TAXPAYERS' money could be used to buy up properties in Billericay town centre to crack down on the number of pubs, bars and takeaways.

The deputy leader of Basildon Borough Council, Phil Turner, wants the authority to purchase units in High Street when they become available in a bid to preserve Billericay's cultural heritage and get a better balance between the daytime and night-time economy.

He says his plan would allow the council to provide facilities that residents want and put the money it receives from business rates back into the community.

Mr Turner, who represents Billericay West, believes some shops in the town look unsightly and says his idea will help to keep the High Street vibrant.

"This is something I am working on with planning officers," he told the Gazette.

"It would make for a much better environment – as well as attracting revenue, which will pay back the cost of buying the shop.

"As a result, it will work in favour of keeping tax reduced – plus we will also make much better use of the property."

He continued: "We've tried to keep Billericay vibrant and the buildings in-keeping with the street.

"Some shops are dilapidated like Clarks, with its pebble dashing front, but that's not the worst by any means.

"We looked into buying the site where WHSmith now stands – it went for nearly £1 million.

"Councils can borrow money at a better rate than the public to purchase these properties."

The council is working on a business plan for the project through Stuart Sullivan, its cabinet member for resources.

Mr Turner said he wants to find out what residents most want in the town centre so the council can try to provide that service.

For example, if residents wanted a butcher, then one could rent a unit from the authority at a reduced rate.

The plan, Mr Turner says, would also allow the council to regulate how many properties get "turned over to leisure" – a move which he says would "reduce noise pollution and anti-social behaviour".

"In Billericay, people are sensing that we have too much leisure – we hear what people are saying," he said.

"Maybe they would not have opened had we owned the premises, but at the moment we don't have any control – it's all with the landlord."

He added: "If residents knew the council had control they would feel a bit more comfortable.

"We would also make shops more in-keeping with the High Street's aesthetics for a much better look and feel.

"That way people will go there to shop from further afield – anything to keep our High Street has to be a good thing.

"We have to make sure the people coming into Billericay keep coming back."

Carl Newsum, the owner of Slipped Discs on High Street, said: "It sounds like a good idea if they control it as they have said – if they get a balance.

"It depends how fair they are with the rates – they are crippling at the moment.

"Freeholds don't come up that often and it took me 20 years to get another shop.

"Shops fetch good money when they do come."

Mr Newsum added: "We have just lost a greengrocers last week and have gone from a town that had four to none.

"People decide the High Street with their shopping patterns – if they don't use them they will lose them."

Trevor Draper, owner of the Billericay Cookshop, said: "I can understand the reasoning behind it provided that they are responsible as a landlord so rents are not seen as just purely a way of making money.

"They also need to look at the infrastructure generally and whether it can support their plans.

"For instance parking – we have a capacity issue and this should be seen to before or in conjunction with the council buying properties."

PROMOTER Steve Goodwin believes that Brentwood fighter Joe Mullender has a bright future in the sport.

Mullender has recently signed with Goodwin Promotions, having had all four of his previous fights on nights organised by the firm.

The 26-year-old will be back in the ring next month when he takes on former Southern Area champion Gary Boulden, and Goodwin believes Mullender is a good addition to his stable of fighters.

"He's a very exciting fighter," he said. "He's not one of those boring fighters who sits back, he gets involved and has a fight.

"His biggest attitude is that he's got relentless stamina – he's like a machine.

"He keeps going and going, so it's very difficult for other boxers to keep him off because he doesn't stop. The longer it goes, the tougher he gets.

"He's a big crowd-pleaser and the aim is to have him fighting for a title next season.

"He's fighting in June. It's his hardest fight to date and if he wins that, hopefully we're going to have a fight for him in September for a Southern Area title, which is quite a big step for him really."

The middleweight has impressed in his four previous bouts, having won them all, two of them by knockout.

And, with his manager Richard Clark and trainer Jason Rowlands hoping to help fast-track him to title fights, Goodwin sees good things ahead for Mullender.

He added: "We're trying to move him on quite quickly. He's only had four fights so far and his manager wants to move him on fairly quickly so we're helping him to do that.

"It's a relentless pace he's going at, normally people fight for a Southern Area title after eight or nine fights but he's aiming to do it in six which is quite early, but they think he's ready for it.

"Goodwin Promotions organise his fights and work with his manager and his trainer to formulate his career path, that's what we do.

"We're trying to get him to the top as quickly as possible at the right pace. He's got a good trainer and manager so we just work together as a team."

