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Stories for 31 March 2008
Braintree And Witham Times News
Trust is criticised for underspending
A health trust which has turned around a huge financial deficit has been criticised for a multi-million-pound underspend. more...
Stallholders bring a certain je ne sais quoi to Dunmow
Alluring sights and smells of the continent lit up Dunmow's Market Place for the second time running. more...
"Accident waiting to happen"
A car which was lucky to miss oncoming traffic ended up in a family's front garden and crashed into a tree. more...
Piano key artist dies ten days after her husband
A beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother has died ten days after her second husband. more...
Braintree And Witham Times Sport
Heartbreaking ending for nine-man Witham
Battling Witham Town suffered the heartache of conceding a last-gasp goal to lose 2-1 against Edgware Town, at the Spicer McColl Stadium, Spa Road. more...
Iron bolster play-off hopes
In-form Braintree Town maintained their on-going challenge for a play-off place with a crucial 2-0 victory over promotion rivals Bath City. more...
Brentwood Weekly News News
Council urged to provide more information
A PETITION has been handed in to Brentwood Council calling for more information to be given to the public about its partnership with Essex County Council. more...
Homes plan set to be refused
AN outline application for nine homes on green belt land in Mountnessing looks likely to be refused. more...
Chelmsford Weekly News News
Hospital Radio wins two awards
HOSPITAL Radio Chelmsford has picked up two awards at the National Hospital more...
Three friends get ready for London Marathon
IT'S get ready, steady go for three friends who are training together for the London Marathon. more...
Charity gets £5,000 boost from CHP trust
CHELMER Housing Partnership Charitable Trust has given £5,000 to Families InFocus (Essex) to help fund its Family Worker Support Project. more...
Clacton And Frinton Gazette News
Clacton: Companions stand firm at singles' group
A singles' group is going from strength to strength. more...
Clacton: Read this, me hearties
The first day of the spring school holiday saw pirates descend on Clacton. more...
Clacton, Colchester: Tributes to rail death woman
Tearful tributes were paid to a "bright, bubbly and funny" woman who died after being hit by a train at a Colchester level crossing. more...
Weeley: War veteran honoured
A PLAQUE has been hung at Weeley village hall in honour of a former resident who fought in the Forgotten War. more...
Holland-on-Sea, Brightlingsea: Jack destined for big things behind the camera
A youngster hopes to follow in his photographer grandfather's footsteps after producing some stunning pictures of his own. more...
Clacton And Frinton Gazette Sport
No game for the Seasiders
FC Clacton were left kicking their heels this weekend following the postponement of their Ridgeons League division one clash at Hadleigh United. more...
Echo News
Dry Sreet saved...again!
THE threat a mini town of as many as 1,500 homes might be built on a much-loved Basildon beauty spot has been lifted. more...
Is council chief worth £165k pay?
QUESTIONS are being asked over why the chief executive of Basildon Council received a pay rise of 20 per cent - taking his earnings to £165,000. more...
Hospital operations waiting list slashed
MORE clinics and surgery slots have led to dramatic cuts in waiting times at Southend Hospital, it has been revealed. more...
Pledge to put pier in private hands
SOUTHEND Pier will be "in new hands" within a year if the Liberal Democrats take control of the council next month. more...
Driveway cleaners fuel police warning
PEOPLE are being warned of a suspected driveway-cleaning scam. more...
'Stop parking in our former taxi rank'
A TAXI driver has complained cars are parking on the former cab rank outside Southend Hospital, which was moved to cut congestion. more...
Plea to trace woman's final hours
POLICE are trying to piece together the final hours of a woman's life before her body washed up on the seafront at Southend. more...
Get yer moggy chipped
CAT owners are being urged to get their moggies microchipped to help reunite lost cats with their homes. more...
Pair deny attempted murder
TWO men accused of shooting a businessman outside his own home will stand trial in the summer. more...
