Archive
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Fears voiced over the likely impact of directly elected police commissioners
IN Spring 2012 the way the country’s police forces are run will change beyond all recognition. Chief constables will no longer be the only people in charge of the UK’s constabularies. Instead, newly elected police and crime commissioners
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Pizza takeaway plan rejected
A CONTROVERSIAL plan to open a pizza delivery company in Hockley has been turned down by councillors. Domino’s Pizza wanted to build a new unit next to the Factory Shop, in Spa Road, but at a meeting of Rochford District Council’s Develop-ment Committee
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Bike thieves strike in south Essex
BIKE thieves have been on the prowl in south east Essex. Police have issued a warning after four thefts were reported in Southend and Canvey last week. In the latest incident, a man had his bike stolen from Colchester Road, Southend, between 10.30am
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Hospital pays out £60,000
BASILDON Hospital has paid out £60,000 to a 74-year-old man following a claim of clinical negligence. The patient, who does not want to be named, made the claim after undergoing major surgery in April 2007 to remove his rectum and colon because he had
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Councillor's fury at developer's high-rise plans
HUNDREDS more flats and a high rise tower block could be built as part of the long-awaited redevelopment of Laindon’s shopping centre. It is understood Laindon Regeneration, the private firm that owns the site, wants to build up to 400 flats including
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Campaign groups’ concern over homes on green belt
WORRIED residents have hit out at claims that Rochford’s green belt will be protected by the council. At an extraordinary council meeting, Rochford councillor responsible for planning, Keith Hudson, said the council is hoping to use land that has already
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Gang of robbers punch victim twice
A GANG of robbers punched their teenage victim twice before pulling a knife on him. The 19-year-old man was in King Edward Road, Laindon when the attack happened. He was approached by the three thugs who demanded he hand over his phone before punching
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Council begins clear up of 108 play areas
BASILDON Council has begun clearing equipment from 108 play areas across the district, in a controversial bid to save thousands of pounds. Staff from the council began dismantling the sites as they start to turn the play areas into open spaces. Last
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Car dealership boss vows to settle gripes
THE owner of a defunct car company being investigated by trading standards has offered to settle any complaints with angry customers. Ron Smith claims he was one of four people selling cars from a showroom in Kings Close, on Charfleets Industrial Estate
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Insufficient crime to introduce byelaws to Wick Country Park
A BID to stop trouble makers at a country park suffered a setback because crime has fallen. Basildon Council said it cannot adopt byelaws at Wick Country Park, Wickford, because it does not have enough evidence of recent crime. It wanted to use the
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Yobs go on the rampage in Billericay
TWO yobs, who went on the rampage egging homes and cars in Billericay, have been rapped by police. The two teenagers, both 14, and from Basildon, targeted homes in Bridge Street and Church Road. They hurled eggs at the homes causing staining. The paint
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£70k bill to replace door security system at council
COUNCIL chiefs are spending £70,000 to upgrade a door security system which was fitted only five years ago. The swipe card entry system is fully functional, but Basildon Council is replacing it. It comes after the council learned replacement controllers
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Updated: Bus attack - man charged
A MAN accused of attacking a pensioner on a bus has been charged. The 28-year-old man from Basildon was arrested and charged with causing actual bodily harm. It follows an alleged incident on September 17 this year in which a man in his 90s was headbutted
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Colleges need to work harder to deal with cuts – principal
THE Government’s fiscal belt-tightening exercise means colleges must work harder and become more efficient, according to the principal of a Southend college. Jan Hodges, principal and chief executive of South Essex College of Further & Higher Education
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Girl grabbed by would-be robber
A TEENAGER had a lucky escape after she was grabbed by a would-be robber. The 14-year-old was in Wimbish End, Pitsea, when the man grabbed her by the wrist and demanded cash. But the girl managed to wrestle free and ran off before the mugger could
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Local councils could adopt city plan to pool services
THE merging of council services across south Essex could result in significant savings, a leading councillor has claimed. Radical proposals to create the UK’s first “super council” were revealed last week, which would result in the merger of
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Charity walker: Why I am not impressed with the people of Essex
A FORMER soldier was spat at from a passing car while he was on the Essex leg of a nationwide charity walk. Eddie Craven, 36, is walking round the UK’s coastline raising funds for a homeless charity, but has been shocked at the welcome he received
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Southend Hospital switchboard crashes
SOUTHEND Hospital switchboard crashed yesterday leaving relatives and patients anxiously trying to make contact. Those calling the main switchboard were greeted with an engaged tone or told the line was not available. Only a lucky few managed to get
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Canvey seafront flats refusal costs council £17,000
A COUNCIL has been ordered to pay £17,000 to a property developer after refusing permission for 46 seafront flats. Castle Point Council was ordered to pay the costs of Dedman Planning and Regeneration after the firm won its appeal against the
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Bike thieves leave Salvo the clown with no wheels
A POPULAR clown is appealing for his bike back after it was stolen while chained up outside a railway station. Salvo, of Kingsleigh, Thundersley, had padlocked his bike to railings outside Benfleet station while he went to London to attend
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Police civvies face jobs threat
THOUSANDS of Essex Police workers will be told today that the force is in talks with unions over its plans to cut hundreds of jobs. All the county’s 2,500 support staff will receive letters telling them the force is now consulting with public
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£28million wiped off Southend Council's budget
SOUTHEND Council’s chief executive says up to £28million could be wiped off his budget by the Government over the next four years. Rob Tinlin said the toughest measures were likely to come over the next year due to the way the cuts have been