And beyond that, Goodwin believes there is a chance that Mullender could find a path to a British title.

"Realistically, he could get to British title level and anything above that would be a bonus," Goodwin added.

"He's started late, but he's done very well so far. You'd hope he'd be capable of winning the Southern Area title and making a few defences of that and then next year going on to English title level.

"He's not far below what you see on TV, there's no reason he won't be a television fighter in 18 months' time.

"He's only had four fights, you don't want to say too much because the level of fighter he's going to fight now.

"Every fight he has will probably be harder than the last."

A BRENTWOOD school is having big success in getting its students into Oxbridge.

Two girls from Brentwood Ursuline Convent High School, in Queens Road, have been offered places at the top universities this year, and a further four hope to follow in their footsteps in 2014.

A push by the non-selective school to urge pupils to consider going to Oxford or Cambridge is paying off, with students taking up the chance to visit the universities on open days and apply for summer schools.

Elodie Powell and Emma Rubrey, both 18, are now revising for their A-levels with the aim of fulfilling their offers at Oxford and Cambridge respectively.

Elodie, from Brentwood, must achieve triple As this summer in order to secure her place at Oxford, where she attended the UNIQ summer school for classics last summer.

She said: "While I was there I fell in love with it.

"The experience of getting up every morning to go to ancient Greek language classes and the variety of lectures, as well as the group tutorial we had at the end of the week, really reassured me that classics was the right choice for me, and that Oxford was the place to study it."

Meanwhile, Emma, from Ilford, is hoping to read philosophy at Cambridge.

She said: "I became really set on applying for Cambridge after attending an open day last July.

"Not only did the course look both challenging and fascinating, but the town and university surroundings were beautiful, and the atmosphere was brilliant.

"Having stayed the night in St John's College, I was certain that I would love to study at such a prestigious university, in such a great environment."

Hoping to follow in their older peers' footsteps are four lower sixth-formers.

Lucy Philpott, 17, from Brentwood has, like Elodie last year, landed a place on the Oxford university classics summer school.

Lucy said: "I wanted to experience a week similar to university life with like-minded people.

"I really enjoy studying the classical world – it is so rich and diverse in its history, politics and philosophy."

Last year Lucy reported for the Gazette for the Lighting up Brentwood programme.

Anita Santinelli, 17, has also landed a coveted place on a summer school – this one at Cambridge to study music.

She told the Gazette: "I hope to apply for music to ultimately become a classical musician.

"I am planning on applying in September to the University of Cambridge but am also considering applying to a music conservatoire."

Two other potential Oxbridge recruits from the school are Amy Gander and Isabel Pether.

Amy, 17, said: "I want to do a degree in Medicine or Biology, with Forensic Pathology or Research Biology as a goal in the long term."

Isabel, 17, the school's current head girl, has an ambition to read geography at Oxbridge.

She said: "I am very interested in exploring how we can address issues to do with the unequal distribution of wealth in our world.

"My aim is to go on to work for an organisation such as the United Nations Development Programme."

SHOPKEEPERS, councillors and MP Eric Pickles are celebrating the end of a "valley of speed and death" this summer after a long-running saga to pedestrianise a town-centre street ended successfully.

Shop owners on Brentwood's Crown Street say they began to doubt whether the change would ever happen during a two-and-a-half year struggle to improve safety for shoppers.

Mr Pickles told the Gazette he would "dance a jig" were the street – which is the home to his constituency office – ever to be pedestrianised.

The changes made to the road four years ago were designed to allow drivers to use it as a cut-through, while giving priority to pedestrians.

But with motorists and pedestrians confused by the system, bollards were installed along the stretch to improve safety.

Mr Pickles said he often carried a photograph of the street with him to show senior civil servants what can happen when town planning goes wrong.

"If it means they are getting rid of the bollards I'll dance a jig," he said.

"I hate those bollards. I think they took a beautiful street and turned it into an eyesore and it was probably the greatest example of town planning gone wrong.

"In their wisdom they created a valley of speed and death and now I hope the bollards can be melted down and turned into something useful."

After two previous false alarms it had been expected the work would finally begin on the road at the start of April.

However, unexpected electrical works costing up to £11,000 put the project over budget, prompting Essex County Council to refer the issue back to Brentwood Borough Council's Local Highway Panel.

In a meeting on April 22, the panel agreed to stump up the cash from next year's budget with work expected to begin by the beginning of June.

Lin Heath, who owns French Quarter, hailed the new car-free zone but questioned why the move took so long. "Some drivers use the street as a cut-through and dash the wrong way up the street," she said.

