SOUTHEND pier had to be evacuated after the fire alarm went off. Firefighters travelled to the end of the pier on the train but discovered it was only an electrical fault with the alarm. Three people had to be removed from the pier at 7pm while checks
A BEACH was evacuated after highly flammable phosphorus was unearthed as part of work to improve sea defences. Bomb disposal experts were later called in to examine the chemical at Shoebury's East Beach, after council contractors reported it was sparking
FLYTIPPERS have dumped tons of junk on public land, which will cost thousands of pounds of taxpayers' money to clear. A kitchen sink, building materials, broken tiles and parts of an old car are among the items discarded on a track off Canvey Way, Canvey
ESSEX will be looking to make a quick return to the top flight after being relegated in the County Summer Cup. Both the men's and ladies' teams will be bidding to win promotion from group two next summer following relegation at Eastbourne. Neither
SCORES of people have been swindled out of thousands by fraudsters posing as landlords of a three-bedroom home. Househunters have been contacting a man and woman claiming to be the owners of the property in Linnet Close, Shoebury, and have paid deposits
SCOUTS from south Essex took to the sea to re-enact the first ever Scout camp, as part of the association's centenary celebrations. Just as founder Lord Baden-Powell sailed with 20 boys to Poole Harbour, Brownsea Island, on August 1, 1907, two groups
POPSTAR Dougie Poynter showed his softer side when he became a zookeeper for the day. The 20-year-old McFly bass guitarist, a former pupil of Gable Hall School, Corringham, spent the day looking after animals at Colchester Zoo, after his grandmother
JAMES Robinson is hoping to get back on track after suffering an intestinal problem. The Shoebury-based wheelchair tennis player was forced to withdraw from the Belgium Open at Jambes last month due to the tummy trouble. And he was still not in
POLICE and council officers raided 65 garages being illegally used by rent-dodging residents. Officers from Basildon Council, backed by a police team, swooped on the garages on Craylands estate yesterday. Most of the council's locks had been cut away
CAMPAIGNERS against the £100million Wickford masterplan have been told they cannot expect improvements in the town without more homes. Stephen Horgan, Tory cabinet member for regeneration, said the council must strike deals with home developers to encourage
A COMMUTER train full of have-a-go heroes stood up to a gang of robbers, forcing them off the carriage. John Thurgood was travelling home from London Fenchurch Street, when he heard a furore at the back of the carriage. He said a woman was standing
A TEENAGER is fighting for his life after he was in collision with a bus. The 14-year-old was riding his bike in Purfleet road near to its junction with Mill Road in Aveley when he collided with the single decker Blue Triangle bus. The bus driver
ALL aspects of painting and drawing are being explored during an art class at the United Reformed Church on Thursday, August 9. Beginners are welcome to the session, which will run from 10am to 12noon at the church, on the corner of King's Road and
My thanks go to a young couple who handed into a police station my handbag, which I had left behind in Churchill Gardens, South- end, on Monday, July 23. Their honesty was so appreciated, unfortunately they did not leave their name or address for me
THE centenary of the Scout movement has been celebrated in style in Essex. The county has hosted the Worldwide Scout Jamboree with 40,000 young people descending on Chelmsford. The whole ethos of Scouting is to encourage young people to do their best
The only reason for the construction of the railings along Eastern Esplanade, Canvey, was one of safety to stop any misfortune occurring with a busy road so close to a steep slope. By the quote "they will not be replaced" by councillor Joan Liddiard,
WHEN Roger Baker was appointed Chief Constable of Essex, one of his early pledges was to bring policing back to the people and make things more local and less centralised. He has been applauded for many of his initiatives. However, some will question
I was appalled by the attack on a young black man in Basildon Town Centre (Echo, July 25). That such racism exists in 21st century Britain is truly shocking. As I took a walk recently through Gloucester park I stopped at the plaque on the top of Sharpeville
Bob Spink's advice to David Cameron - "No more Gimmicks", will be welcomed by many people in South Essex who support the Conservative Party. In contrast, James Duddridge suggests MPs get behind their leader. However in his recent Newsletter to his constituents
I consider Sally King's statement that the Government response to flooding was painfully slow and inappropriate requires her to say what they did not do and what she considers they should have done. Is it not possible building on flood plains is quite
While jogging in Maplin Way, Southend, I spotted three young children sitting on the grass with their bikes blocking the pavement. I prepared to detour around them onto the road, but as I approached they got up and moved their bikes to let me pass.
