Three arrested following Essex high street assault

Detectives investigating an assault in Grays High Street have arrested three men.Police were called to the High Street, near the Paddy Power bookmakers, just before midnight on Wednesday, December 23 following reports that a man had been assaulted and was laying on the pavement. The man, who is in his 40s, was taken to Queens Hospital in London where he remains.Officers arrested two local men, aged 27 and 28, on December 24. They have been bailed to February 5 pending further enquiries. The...

Top films of 2015 in Essex

If you're a cinema-goer and live in Essex or just love film, what would be on your top 20 movie list for 2015? Our film buffs here have put together their list of the top movie releases for this year. Here are the top 20 films of 2015. Some are big budget blockbusters, some are critically-acclaimed, some are Oscar-nominated and some are dark horses who may have slipped under the radar – but all are fantastic films to keep you entertained. Reviews have been provided by Neil White,...

Pictures: Essex schools' Nativity pictures gallery two

Gallery created by TomBage

Popular Essex Winter Wonderland forced into liquidation due to...

A Winter Wonderland set for 70,000 visitors has been forced into liquidation after high temperatures melted the ice rink.The Colchester-based Christmas event has closed its doors following an unseasonably climate and strong winds this month. The ice rink has been deemed a danger to the public and has also become financially impossible to continue running the attraction. A statement from the company on www.colchestericerink.co.uk read: "Following the unseasonably high temperatures and strong...

PICTURES: Dark Side Comics at the Odeon Chelmsford

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

What's the last train and bus home in Essex for Christmas and New...

Be it Christmas or New Year, most of us will be using public transport to get around. From the latest you can leave it from that final Christmas drink in the pub on Christmas Eve to the time you can stay out partying until on New Year's Eve into the early hours, we've got all the transport times across Essex for you here. Abellio Greater AngliaService levels and last trains home from Liverpool StreetDecember 23: Normal serviceDecember 24: Billericay - 2135Braintree – 2048Chelmsford...

Essex Fire called to tackle early morning barn blaze in...

Firefighters tackled an early morning fire which engulfed a barn to the rear of the White Horse pub.A crew from Burnham, one from Tillingham and another from South Woodham Ferrers arrived at North Street just after 5.30am this morning (December 11).On arrival the incident commander reported that the barn - which measured five metres by five metres - was completely alight.Using two hose reel jets and two main jets, crews had extinguished the blaze by 7am, with firefighters remaining at the scene...

PICTURES: City of Chelmsford, Sky's the Limit

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

The best places to buy your Christmas tree in Essex

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PICTURES: Farleigh Hospice Light up a life service in Braintree

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Essex customers save £1m in energy auction

MORE THAN 300,000 people have saved a combined £1 million after joining an Essex County Council-supported collective energy scheme, with one man shaving £1,000 off his fuel bill.Now in its third year, the Essex Energy Switch launched Monday and is part of a scheme that sees people sign up to bulk-buy electricity to secure lower rates from energy companies.The average person saves £263 per year, but 77-year-old Robert Manning, from Chelmsford, saved nearly four times that...

UK launches first Syria air strikes

RAF Tornado jets based in Cyprus carry out their first air strikes against so-called Islamic State in Syria, the MoD confirms, hours after MPs voted in favour by 397 to 223.

Adele tickets: Personal data 'breached'

Fans buying tickets for Adele's tour tell the BBC they have been shown the address and credit card details of customers other than themselves.

How to pick the perfect Christmas tree

There's an ongoing debate at the Chronicle about when to dust off the Christmas decorations and pick out a tree. Some of us have the lights twinkling from today (December 1, others wait until a week before to give their home a Christmas spruce-up.But there's one thing we all agree on: it's damned hard work finding the perfect tree.From firs that seemed green until the needles suddenly dropped off to pungent-smelling pines that made their way straight to the top, we've all got tree horror...

Police and Commissioner Nick Alston admits that rural Essex...

THERE is unlikely to be a visible police presence across the Dengie, Essex's Police and Crime Commissioner admitted during a meeting at which high-ranking police officials were put under the spotlight.Attending a meeting of Maldon District Council's crime and disorder committee, Nick Alston joined Alan Cook, District Commander for Maldon and Chelmsford and Superintendent Steve Ditchburn, to discuss the extensive cuts required across the force.Across Maldon and Chelmsford, 31 PCSOs will be...