"The bollards that are in place have chunks missing from them and I've been worried someone will get hurt or worse. The road is even more dangerous since the arrival of so many TOWIE tourists from outside the area."

Now Crown Street's boutique stores and eateries are planning events to attract shoppers to the town.

"We haven't got anything like this in Brentwood, added Mrs Heath.

"But now we can all get our heads together and plan some exciting events. Anything that entices people into town is a positive.

"These shops are for the community and I think we can give them a cafe culture down here.

"Hopefully, work will start in good time."

She added: "It's hard out there and we need to attract people because at the end of the day it is your local shops that bring people together."

Traders had hoped the changes would be completed following a successful consultation period.

The process was delayed when Essex County Council replaced Brentwood Borough Council as highways authority for the area last year.

Following the unexpected costs of the electrical works, the county council referred the issue back to Brentwood's own highways panel, which has an annual budget of around £500,000 to tackle local road issues.

Speaking shortly after the conclusive meeting, the panel's chairman, Councillor Keith Parker, declared: "The members have agreed to provide the extra funding in order to pedestrianise a section of Crown Street.

"From my conversations with shopkeepers the changes are needed.

"There is a cafe culture in the area and with this change this Little Bohemia can develop and they will able to do some of the special events they've been doing so well but without traffic going through the street."

Liberal Democrat leader David Kendall welcomed the news. He said: "I am pleased that at long last the partial pedestrianisation of Crown Street is going to go ahead as it will make the road safer for the many shoppers that use it.

"The changes to the traffic flows will not be to everyone's liking but hopefully, given time, they will be accepted and will not cause motorists to much inconvenience.

"I am sure that most people who use this area in their cars or on foot will appreciate that something had to be done to make it safer and that this scheme was the best option available."

Leader of the council's minority Labour group Mike Le-Surf said: "A lack of commitment from Essex County Council means this scheme is long overdue.

"I hope that there will be no further delays but won't hold my breath as the Tories have let residents and traders down time and time again.

"My main concern at this time is the planning approval for three major developments at the High Street end of Crown Street, with a further application soon to be submitted.

"This overdevelopment could ruin all we are trying to achieve in this well-respected part of our town."

FIREFIGHTERS went head to head with policemen in a charity ice hockey match to raise funds for a fellow firefighter who is still in a critical condition after he suffered a stroke.

Mark Dos Santos, 37, from Chelmsford, had the stroke when a neck-hold went wrong in a martial arts class he was teaching in Maldon last April.

The stroke was a result of a blood clot and he then underwent two bouts of emergency brain surgery before suffering a cardiac arrest and surviving pneumonia.

The father-of-two was left unable to walk or talk for some time.

Firefighter Ben Johnson, from Loughton Fire Station, decided to organise the event for Mark, who works at Brentwood Fire Station.

The match took place at Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre in Chelmsford and saw 20 policemen battle it out against 15 firefighters.

The firefighters came out victorious, winning the closely fought match 6-4 on Saturday.

Over 400 people came out to watch the spectacle, raising £1,800 for Mark.

"It was brilliant, the atmosphere was amazing," said Ben, 32, from Saffron Walden, who has been with the fire service for 14 years.

"We often go to Brentwood when there are not enough people and so I have worked with Mark a few times when they were short-staffed.

"He is a bubbly fellow, and he's a scouser – so of course he is.

"We heard about Mark's situation of course because all the fire stations do talk to each other.

"I thought as a team we would try to do this as one of our charity events especially because it is a local Essex man. We were a bit undermanned, the police team has about 20 people and we had 15.

"But it was good, the score was a bit closer than we thought, I thought we were going to completely annihilate them."

Ben rallied people together during the last training session in Sheffield, and attracted firefighters, who also play ice hockey, from all over the UK, from Manchester to Surrey.

They celebrated with a meal at Back Inn Time and drinks in Bar 41 in Chelmsford before they all headed home.

Lee plans to present the charity cheque to Mark, either at his home in Great Totham or at the rehabilitation unit he attends in Harrow, in north west London, in the coming days.

DESPITE a "bare bones" police force operating in the Maldon district, the amount of crime in the area has still dropped by four per cent over the past year.

This was the message delivered to members of the public as they gathered at Plume School this week for the first meeting with the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston.

Now approaching sixth months in office following his election last year, Mr Alston addressed a small but engaged group at the event on Monday to respond to local policing concerns.

