   more...

Woman wins £33,000 payout

A WOMAN who suffered years of racial abuse while working for a Maldon company has won more than £33,000 in compensation.   more...

No NHS treatment for war veteran

MALDON MP John Whittingdale has vowed to help an elderly war veteran who is fast losing his eyesight.   more...

Pre-school is 40 years

SOUTHMINSTER Pre-School has celebrated its 40th anniversary.   more...

Pony in a dash for cash

A WOMAN has begun her pony pilgrimage to Spain to honour her mother and raise money for charity.   more...

Tidal problems delay Blackwater swim

A TEENAGER who is planning to swim across the river Blackwater to raise money for the Essex Air Ambulance has been forced to delay the challenge for a week.   more...

Coroner: Landlord death was accidental

A CORONER has recorded a verdict of accidental death after a pub landlord was found in the Rover Crouch in January.   more...

Group fails in lottery cash bid for Granary

A BID to restore one of the Maldon district's best known historic buildings has suffered yet another setback.   more...

Official: Maldon is a smart place

HARD work by professional and volunteer street cleaners has put Maldon among the smartest towns in eastern England.   more...

Edith’s memories of 130-year-old clock tower

Burnham's clock tower is being celelebrated and remembered by the people who treasure it during its 130th anniversary year.   more...

School hands out awards

PUPILS at St Peter's High School in Burnham have been rewarded for their efforts and achievements at two awards evenings.   more...

Friends believe victim found off Dutch coast is skipper Dudley Cooper

A MAN'S body recovered from the sea off the Dutch coast is thought to be that of missing Burnham sailor Dudley Cooper.   more...

Super clean Burnham wins smart street recognition

SUPER clean streets and litter-free lanes have led to the town being placed among the smartest towns in eastern England.   more...

Regatta goes with a swing

A SUNNY day and a stiff breeze were the ideal conditions for sailors competing in the Heybridge Regatta.   more...

Scooter road rage

A CASE of road rage is being investigated by police in Maldon.   more...

Parish council vice chairman resigns

A PARISH council vice chairman has resigned due to a dispute over road safety.   more...

Teacher who sent suggestive text messages to girl is freed

A MID Essex teacher who sent suggestive text messages to a pupil has been freed by the Court of Appeal.   more...

School fete was magic!

CHILDREN, parents and visitors all enjoyed the "brilliant" Woodham Walter Primary School fete.   more...

‘Outstanding people’

BRAVE police officers have been commended for their courage in dealing with the Bradwell digger attack.   more...

Cyclist and two drivers injured in road crash

AN elderly cyclist and two drivers were taken to hospital following a collision in Tiptree.   more...

Inquiry over land dispute collapses

AN inquiry into the future of Heybridge Basin's proposed Lock Hill development collapsed amid accusations of moved boundaries, disputed land ownership and faulty maps.   more...

Primary school ‘violated’ by thief

ST Cedd's Primary School in Bradwell has been violated by a burglar, according to the headteacher.   more...

Maldon And Burnham Standard Sport

Bikers back Alison’s Paralympics bid

SUPPORT from a motorcycle club has kept the dream of competing at the 2012 Paralympics alive for a horse rider from Burnham.   more...

Thurrock Gazette News

Youngsters heading for the hills

RISING stars James Millsom and Melissa Pullinger are set to wow theatre-goers after landing roles in the West End production of the Sound of Music.   more...

Tilbury offers new gateway to Europe

TILBURY is to play host to a new freight ferry service to Europe.   more...

Wall offers chance for legal graffiti

THURROCK's graffiti artists have struck a partnership with the Thurrock authorities by working together in a new project.   more...

Forums fun play fun

YOUNGSTERS across the borough will enjoy a host of activities through the summer organised by the Thurrock Play Network, which is funded by local community forums.   more...

Court told of violent and bloody kidnap

A THURROCK man has denied being part of a kidnap plot.   more...

Liz gets busy as she plans for games

MULTI-medal winner Liz Hosford is used to cleaning up in competitions, but she's been taking her work literally as she prepares for the British and the World Transplant Games.   more...

MP attacks government's Russia response over KGB man extradition bid

BOROUGH MP Andrew Mackinlay has continued his role as a rebel in the government's side by questionning their response to Russia's refusal to extradite high profile murder suspect extradition request of suspect Andrei Lugovoy, a former KGB agent.   more...

Call for action as third school fails

SCHOOLS may be on the verge of breaking up for the summer but education issues in the borough continue to make headlines.   more...

School on the up and up with new name

A DRAMATIC transformation at Aveley School will continue next term as it changes its name to Belhus Chase Specialist Humanities College.   more...

Hitman claim by former royal gun cop

A FORMER Royal Protection officer accused of holding a gun to a photographer's head, believed his alleged victim was a professional hitman, a court heard yesterday.   more...

Dad delivers at the double

OH baby, not again!   more...

Child sex web warning from cops

POLICE have told of their fears at finding children posting personal details on websites making themselves easy prey for paedophiles.   more...

Harry Pottermania at Lakeside

HARRY Potter mania will hit Lakeside Shopping Centre this weekend, as Waterstone's and WH Smith plan special midnight openings to prepare for the launch of the eagerly anticipated new Harry Potter novel.   more...

Borough kids unit at the cutting edge

WORK carried out in Thurrock with problem kids has been showcased for a government minister.   more...

Sunrise call to scouts

OCKENDON Scout and Guide group are inviting their Beavers, Cubs and Scouts to join in the celebration of 100 years of scouting.   more...

Grant boost for BATA memories

A £110,000 grant is set to revamp the Bata Reminiscence and Resource Centre based at East Tilbury Library.   more...

Village rallies round for school

A SMALL village has a big heart. That's the message after a fundraising fete and pamper evening at Bulphan Primary School.   more...

Farewell to school duo

A PAIR of Thurrock teachers who have racked up 87 years experience have retired.   more...

Thurrock Gazette Sport

Solid start for Fleet despite defeat

Thurrock 0, Maidstone United 1   more...

Hooper set for new Shrimpers deal

SOUTHEND United striker Gary Hooper has confirmed he will be staying with the Shrimpers.   more...

Hammers boss writes off league chances

LAKESIDE speedway co-promoter Jon Cook has written off the Hammers' season - although he is hopeful of picking up some silverware.   more...

  
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