Flood alert issued for River Colne, Blackwater and Crouch...

A flood alert has been issued for the River Colne, Blackwater and Crouch estuaries.The alert, which was issued this afternoon by the Environment Agency, says that home and land owners in the area should 'be prepared' for the possibility of flooding in the early hours of the morning. A statement on the agency's website said: "We are expecting high tide levels on the Essex coast due to a combination of spring tides, a tidal surge and strong winds. "The forecast high water is due at...

Five sorts of people you'll see while out Christmas shopping in...

With just four Christmas shopping weekends to go before the big day, people begin to get a little crazy.But there are five definite sets of people that you'll see when out and about on any high street, be it in Chelmsford, Braintree, Maldon or Witham. We've pulled them together in a list that we hope will raise a smile…1.The Dasher This one can't help but walk speedily from place to place in fear of missing out on that present for their spouse, child or dog – and their stress level...

Find the best shopping bargains for Black Friday

Each of us is set to spend an average of £110 this Black Friday, with all the big-name retailers offering seemingly excellent bargains to rake in an estimated £1.4 billion from UK shoppers today, according to the Money Advice Service.But which deals offer real bang for your buck, and how can you make sure Black Friday doesn't spell doom for your credit card?We've rounded up some of the best bargains on the High Street and online:SHOESOffice is doing a 20 percent discount with the...

Where to meet Santa: The best Christmas grottos in Essex

With Christmas just around the corner, we've put together the best places in Essex to take the kids (and big kids) to meet Father Christmas.From local grottos to charity meet and greets, there's something for everyone, wherever you are in Essex…Abercorn Plant & Garden CentreBeehive Lane, ChelmsfordSanta is available to see Children from the beginning of DecemberSaturday 5th December 12 - 4pmSunday 6th December 12 – 4pmSaturday 12th December 12- 4pmSunday 13th December 12 –...

Maldon's St Mary's church blesses laptop to herald arrival of new...

BLESSING a laptop with incense may be one of the stranger things that church-goers have seen, but hopes are high that the unusual ritual could spark a revival of one of England's forgotten traditions.To mark the launch of a new website to promote choral evensong, St Mary's in Maldon joined a host of other cathedrals and churches around the country in the unorthodox ceremony.Colin Baldy, who directs the choir at St Mary's, said: "I expected everyone at church to think that it was completely...

Essex Police issue fraudster warning to shoppers as con artists...

Essex Police have warned shoppers to be vigilant ahead of the discount buying day Black Friday tomorrow, as online fraudsters look to take advantage of bargain hunters.Sgt Julie Mackay from the Local Policing Support Unit has issued advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of online fraud, urging shoppers to be wary of "too good to be true" deals."Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer big opportunities for fraudsters and con-artists" said Sgt Mackay "The internet is always...

Last Royal Mail posting dates for Christmas 2015 revealed

It's time to get writing those Christmas cards and wrapping those gifts with the most festive day of the year being only a month away.We don't just give them to family at home – but also send packages further afield to countries hundreds if not thousands of miles away. And according to the Royal Mail this year, we will be sending the most gifts and goodies to the USA, Ireland, Australia, Canada and France. But with this extra strain on the postal service at this time of year, when is the...

Three Essex fire crews called to tackle fridge fire in Heybridge...

Fire crews were called to battle a fridge fire that erupted in a bungalow this morning (November 24).Three crews, two from Maldon and one from Witham, attended the address in Holloway Road, Heybridge, shortly before 11am.Wearing breathing apparatus, firefighters used two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire by 11.11am.Smoke was cleared from the house using a positive pressured ventilation fan.

Police release CCTV image in hunt for suspected Burnham burglar

Police would like to identify this man in connection with a burglary at a house in Maldon Road, Burnham.It took place sometime between 9.45am and 12.15pm on Thursday, November 5. The rear glass door of the property was smashed open and jewellery and bank cards were stolen. One of the bank cards was then used at the Co-Op store in Burnham just after lunchtime on the day of the burglary.Anybody that can identify the man in the CCTV image is asked to contact Dc Martin Amundsen at Chelmsford CID on...