However, although overall figures show that the Maldon district has one of the lowest crime rates in Essex, it was clear that there is still more to be done with a 19 per cent rise in assault, 44 more incidents of theft, and officers failing to hit response targets in 13.8 per cent of emergency calls over the past 12 months.

"There is still some real issues with policing the Dengie as a result of the low density of its population," said Mr Alston, following the event.

"But I thought it was a high-quality debate, albeit with a slightly smaller turnout than at our other meetings.

"My job is to hold the police to account and I will use the feedback from tonight."

The vast area of the Dengie was a major point of discussion at the two-hour meeting, as district commander Steve Ditchburn admitted there was a lack of resources to police the area.

"We are down to the bare bones in neighbourhood policing, there is no 'fat' left," he said. "I have finite resources and so I have to be strict in where I decide to put my officers but we are always contactable."

Responding to suggestions from a member of the public the commander also admitted more technology would assist in catching criminals, as it emerged the entire Dengie has just one ANPR, automatic number plate recognition, camera.

"If we had more of these cameras I believe it could have a massive impact on policing the peninsula as there are only so many roads leading in and out," he added.

The commissioner dedicated time to the rising number of burglaries in the county, a crime he confessed to suffering himself.

"When your home is burgled you feel completely violated. I remember well when it happened to me," he said.

However, the 60-year-old disagreed that time behind bars should be the default response. "Many have struggled with drug problems and this makes them more likely to get caught up in violence and crime.

"But if they leave prison after less than a year and there is no help afterwards then this just becomes a revolving door."

He was also quick to defend his decision not to set targets for bringing criminals to justice, despite perpetrators in just 22 per cent of burglaries being sanctioned in the district.

"I have not set targets as I've said for me the most important thing is to see crime going down, however that is achieved," he said.

But perhaps the most challenging question of the evening came from 13-year-old pupil Albert Rutter, who attended the meeting with fellow students from Ormiston Academy in Burnham on Crouch.

"Would you say policing is a complex or a complicated business?" asked the teen.

Following a few minutes' pause it was the district commander who delivered a response.

"Policing is a simple job, officers should look after the public and should treat every single one of them how they would treat their own mum.

"Our job is simply to make sure you're safe," said commander Ditchburn.

"But there is of course a complexity in that simplicity."

This was perhaps not the sort of concern Mr Alston had predicted when promising regular meetings with the public throughout his election campaign.

TILLINGHAM picked up their first win of the season at home to Southend & EMC III team. The visitors won the toss and decided to bat.

Some excellent bowling from Clay with two wickets and a run out from Ford grabbing the wicket of top scorer Banks for 43, kept the flow of wickets going.

Stiffell finished with two for 21 from 11 overs and Mason two for seven from six overs. Frustratingly for the home side, the last wicket wouldn't fall and the last five overs, only seeing three runs scored. Southend managed a total of 129 for nine after 45 overs.

In reply, Dave Cummins lead from the front in a captaincy role and opened the batting, carrying his bat for the second week running with 53 not out.

Hylton (26) partnered him for a while before getting bowled to a ball that kept very low on an early, unpredictable wicket. In the end it was a convincing win for the home side with nearly 20 overs to spare, finishing 133 for 4. Tillingham II played on their travels at East Hanningfield and Gt Burstead.

Tillingham batted first and started with a 108-run opening partnership between Emerson (72) and Raven (47) but unfortunately once this was broken the runs didn't come quite as well.

Alfie Bailey hit a quick 21 in the middle order, but unfortunately the away side only managed to make a target of 169 for six off 45 overs, with some very tight bowling from Patel, and Stratford with four wickets from ten overs.

In reply, Hanningfield didn't really struggle for runs. Hamilton was hitting the ball well for his 50 and Foster (58) also played some good shots.

Tillingham put up a fight towards the end with the scores tied taking four wickets for no run scored, but it was too little too late. Alfie Bailey bowled well with two for 24 off five, and Harry Butterwick two for 26 off six.

A FINE opening partnership of 132 wasn't enough for Maldon to clinch victory at the weekend.

Maldon skipper Jimmy Ainscough, won the toss at Mistley and decided to bat first.

He was delighted when Jamie Glenn (80) and Chris Harris (71) compiled a century opening partnership. Glenn went at 132 and Mistley seized the chance to make inroads into Maldon's middle order.

"We know Jamie's a class act," said the skipper about his New Zealand all-rounder. "But this year he has got the measure of English wickets and is playing beautifully. I am also delighted with young Chris Harris who is living up to the promise he showed as a colt with Maldon."

