Motorcyclist Gary White, 36, died when he crashed into a car which pulled out in front of him, an inquest heard. Mr White, of Fox Hall Road, Southminster, was riding his 900cc Yamaha in Latchingdon, when he was in a collision with a Ford driven by Alison
Thurrock's top Tory has announced her group will be opposing plans to develop the Shell Haven site into a major container port. Coun Anne Cheale - who represents the Corringham and Fobbing ward - made the announcement in a letter to the Thurrock Gazette
Thurrock Council is planning a "strong" response to the Government's decision to seek a referendum for an elected mayor in the borough. A council statement reads: "For more than six months there was silence from the government after Thurrock reported
Ben Cranfield and fit-again Adrian Coote scored goals in the Colchester United reserves' 2-1 win over Barnet. Oxford United's Richard Knight, who could be part of a deal that takes out-of-favour Andy Woodman to the Kassam Stadium, guested in goal yesterday
A have-a-go vicar saved the day when he collared a thief trying to steal some charity boxes from a neighbouring chemist in Brightlingsea. Saving the day - the Rev Richard Salenius, holding the returned charity boxes, with David Ross, of Moss Pharmacy.
A mother has vowed she will never visit a hospital again after contracting meningitis during childbirth. Heartbreak - Marie Brosnan hugs baby Joshua. Picture: LUAN MARSHALL 8EF3D4 Marie Brosnan became infected after giving birth to her son Joshua by caesarean
The Government's announcement of a referendum on whether Thurrock should have an elected mayor or not has been welcomed by councillors who voted in favour of the scheme in the summer. Both John Kent and Tim McMahon - two of the five councillors who backed
Chelmsford firefighters dealing with a difficult roof fire in Margaretting rushed to a nearby street after a mother collapsed in her home. Two firefighters gave the woman, believed to have had a stroke, resuscitation and oxygen whilst the rest of the
Southend Carnival organisers have selected the line-up for this year's Carnival court. Carnival queen is Charlotte Williams, 17, of Southend, and her courtiers are Amanda Slavara and Shelly-Anne Sipos. Mike Steptoe, carnival chairman, said: "The selection
Detectives investigating the murder of a 57-year-old Laindon woman have issued an appeal for help in tracing two men seen minutes before she was found dead. Anita Gordon, of Rowenhall, was discovered at around 2.30am by her husband, Roger, last Friday
A teenage biking enthusiast and his friend were robbed of their bikes in broad daylight in Canvey. Glum - Sonny Wells, left, and his pal Matt White were robbed of their bikes. Picture: DAVE HENDERSON 8EFCC1 Today the mother of 13-year-old Sonny Wells
East Thurrock are back in action after a much needed break, but it could turn ugly. The Corringham-based club are fighting for their very lives due to a financial crisis and are forced to field reserve team players for the game at Berkhamsted, who lie
The green light has been given to start work on 16 new homes close to the river in South Woodham Ferrers - bringing a cash windfall for the town. Now developers Wimpey Homes East will begin negotiations with planners over the size of a community cash
A woman motorist has died following a horrific smash on the A13 last night. Aftermath - the wreckage of the burgundy Ford Fiesta, whose driver died in hospital. Picture: TERENCE BUNCH 8ET8J3 The driver, who had not been named this morning, was travelling
Southend United have confirmed they will tackle Premiership neighbours West Ham at Roots Hall in a glamour pre-season friendly. The Hammers are set to visit the Essex coast on Tuesday, July 23, and Blues will face another top-flight club on home soil
A schoolgirl from Maldon has won the prestigious Princess of Wales Memorial Award in recognition of her outstanding voluntary work. Gabriella Sale, 17, is a year 12 student at Plume School and was nominated for the award by one of her teachers. "I'm excited
American football is back in Basildon after a three-year break. The Essex Spartans have returned to Gloucester Park with a new name and high hopes for a bright new future. Known as the Chiefs for the nine years they played in the new town, Spartans are
After 41 years as Wickford Tennis Club's treasurer Reg Iles figured it was time to stop balancing the books. So the 80-year-old stepped down from the role but did not turn his back on the Swan Lane club -- he became its president and still regularly plays
Vandals have smashed more than 20 windows at The Harwich School. Police said 22 windows were smashed and would cost about £1,000 to replace. Security fencing is currently being put up and it is hoped will be finished during the Easter holiday. The school
Colchester United first team regulars Ross Johnson and Joe Keith have emerged as doubts ahead of Saturday's clash at Wycombe. The pair have been laid low by illness this week and unable to take part in training. And Steve Whitton has made enquiries about
Aveley will surely wake from their nightmare against Camberley. This year has been a roller-coaster ride for the Millers in Division Three. Winners of their first four league ames, they are without a win in their last seven. That dismal run of results
People power has scored a victory in Harold Hill in the ongoing fight against youth nuisance and vandalism. Residents in Dagnam Park Drive have been terrorised by an endless siege of mindless yobs, whose activities included pulling a line of dustbins