Thieves smashed kitchen window of Essex property before making...

Police are appealing for witnesses to a house burglary which happened in North Fambridge.Thieves broke into a house in Franklin Road after smashing a rear kitchen window and stole jewellery and cash. It happened sometime between 1.30pm and 4pm on Friday, November 13.Anybody who noticed any suspicious activity in the area is asked to contact Pc Sophie Moore at Chelmsford CID on Essex Police 101. People can also give details anonymously to independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

'Hidden castle' campaign gains support

A petition to stop the demolition of a mock-Tudor castle built without planning permission gains more than 1,200 signatures.

Essex pensioner pedestrian, 89, hit by car

Police are appealing for information following a road traffic collision on Connaught Avenue, Frinton, which happened at about 7.10pm on Saturday, November 21.A grey VW Polo and an 89-year-old woman pedestrian were in collision near to the junction with Forth Avenue. The pedestrian was treated for leg and facial injuries by paramedics at the scene before being conveyed to hospital. She continues to receive hospital treatment. Anyone with information is asked to contact Pc Andy Fitch at Stanway...

Three fire crews battle 4,000 Essex hay bale blaze

Gallery created by GuyBell

Christmas 2015: Essex light switch-ons, markets and events

There are those of us who simply can't get enough of Christmas. For those of you who want to sample the magic of a lights switch on more than once this year, we've pulled together all the Christmas markets, light events and other festivities that we could find from across the county in a handy list. BrentwoodLighting Up BrentwoodSaturday, November 28, 12pm to 6pmBrentwood High Street, Brentwood, CM14The Gruffalo will be switching on the Brentwood Lights at the biggest event to date, stalls...

WhatsApp date request goes viral

A student who asked a woman on a date with a WhatsApp message-style handwritten note is surprised to find it went viral.

Storm Barney: 60mph winds recorded near Braintree as gale-force...

Winds of almost 60mph have been recorded tonight near Braintree as Storm Barney makes its presence felt across Essex. The storm, only the second one in the UK's history to be named, has prompted a yellow 'be aware' weather warning to be issued. Motorists in unsheltered car parks have also felt their cars rocking when stationary, such is the strength of the gusts.Power lines are said to be down in the following postcode areas: CM0, CM3, CM11, CM12, C02, C09, SS2, SS6 and SS7. The high winds have...

Stansted Airport train delays after overhead wire problems

People travelling to Stansted Airport by train this morning could experience delays because of overhead wire problems.The delays have been caused by a tree falling onto the wires yesterday near Sawbridgeworth, with trains being unable to run between Broxbourne and Bishop's Stortford. Engineers are hoping to have the repairs completed by 8.30am this morning, but there could be delays while trains get back on schedule. A Greater Anglia statement reads: "Customers travelling from London...

Storm Barney: Essex powercuts - when will my power be back on?

Storm Barney's 60mph winds have caused power outages in a number of areas across Essex tonight. The Met Office have issued a yellow 'be aware' warning covering much of southern England and the peak of the wind began at around 10pm and will finish around midnight. But it has already caused a number of issues with power cuts across Essex. We've created a handy list of what power is out and when it is estimated to come back on, according to UK Power Networks. Aythorpe Roding (High Easter area):...

QUIZ: Where in Chelmsford should you live?

WHERE is the perfect place for you to live in Chelmsford? We reckon we can tell you in nine easy questions. Do you live in the right place or do you need to move? Take our quiz to find out!

Chelmsford City councillors ask for pay rises and tax breaks

Elected members of Chelmsford City Council are demanding more money for their roles, with one requesting that the councillor allowance becomes tax-free.Members shared their view with an Independent Remuneration Panel, which turned down the requested allowance increase that some members made, finding that the allowance was similar to other councils of the same size, and 'could be justified'.Its report said: "The Panel received views from a number of members who feel that the level of...

EUROMILLIONS RESULTS: winning numbers for Friday November 13,...

Could you be a lucky winner tonight? Better check that lottery ticket as tonight's Euromillions jackpot is worth a whopping £92 million.The winning numbers are: 10, 17, 18, 33, 40 and lucky stars 2 and 8.In addition, one lucky UK player has won a guaranteed £1 million prize with the millionaire make code: NQN563801The total number of winners this week is estimated to be 4,863,715, with players taking home anything from £6.00 to upwards of £1 million.