Green belt no better in hands of council
A HUMAN rights campaigner has poured scorn on the state local councils leave green belt land in after travellers are evicted from unauthorised sites. more...
Pupils in Apprentice-type challenge
SPECIALLY designed pants, healthy smoothies and calendars of teachers in costume, were among the ideas of enterprising Thurrock pupils. more...
Driving under a spotlight
SHOPPERS were encouraged to be safe when behind the wheel through a driving simulator. more...
Updated: Man guilty of murdering partner
A VIOLENT alcoholic who brutally murdered his partner and took pictures of her near-naked body will be jailed for life today. more...
Updated: Body found on seafront
THE body of a woman was discovered washed up on Southend seafront. more...
Updated: Runaway car
CUSTOMERS at the arches cafes, in Westcliff, had a lucky escape as a car teetered on a wall above after smashing through railings. more...
Legion bids to take over ex-Islamic centre
ROYAL British Legion veterans are hoping to end 30 years without a home - by moving into the former Basildon Islamic Centre. more...
Updated: Crash causes long queues
A FIVE vehicle crash on the A127 left traffic queueing back to the M25. more...
Run will be a tall order for Lloyd
THIS is the moment when action man fundraiser Lloyd Scott slipped into his latest costume for this year's London Marathon. more...
Outstanding rating for business school
A SECONDARY school has been given an outstanding inspection report from education watchdog Ofsted. more...
Don’t get caught out by criminals
SHOPPERS were given tips on how to protect themselves from crooks. more...
10,000 and counting: Linda joins trust
AN NHS foundation trust has toasted the arrival of its 10,000th member. more...
Teenagers charged after racism claim
THREE teenagers arrested after an alleged racist attack have been charged. more...
Golden Girl Helen shocked to get award
GOLD was the standard at a school's presentation evening when Paralympic gold medallist Danny Crates stopped by to hand out the prizes. more...
Driver found drunk in van
A MAN found drunk behind the wheel of his van in a hospital car park has been banned from driving. more...
Craft lessons make a colourful mark
T-SHIRT making, silk painting and creating cards were among the craft skills picked up by tots and their parents at a Wickford school. more...
Police swoop targets weekend boy racers
A POLICE clampdown saw several weekend boy racers get their come-uppance for driving offences and making a nuisance of themselves. more...
Council under fire for data protection failings
BASILDON Council is failing badly in the way it stores people's personal details, according to a councillor. more...
Hospice back from brink thanks to £253,000
THE future of the cash-strapped Fair Havens Hospice has been secured after donors clubbed together to raise its target of £250,000. more...
A taste of Italy
FLAVOURS of Rome and Tuscany were the order of the day with the return of the Italian market to Basildon. more...
£25,000 reward to catch armed robber
A SECURITY firm has put up a £25,000 reward to help snare a gunman who shot one of its guards. more...
Blues bash raises a grand for kids’ ward
BLUES music fans and musicians packed into a Billericay venue at the weekend to help raise the roof - and more than £1,000 in the process. more...
Why we love our mobile home
THE name King is synonymous with Canvey. more...
Poles apart? Not at this Saturday school
IMAGINE the isolation and loneliness of starting a new life in a new country. more...
Teachers write show for kids
STAFF and pupils at South Benfleet Primary School put on their annual show with a variety performance written by two of the school's teachers. more...
Family centre opend by Adventure Island boss
BUSINESSMAN Philip Miller was the guest of honour as a new children's centre opened in Shoebury. more...
Gazette Business
Winners named from budding businesses
Two fledgling businesses were given a Super Start when they were named winners of a new competition, backed by the Gazette. more...
Bosses and unions back Stansted plan
ESSEX business groups and unions have welcomed plans for a second runway at Stansted Airport. more...
Business project to help charity
TEN businesses have teamed up to form a Colchester NSPCC Charity Business Group. more...
Listings boost for finance firm
A NORTH Essex financial services company has been ranked second in the Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For list. more...