A combined benefits agency and job centre is to be set up in Colchester as part of a radical overhaul. Moves to bring the previously separate services under one roof could mean some of the property used by the organisations will become redundant. But
With the course very wet, and only just about fit for play, Castle Point was playing to its full length for the Durrant Shield. Ole! -- Norman Lowing charged into his year of office as Castle Point Golf Club captain by dressing as a matador. Vice-captain
Terrorised homeowners are resorting to vigilante action in an attempt to stamp out hooliganism, it has been revealed. Community leaders have called for urgent talks with police after reports some residents in Billericay are taking to the streets to hunt
Essex water company bosses are backing a campaign to provide cleaner water to communities in poorer countries. Essex & Suffolk Water is calling on customers to save water and make a donation to charity WaterAid. For every promise made to turn off
Rebecca Wall was in fine form at the English Schools' U/16 Hampshire tournament. The Thurrock player's record read: two semi-finals and a final which, through no fault of her own, Wall was unable to take part. That was the girls' doubles in which she
Touching tributes have been paid to Rochford District Council's chairman for battling through her year in office despite suffering from a serious illness. Lib Dem Sylvia Lemon was commended for bravely continuing her work as civic leader in the face of
A woman came face to face with an unknown man after looking out of her window in the middle of the night. The householder heard a garden gate being opened at her home in King Stephen Road, Colchester, at about 2.50am on Wednesday and went downstairs to
Moves to create a multi-million pound arts centre in Colchester have been backed by neighbouring towns. Plans for a £12m visual arts centre in the eastern side of the town centre are gaining momentum. So far the project has secured £5m of funding from
Football-mad bosses are throwing their weight behind England's bid for World Cup glory by turning the big matches into a footie bonanza for their entire workforce. On-Line Financial Management, which has staff working in Billericay, Southend, Benfleet
Arena-Essex hosts a Banger World Championship qualifier on Sunday with a high-class field promising thrills at the Purfleet track. Rayleigh's Matt Fuller is the man in form after a double win in the opener at Plastengrove two weeks ago. But he will face
A bat signed by cricket legend Sir Don Bradman has been unearthed at Chelmsford's County Ground during renovation work. Howzbat! Chief Executive of Essex County Cricket Club David East displays the bat The bat carries the signatures of the entire 1948
Several established first-teamers will be bidding to forge their way back into George Burley's plans when Ipswich Town's reserves entertain Coventry today. The likes of Martijn Reuser, Fabian Wilnis and Gary Croft are set for run-outs, as is Academy keeper
A new vehicle showroom is set to be built in Braintree after plans for the building submitted by property developers Rosper Estates were approved. The 300sqm aluminium and glass building will be built on a vacant piece of land in the Lakes Industrial
The director of education in Thurrock has been celebrating success with many of the borough's school pupils, parents and teachers. A night of celebration was organised by Thurrock Council at Thurrock College to mark the successes recorded by youngsters
There's a big night of kick-boxing at the Circus Tavern, Purfleet, on Sunday and much for the Aveley Club to look forward to. Chris Wootten leads a four-strong title challenge from the local club when he defends his European super light-heavyweight title
Hard-hitting Colchester United boss Steve Whitton has revealed there will not be deals for every one of his players currently seeking new contracts. New boy - U's boss Whitton is keen to sign Con Blatsis (right) permanently But the U's manager will be
A challenge has been laid down to the Harold community to help raise money in a charity walk. St Peter's Church, Gubbins Lane, Harold Wood is encouraging people to put on their walking boots and step out into the countryside to raised cash for Saint Francis
South Essex players had mixed fortunes when they took part in the Essex County LTA winter tournament finals at Redbridge. David Lloyd Basildon's Carey Willson led the charge with a hat-trick of titles on Sunday crowned by the men's singles trophy after
A mystery investor wants to open Essex's first ever cannabis cafe in Witham. The Dutch-style pot smoking den could open in Witham, if drugs laws change. It would be one of more than a dozen others planned across the country, including Glasgow, Milton
Police were baffled as to the cause of an accident in which an 80-year-old man died, an inquest heard. Bachelor John Holder, of Burnt House Lane, Woodham Walter, near Maldon, died in Broomfield Hospital, Chelmsford, on October 2. On September 29 he had
It is all working out nicely for boxer Danny Hunt thanks to a new sponsorship deal. The Leigh boxer has linked up with the Fitness First gym in Victoria Avenue, Southend, in a move arranged by his Leigh-based sponsors Storm Media. Now 20-year-old Hunt
A teacher has quit his Benfleet school by mutual agreement despite being cleared of assault on a pupil, it has been revealed. Philip Campbell was a teacher at the Appleton School in Croft Road, Benfleet, when he was accused of hitting a 13-year-old boy