I would like to reply to the concerned residents who contacted the Echo about the proposal to build a BMX track in Westwood, Thundersley. The scheme has not won the backing of the Group as stated in the Echo July 7. We are in agreement that ancient
Reading the speed limit is to be cut in yet another road, (Echo July 26) this just makes me cross. Very soon every road will be 20 mph or less. All this in case a pedestrian steps out. Well I have to agree with the sentiments of Jackie Edwards (same
I am writing in response John Dickens's recent published letter, headlined "Public servants must serve us". I'm the secretary of the Gaynes Park Allotment Society, Southend, and I was the one who called the public meeting on April 22, at St. Stephen's
ESSEX's final game of the season in the South Eastern Seniors League Northern Section saw them beat Middlesex 7-3. The match for the over-50s was played at Mill Hill where a feature of the course is that the dual carriageway A1 separates the clubhouse
BASILDON-born striker James Lawson hopes to kick start his career after signing a one year deal at Blue Square Premier Grays Athletic. Twenty-four hours after adding winger Mark Marshall to his team, Grays Athletic boss Justin Edinburgh has further
THE University of Essex Southend has bought Clifftown United Reformed Church, in the town centre, and plans to use it as a theatre and concert venue. University officials confirmed its bid for the church, in Nelson Street, Southend, has been accepted
TONY Stokes has a big smile on his face - and well he might. He has just walked off the pitch at the half-built stadium:mk having appeared as a second-half substitute for Swedish superstar Freddie Ljungberg in West Ham's 3-2 loss to MK Dons. While
ESSEX are hoping to make it third time lucky this evening when they start their home Pro40 Division One campaign against Worcester-shire at Chelmsford (4.40 pm). Defending back-to-back title wins, Essex are still seeking their first win of the season
A NEW mosaic has transformed a clinic for people with mental health problems. For two years, Charlie Grafton, art therapist at the Taylor Centre, worked with patients using the clinic and Hadleigh Art Ministry to produce four mosaic panels depicting
MP JAMES Duddridge will join residents and Southend Youth Council members tonight for a chat over coffee about graffiti problems. The informal gathering will allow the 36-year-old Tory MP to explain his campaign for a new law to clamp down on vandalism
SOUTHEND Council has criticised one of the town's main bus companies for using vehicles that are more than 20 years old. In a report to tonight's economic scrutiny committee meeting, head of planning Steve Kearney said the council had made improvements
POLICE found keys to an abandoned car on a five-year-old boy following a row with a crowd of travellers who all claimed to own the vehicle. The white Ford Focus was dumped on the driveway of David Walsh's family home, in Hovefields Avenue, Wickford.
A CRACKDOWN on nuisance bikers is set to continue after a two-day operation was hailed a success. After several complaints about yobs on scramblers, mini motos and quad bikes, police hit trouble hotspots in Stanford-le-Hope and Corringham. Acting Sgt
ROCHFORD Hundred crashed out of the quarter-finals of the senior Essex team competition for the Thornton Cup after a bitterly disappointing late slump against Upminster at Gosfield Lakes. Rochford looked well in control after winning four of the first
POLICE found keys to an abandoned car on a five-year-old boy following a row with a crowd of travellers who all claimed to own the vehicle. The white Ford Focus was dumped on the driveway of David Walsh's family home, in Hovefields Avenue, Wickford.