Hotel in drive for health
STAFF at a Stansted hotel have been getting fitter in a bid to show how a healthy diet and exercise can benefit people in the workplace. more...
Gazette Features
Helping let talents and personality shine through...
Essex Autistic Society has won awards in recognition of the support and care it gives people with autism. VICKY PASSINGHAM went to see what was being offered for adults with autism at the Jigsaw Study Centre in Colchester.The giant grin which suddenly spread across Luke's face was enough to make anyone's day. more...
Gazette News
Colchester: Elena's a top dancer
A TWINKLE-TOED law student has been hailed for her dancing skills. more...
Colchester: Norma takes the plunge - to retirement
WITH more than three decades and 100,000 lessons under her lifebelt a swimming teacher is retiring. more...
North Essex: police phone line 'too slow'
A DISABLED driver whose car was stolen from outside his home has criticised the police's new non-emergency number and the length of time he had to wait for officers to attend the scene. more...
Colchester: probe after trees felled
A HOMEOWNER is furious after three trees were chopped down in breach of planning conditions he claims were put in place when the green light was given for three new bungalows. more...
Stansted: airport access upgrade planned
PLANS to improve road access to Stansted Airport have been unveiled. more...
Colchester: Taxi crash
A taxi driver was taken to hospital when he became ill after he crashed his car. more...
Colchester, Clacton: Friend's tribute to rail victim
Tearful tributes were paid to a "bright, bubbly and funny" woman who died after being hit by a train at a Colchester level crossing. more...
Colchester: Youth was headbutted
A Colchester man has received a suspended jail term after he headbutted a teenager in the street. more...
Manningtree: Football fans in brawl at station
More than 50 people, including football supporters, are believed to have been involved in a brawl at a train station which injured several people. more...
Colchester: Point of contact for communities
Police in Colchester have been promoting a scheme which provides a named officer for each neighbourhood. more...
Colchester: Youth accused of indecency
A teenager has been charged with indecent exposure. more...
Colchester: Rare Essex pig gives birth
Examples of a rare breed of pig have been born at Colchester Zoo. more...
Brightlingsea: Saddle up for bike ride
Cyclists are being urged to saddle-up for a charity bike ride. more...
Colchester: Burglar was free on bail
A Colchester man broke into one property and tried to break into a second while on bail. more...
Colchester: Having fun in Thomas’ memory
More than £1,500 was raised in memory of a five-year-old boy. more...
Colchester: Jurors to visit site of tragedy?
A jury may visit the site where a young Colchester mother was allegedly murdered. more...
Braintree: Three injured in crash
A three-vehicle crash in Braintree on Friday left three people with injuries. more...
Colchester: A little veg gardening goes a long way
A gardening project aims to help teenagers grow as people - and grow vegetables. more...
Clacton: Motorbike blaze at campsite
Crews were called to a motorbike on fire in a campsite in the early hours of yesterday. more...
Clacton: Bedroom fire in hotel
Firefighters were called to a hotel in Clacton after an elderly guest set fire to some paper, starting a small fire in one of the bedrooms. more...
Clacton: Public stared at ill man
A senior paramedic has urged the public to be more sensitive after he had to call the police to an incident in Clacton. more...
Colchester: Which name strikes fear?
Gazette readers are being offered an exclusive chance to name the road leading up to Colchester's community stadium. more...
Tendring: A lemon and lime walk for Lionel – from pier to pier
People of all ages came out dressed in green and yellow to take part in a 14-mile walk to raise money for two charities. more...
Colchester: Family pays tribute to Barry (Updated)
Tributes have been paid to a man who was killed outside Colchester General Hospital. more...
Taxi! Bride's limo fails to turn up
A BRIDE'S day was nearly left in tatters when her carriage failed to arrive. more...
Halstead Gazette News
Halstead library waves goodbye to Glenda
A familiar Halstead face is moving on, after 19 years working in the heart of the town. more...