Essex Schools set to take on Gepp & Sons LLP legal debate at...

Selected schools from around the county are set to face off at an annual legal debating competition.Brentwood School, Ursuline, Chelmsford County High, Felsted, Great Baddow High School, New Hall School and Ormiston Rivers Academy will all compete to take the title from KEGs, which has won the competition for the last two years running.The competition, organised by Gepp & Sons LLP, will this year be held at Anglia Ruskin University on Wednesday, November 18, with teams debating the motion...

Young girl suffers leg injury after being hit by a car in...

A young girl, thought to be of primary school age, was taken to hospital after being hit by a car on Southminster High Street yesterday afternoon (November 9).A rapid response vehicle and an ambulance crew were called to the scene shortly after 3.20pm to reports of a collision. While the girl suffered leg injuries and was taken to Broomfield Hospital, her injuries are not thought to be serious or life-threatening.The ambulance remained on site until close to 5.30pm, while paramedics treated the...

Essex County Council spends £874k on private health...

Essex County Council spent almost £1 million on private health insurance for employees over three years, despite needing to make £49 million in cuts.The council's £874,640 private healthcare bill for last year and two years prior to that covered 300 employees and their families, including its executive director for corporate and customer services, Margaret Lee, who last year earned a total package salary of £150,000 and claimed £1,291 in medical insurance.Ms Lee is...

Remembrance Day 2015: Is there a 'right way' to wear your poppy?

Dating back almost 100 years, the poppy was first worn in remembrance by an American teacher, Moina Michael, who came up with the idea in 1918, having been inspired by the poppy imagery in John McCrae's poem In Flanders Field.By 1921, poppies were being sold to commemorate the fallen and proceeds have since been used to support wounded soldiers and their families.But how should you wear one? The most common belief is that the poppy should be worn on the left side by men and the right by women...

PICTURES: Schools Cross Country Event in Chelmsford

Gallery created by Chris_Rushton

Revealed: What are the most wanted toys for Christmas 2015?

It's that time of year approaching again: Christmas.And what are predicted to be the most hotly sought-after toys this year that your little ones (and perhaps adults alike if they're still a kid at heart) will be clamouring to get? It appears that it isn't a 'hoverboard' or Playstation that your youngsters will want to get their hands on this festive season – but practical toys that spark their imagination. The top 12 'Dream Toys' list by the Toy Retailers Association is belowCity Deep Sea...

c2c's parent company say 'we'll turn around Abellio Greater...

c2c's parent company is pushing ahead with plans to take over the Abellio Greater Anglia network.The rail firm, which runs services on the London Fenchurch Street – Shoeburyness line via Basildon and Upminster, has a higher satisfaction than AGA according to the latest national passenger survey (86 per cent of people surveyed content with the service rather than 75 per cent) along with newer trains. And according to a c2c spokesman, its parent company, National Express, could be taking...

Essex's top haunted stations as police force celebrates 175th...

Bodiless footsteps and unexplained chills are some of the things staff have experienced in the supposedly haunted police stations around Essex.As Essex police force turns 175 this year, Danny Segeth has found that it has a host of ghost stories to its name. Danny, 30 from Chelmsford, is an amateur folklorist and worked with Essex Police for 8 years. His role was a Specialist Performance Adviser Essex before he left in May this year. He was astounded by the response he got from staff when he...

Essex MP Bernard Jenkin reiterates fears over potential Bradwell...

HARWICH and North Essex MP Bernard Jenkin has expressed concerns over a new power station at Bradwell, highlighting the possible impact on marine life and ecology.The 56-year-old, who has represented the constituency since 1992, said: "My views on the possibility of a new build at Bradwell have not changed; there should be no new nuclear plant at Bradwell, unless the concerns about damage to the estuary and storage of nuclear waste on site can both be unequivocally resolved. "There...

Goldhanger sex offender Liam Cann should expect lengthy prison...