DEAN Ashton has admitted there were times when he feared his career was over during his year-long injury nightmare. The West Ham striker missed the whole of last season after breaking his ankle while training with the senior England squad for the first
PLANS to create a new primary school by merging two schools have been approved by the independent schools adjudicator. Adjudicator John Simpson backed proposals by Essex County Council for the amalgamation of Winter Gardens infant and junior schools,
A DETERMINED teenager has raised more than £1,000 for Essex Air Ambulance by swimming across the River Blackwater. Charlotte Butterwick, 14, a Southend High for Girls pupil, swam from Goldhanger to Stone Watersports Club in one hour. Dad Jon Butterwick
HOPES of an ice rink in Southend this winter are melting away after a row between the council and the company behind the project. A three-year contract to have the rink at Victoria Circus has been ripped up. John Lamb, the council's deputy leader, complained
WEST Ham were last night locked in talks to sign Newcastle United and England winger Kieron Dyer. The 28-year-old has been linked with the Irons for the past fortnight after Toon boss Sam Allardyce stated that Dyer wanted to move closer to his family
The Pardners Country Music Club will meet at the Clarence Rooms, above the Conservative Club in Clarence Street, Southend. It will run from 7.30am until 11pm on Wednesday September 12. To find out more call 01702 232144.
TRADERS who sell fireworks in Thurrock have been warned to take more care after a businessman who failed to store them safely was fined almost £2,000. Lee Janaway - who trades as GD Wholesale, from Rosina Cafe, London Road, Aveley - was prosecuted by
SOUTHEND rugby club have completed a hat-trick of new signings ahead of the new season. The Seasiders, who will be playing in National League Two for the first time ever this year, have brought in scrum half Andrew Holloway from Bedford, winger Sam
RESIDENTS living on the Northlands Park housing estate now have access to low-cost loans thanks to a Government initiative to help deprived areas. People on low incomes in the area can apply for unsecured loans from the Essex Savers Net Credit Union.
ELDERLY people in Leigh were treated to a day of fun by a group of young people from the Prince's Trust. Nine 16 to 25-year-olds took part in a 12-week programme designed to develop confidence, motivation and skills through working in their communities
ALMOST 30 churches in Basildon have united to remind young people and the community that "God loves Basildon". Last October, 27 churches in the town got together to form Love Basildon. Similar to the much publicised Love Southend initiative, it wants
EMERGENCY talks are set to be held about controversial plans to build hundreds of new homes on a Wickford beauty spot. Basildon Council's Tory leaders have called a public meeting for residents to air their concerns over proposals which would see the
SOUTHEND United staged a fine second half comeback to secure an exciting 3-2 victory over Vitesse Arnhem at Roots Hall last night. Blues twice went behind against their Dutch Eredivisie opponents, but goals from Richie Foran and Lee Bradbury - after
SOUTHEND United have turned down a £250,000 offer from Barnsley for winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce. Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin is keen to keep the speedy flankster at Roots Hall despite the bid from the Tykes. And the boss has also rejected a bid
AS most people know, Southend Airport's runway is too short to receive a Boeing 747, even if there was any call to land one in a provincial Essex town. Gobsmacked would be the word if a Jumbo calmly coasted onto the apron. It may also be the word to
THE new director of nursing at Southend Hospital has been announced. Sarah Dawson started her NHS career in 1981 as a nursing auxiliary and became a staff nurse four years later. Mrs Dawson said: "In the short time I have been here, I have been struck
A £280,000 skatepark will finally be built on Leigh Marshes after more than seven years of wrangling. The project is set to go ahead following the award of £150,000 from the national lottery. Leigh Town Council has also signalled its commitment to the
SELLERS and shoppers are welcome at car boot sales held every Thursday and Sunday, at Stevenson Farm, off Nevendon Road. It runs from 6am on Sundays, and 7am on Thursdays. Call 01268 285145 for more information.