Harwich And Manningtree Standard News
Ramsey: Postman Paul In Flat Fire Drama
A POSTMAN has told of the moment he helped an elderly lady from a flat fire. more...
Maldon And Burnham Standard News
Lara wins battle for benefits
A DETERMINED mum has won her battle to receive disability benefits. more...
Roller skating champ's eyesight improved by contact lenses
AN eight-year-old roller skating champion has been given contact lenses to help her continue her winning ways. more...
Maldon getting ready for beer festival
MALDON is getting in the mood for beer! more...
Thieves steal catalytic converter
A CATALYTIC converter worth £1,000 was stolen from a Kia Sorento in Howe Green. more...
Thieves strike at Danbury Park
A HANDBAG was stolen after begin left in a car at a country park. more...
Games console stolen in burglary
BURGLARS got into a house in Coronation Road, Burnham through an insecure back door. more...
Tools taken from Steeple business
TEN saws, a grinder and a battery charger, worth a total of £1,500, were stolen after thieves kicked in the rear door of a business in Steeple Road, Mayland. more...
Lorry's catalytic converter stolen from Tollesbury yard
THIEVES broke into a yard at the Oyster Business Centre, Tollesbury, and stole a lorry's catalytic converter worth £1,000. more...
Handsfree set stolen
A VODAFONE bluetooth handsfree headset was stolen after someone smashed the nearside window of Volkswagen Polo on Silver Road, Burnham. more...
Hubcaps stolen from Tollesbury street
FOUR hubcaps were stolen from a Ford Fiesta parked in West Street, Tollesbury. more...
Stolen car found in St Lawrence
A FORD Fiesta car was stolen from the car park of the Cap and Feathers Pub in South Street, Tillingham, but was later discovered laying on its side in Bradwell Road, St Lawrence. more...
Vandals smash car window
THE rear window of a Ford Mondeo car was smashed when it was parked in St Giles' Crescent, Maldon. more...
Police issue warning after supermarket handbag theft
A HANDBAG was stolen after being left hanging from a shopping trolley. more...
Copper stolen from Latchingdon garden
SCRAPS of copper worth £700 were stolen from a wheelbarrow in the rear garden of a house in Maldon Road, Latchingdon. more...
Purleigh celebrate good Ofsted inspection
A PRIMARY school ended the term on a high note by achieving top marks in its recent Ofsted inspection. more...
Swimming gala is a success
KEEN swimmers took part in an evening of watery fun. more...
Metal thieves target Maldon district schools
PRIMARY schools are being targeted by metal thieves who made off with more than £1,000 of lead. more...
Mountain bike thief strikes in Maldon
A MOUNTAIN bike worth £20 was stolen after being left in the driveway of a house in Washington Road, Maldon. more...
Secured bicycle stolen
A PADLOCKED red mountain bike with the letters "chiu" written in black on the frame was stolen from outside Tesco supermarket at Fullbridge, Maldon. more...
New mast to improve Saint FM signal
IT is hoped a new mast will make it easier for people to tune into the district's radio station. more...
Thurrock Gazette News
Witness plea after Grays attack
POLICE have appealed for witnesses after a man was taken to hospital with head injuries after being attacked in Thurrock. more...
Fake DVD man in court
A MAN has admitted a string of offences relating to the sale of fake DVDs. more...
Woolworths cycle fundraiser for kids charity
STAFF at Woolworths in Lakeside Shopping Centre held an exercise bike challenge to raise money for children's charity Kids in Need. more...
Thurrock Gazette Sport
Woodward plans long term stay in Grays hot seat
GRAYS supremo Mike Woodward says he intends to stay as manager next season. more...
Grays v Stafford preview
GRAYS Athletic are in confident mood as they go into tomorrow night's clash with struggling Stafford Rangers. One defeat in eight games sees the Blues sit 5th in the league based on the last six matches. more...