Powerful doses of the female hormone oestrogen are creating hermaphrodite fish in the River Blackwater, says an Environment Agency study. But despite assurances from the agency and the water companies involved, environment groups fear men's fertility
Essex Police has put out an urgent appeal to help find a male, aged 12 to 15 months and he must have four legs, a tail and a pedigree. A german shepherd has pulled out of the force's canine training programme, leaving one unlucky handler with a problem
A Basildon advertising agency has been set the challenge of breaking down the Essex boy and girl myth and encouraging tourists to discover 'the real Essex'. Page Advertising and Communications in Cranes Farm Road is preparing to roll out a new campaign
A 15-year-old boy gripped his mother's neck until she could not breathe, a court heard. The Colchester youth was angry at her when he came in and found her lying on the sofa, said Amanda Steer, prosecuting. She had been drinking wine and her son began
Police are hunting burglars who left a trail of "absolute devastation" and caused thousands of pounds worth of damage. Dovercourt Discount Store manager Peter Chapman Between £20,000 and £50,000 of damage was caused when a ceiling collapsed into a shop
Activists have demanded a total ban on animal circuses on land owned by Castle Point Council. They are currently seeking urgent talks with leading Castle Point councillors before the next touring circus rolls into the borough. At the moment, circuses
Success is being claimed for what is called a restorative justice project in Essex which confronts young offenders with the victims of their crimes. The scheme, set up by the Essex Family Group Conferencing Service in partnership with the Essex Youth
Europe's largest youth music festival is coming to a Brentwood school for a day of music making on Saturday, March 23. More than 300 musicians from Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk will perform at Brentwood Ursuline Convent High school, Queens Road, Brentwood
Marches, petitions and a call for an emergency meeting are all to be pursued in a bid to stop an asylum seekers' removals centre being opened near Stansted Airport. Some 200 people turned up at a public meeting on Tuesday night to vent their anger at
Crime and anti-social behaviour in Thurrock is to be targeted in a publicity campaign launched by Thurrock Council. The Thumbs Down campaign is aimed at reducing the fear of crime in the borough, reassuring residents that the council is working alongside
Canvey won through to the Essex Senior Cup final for the fourth season running last night with a 3-2 success over Dr Martens League Chelmsford City at Billericay Town's New Lodge ground. They will now meet either holders Dagenham and Redbridge or Purfleet
Trialist striker Adam Wallace made his mark on his Southend United reserve team debut, during yesterday's 2-2 Roots Hall draw with Luton Town. The pacey Southampton youngster rounded off an eye catching performance with a well-taken second-half goal,
A Chadwell St Mary club staged a grand reopening on Saturday after hard work from volunteers and donations from generous local businesses. St Mary's Hall in Longhouse Road - formerly Greenan Hall - will provide a variety of martial arts activities for
An historic church in Colchester's Dutch Quarter will become a valuable community resource thanks to a much-needed national lottery grant. A grant of £203,000 has been donated to the Churches Conservation Trust, which owns St Martin's Church in West Stockwell
Enjoy the Easter break with an adventurous outdoors programme of activities, designed with the whole family in mind, at Thorndon Country Park. Co-ordinated by the Park Rangers and the Essex Wildlife Trust the fun is scheduled to begin with a spring walk
Actress Kellie Bright rubbed shoulders with a host of stars last night at the premier of Ali G's new movie IndaHouse at the Empire Theatre, Leicester Square. Kellie, who went to Great Wakering Primary School, plays Ali G's love interest in the film in
Telecoms giant Nortel Networks is cutting up to 350 jobs at three of its UK plants, including one in Harlow. The majority of the redundancies will be at the firm's plant in Maidenhead, Berks, although jobs will also go at its New Southgate centre in north
Keeley Spooner is the toast of Canvey Island Swimming Club after claiming four gold medals in the BT Junior National Disabled Swimming Championships. In the swim -- Keeley Spooner, 15, of Canvey Island Swimming Club, shows off her clutch of medals from
Unemployment levels in south Essex crept up slightly last month, in spite of a surprise fall in the national figures. New figures released by the Office for National Statistics show a marginal rise in the number of people claiming unemployment benefit
Police have warned schoolgirls and college students to be on their guard against a pervert with bushy sideburns. It comes after two incidents of indecent exposure aimed at 14-year-old girls which police believe could be linked. The first involved a man
A desperate appeal has been made for an animal lover to come forward to give a forlorn horse "her last chance". Lady Red, an Anglo Arab mare, appeared to have suffered a "breakdown" and became withdrawn when she arrived at Lorraine Hoskin's stables at
The former managing director of a Clacton fast food restaurant has been jailed for smashing a van into a police car during an escape bid. Kemal Sadik and his accomplice Joseph Mitchell were in a stolen van when police tried to stop them in October. But