Convicted sex offender Liam Cann has been warned he should expect a lengthy custodial sentence, after being found guilty of 23 counts relating to the sexual abuse of boys as young as eight at Chelmsford Crown Court this afternoon.After more than a day of deliberations, the jury returned guilty verdicts to all 23 counts, which occured over an eight-year period between 2006 and 2014, with six different under-age boys.The counts include attempted rape, sexual activity with children under the age of...

Tesco worker one of two Essex contestants to make it to X Factor...

A former shelf-stacker from Laindon was one of two Essex singers to make the final 12 on The X Factor on Sunday.19-year-old Che Chesterman, who worked at Tesco in Langdon Hills, was chosen by mentor Nick Grimshaw to go to the live shows, after footage was shown of his performance in the judges' houses round. Che wowed Nick and guest judge Mark Ronson with a soulful rendition of Don't Know Much by Linda Ronstadt and Aaron Neville.The new format of the talent show saw contestants wait to find out...

Frustration grows as Maldon hospital plans continue to stall

THE leader of Maldon District Council is "increasingly frustrated" at the lack of progress on a new hospital now 12 years in the waiting.Plans were first launched in 2003, with a renovation of the current St Peter's site, or a new build in Maldon both possibilities.However, progress has stalled, with council boss Councillor Miriam Lewis, and chief executive Fiona Marshall, pointing the finger at the changing face of the NHS and a subsequent lack of stability.Cllr Lewis said: "I'm...

AA Dog Rescue given reprieve after Maldon councillors vote to...

A CHAOTIC planning meeting with close to 200 attendees resulted in a controversial dog rescue centre being given a stay of execution.AA Dog Rescue, based off Burnham Road in Latchingdon, would have faced closure if Maldon District councillors had voted against its planning application, but deferral has handed founder Charley Nathan a lifeline.Speaking outside Burnham's Ormiston Rivers Academy after Monday night's decision, Ms Nathan said: "I had an idea that was going to happen, but I'm ...

Second arrest made as Essex Police investigate Maldon facial...

Police investigating the stabbing of a 25-year-old man in Maldon have arrested a second man.The victim received facial injuries shortly before 2am on Sunday, October 18, when he was assaulted in Butt Lane.A 26-year-old man from Maldon was arrested on Monday on suspicion of GBH and bailed pending further enquiries until December 4.And yesterday, October 22, a 29-year-old man from Maldon was arrested on suspicion of GBH and drugs offences and released on bailed until the same December date.Any...

Chinese sign deal for new nuclear power station at Bradwell-on-Se...

Chinese corporations will have a majority share in a new power station set to be built in Bradwell-on-Sea, after signing a deal yesterday (Wednesday).French firm EDF Energy reached an agreement with the China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN) to help fund a new plant at Hinkley Point in Somerset, with a wider partnership in place for both Bradwell and Sizewell in Suffolk. The signings took place in the presence of the Chinese President, Xi Jinping, and the British Prime Minister, David...

Witness heard "screaming and shouting" as 25-year-old...

A witness claimed she heard "running and shouting" around the time a 25-year-old man was stabbed in the face just off Maldon's High Street.Police and paramedics were called to Butt Lane, near the Rose and Crown Wetherspoon's pub, shortly before 2am on Sunday.A 25-year-old was this week arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the incident.Butt Road resident Poppy Ann Miller says she saw men running down Butt Lane away from the High Street, and was so...

Village hoping for 'tilt tourism'

Villagers who believe their church tower tilts more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa are hoping to see a rise in visitors after work to restore it.

Conservative councillors in Essex reject proposed pay increases

Proposed pay increases suggested by the Independent Remuneration Panel for Essex County Council have been rejected by Conservatives at County Hall.The report will be debated at the full council meeting tomorrow (Tuesday, October 13) where Conservative councillors will amend the report to ensure there is no additional burden on the Essex taxpayer. The leader, deputy leader and cabinet members will not take any pay increase and having taken a pay cut of 3% at the start of this council in 2013...

Maldon District Council reclaims almost £85,000 in costs...

Maldon District Council will not be involved almost £85,000 in costs incurred by the inspection of their under-fire Local Development Plan.The Planning Inspectorate agreed to write off £84,685.97 after accepting that "the procedural handling of the examination fell somewhat short of the service that they would normally seek to deliver".The examination-in-public stage of the LDP was suspended when inspector David Vickery ruled that not enough provision had been made for...