You could feel the fear building up in the stuffy waiting room. A trio of men looked around nervously while the corners of sexual health awareness leaflets were flicked about by an aggressive wall fan. The three of us were at Southend Hospital's Genito-Urinary
The TV programme, Malcolm and Barbara: Love's Farewell, to be screened next Wednesday, follows a man's slow decline through Alzheimer's disease. Ahead of its transmission, it has aroused anger and admiration - and focused fresh attention on the insidious
Visit the library and discover the hidden walled gardens and take part in family workshops. The library, in London Road, is hosting a discovery day on Saturday, between 10am and 4pm. There will also be a local history display, bumblebee survey, book
A local singles club for people over 50 is looking for new members. Both ladies and men are welcome to join in trips to the theatre, discos, dinners and lunches. Call 01268 783351 for more information.
VOCAL coach to the stars, Tee Green, has signed a deal with the new owners of Bar Lambs in Westcliff, to do a once a month live jazz gig at the venue. Wednesday night jazz sessions might be a thing of the past, but Tee, 42, from Thorpe Bay, is determined
A natural healing group to help conditions such as stress and physical ailments is held twice a week. The group meets at the Friends Meeting House, 18 Dundonald Drive, Leigh, every Wednesday, from 3pm to 6pm and every Saturday from 10am to 1pm. All healers
CHERRYDOWN Veterinary Group is to hear a talk entitled: "Is your dog frightened of fireworks?" The talk, in Cherrydown West, is free to attend on Wednesday, August 15. Call 01268 533636 for information about the address and meeting time.
BUTTSBURY Women's Institute is to hold its next meeting on Tuesday, August 14. It starts at 8.15pm at Canon Roche Hall, in Laindon Road. Call 01277 622938 for more information.
EMMERDALE and Casualty star Ian Kelsey will be coming to the Cliffs Pavilion, Westcliff, this October to star as Billy Flynn in the smash hit West End musical Chicago. Ian will be starring alongside Haley Flaherty as Roxie Hart, Dawn Spence as Velma
A SUMMER school for talented youngsters in Rayleigh has been a huge hit, according to teachers. The two-week initiative was organised by FitzWimarc School's head of technology, Sedeer Amran, and English teacher, Lucy Thornton. Using a grant from the
DIABETES patients can learn how to cope better and manage their disease more easily at two new workshops. The South East Essex Primary Care Trust Diabetes Service is holding two self-management sessions aimed at people who have the disease. The first
FAMILY and friends of Big Brother favourite Brian Belo have printed up T-shirts to help him win. They feature a picture of the popular 19-year-old, from Basildon, and the slogan: "Keep Brian in it to win it". Brian's cousin Natalie Smith, 21, her mum
Ghyllgrove Nursing Home is holding a summer fete on Saturday. There will be craft stalls, a bouncy castle, raffles and refreshments at the home, in Ghyllgrove. The event is between 2pm and 5pm. Call 01268 820171 for more information.
THE Embroiderers Guild is on the lookout for new stitchers to come along to meetings, on the third Saturday of every month. The group is friendly, and made up of beginners to advanced standard embroiderers. Meetings are at Trinity Methodist Church,
A POPULAR health centre could face closure. St Andrew's centre in Stock Road, Billericay, serves residents needing blood tests, physiotherapy and X-rays. Basildon Hospital confirmed the centre was under review, but insisted it would not be "disposed
RAYLEIGH'S historic windmill could soon be the in-place to hold weddings - as long as you only invite 16 guests. Rochford District Council has agreed to try to obtain a licence to hold civil marriage ceremonies at the mill, but the maximum number able
PUPILS and staff at a South Woodham Ferrers school said goodbye to a well-loved headteacher. Keith Bannister has left Trinity St Mary's Primary School after 13 years. The school held a special balloon release and bell-ringing event to mark his leaving