At one point, a late innings collapse of last week's dimensions threatened, but Martyn Coker (58no) stood firm and hit hard (seven fours and three sixes) to propel Maldon to their highest total this season (264-8).

Kemsley Robb, who played just one game for Mistley I last year and scored 100 not out, repeated the feat this year.

Maldon got an early wicket thanks to Jack Riley, but Robb and Young (66) hit 27 boundaries between them to put the match beyond Maldon.

Toby Pugh (2-65) did his best to stem the tide but Mistley carried on and an undefeated 57 by Goff saw them pass Maldon's total for the loss of only three wickets. Mistley consolidated their position as third in the table.

In the Two Counties Division Five, Maldon II played Tuddenham I. Maldon came up against another century maker as Tuddenham batted first. Things began well for Maldon as in-form Chris Punchard (3-53) dismissed both openers for 43.

Cross (100 no) then found a partner in Smith (65) and took the game away from Maldon in a stand of 153. Maldon got a couple more wickets before Tuddenham closed at 223-4.

Maldon made a good fist for their reply. It began badly; they were 16-2, but Stuart Coker (22) and James Ellis (59) put on 60 for the second wicket and 224 was looking attainable. After Coker went, Jake Collins (39) pushed on a partnership with Ellis.

However, when Ellis was out, Tuddenham launched Tim Harris, who took three wickets in three overs to hasten through Maldon's lower order and a total of 162.

Kelvedon & Feering II played Maldon III in Division Six and yet another opponent posted an undefeated century against Maldon. Matt Hart (102) opened the innings for Kelvedon and was still there at the end with only one other batsman posting a significant score and their innings closed at 197-6.

Maldon's young team has some experienced cricketers to guide them. Two of these, Alan Sims (33) and Paul Bardo (40) wrestled the innings away from a poor start.

Sims went at 87-5 but Bardo received help from Sandy Grant (14) and Reece Bawden (25) and Maldon edged closer.

With the skipper gone, wickets fell quickly and the thirds fell short at 162.

ALEX DOWSETT has achieved something most professional cyclists can only dream of by winning a Grand Tour stage.

The 24-year-old stunned everyone, including himself, as he beat the likes of Sir Bradley Wiggins and Cadel Evans to win Saturday's time trial at the Giro d'Italia. As the Chelsmford man said: "Things like this aren't supposed to happen to me".

Dowsett had been brought into the Movistar line-up because of his ability against the clock and, having already put in a leading performance to help the team set the second quickest time in last weekend's team time trial, he had been allowed to hold back a little in the subsequent stages so he could perform at this best in the 55.5km individual time trial between Gabicce Mare and Saltara.

But in setting his stage winning time of 1hr 16mins 27secs, an average speed just a fraction over 43kpm, he took some noticeable scalps including those of London 2012 time trial gold medallist Wiggins, former Tour de France and road racing World Champion Evans, and the new leader of this year's Giro, Italian favourite Vincenzo Nibali.

"I went out super easy and rode into the stage," Dowsett said. "I upped my wattage on the climbs but then kicked back over the top of each climb before building the power again on the descents and then attacking the flat sections. It was really well balanced but most importantly, it worked."

Dowsett also explained how the team had responded to his win. "They are really very, very happy. They've been very good to me in allowing me to hold back a bit in the first week of the race and now I've won the stage I feel I've repaid their faith in me. We had champagne to celebrate my win, they've just all been so great.

"The other guys have also been really made up for me. Bradley came into the changing tent to find me, shook my hand and said 'well done'. Others who I've grown up with like Taylor Phinney and Jesse Sergent, who I rode with in 2010 at Trek-Livestrong, have also been over the moon for me."

In the run up to the Giro, Dowsett knew he was in good shape, but the significance of winning a stage in one of cycling's biggest races just eight days into his Grand Tour career is certainly not lost on him.

"It massive and puts me out there as a rider. It shows I can win stages at the very highest level and takes me up another step as a rider. I was just a neo-Grand Tour rider. I'm now a Grand Tour stage winner and part of a quite a small club."

But there is an even greater significance that is very personal to Dowsett. And that relates to his being able to win a stage of a Grand Tour despite suffering from haemophilia, a condition that rarely sees the sufferer reaching such sporting heights as Dowsett has now achieved.

"My win is continuing to prove to young haemophiliacs and their parents that they don't have to be held back because of their condition. Advances in medication now means that they don't have to be wrapped up in cotton wool. And I certainly hope that my win proves that they don't have to remain inactive."

MANSELL WALLACE has revealed he hopes to have Chelmsford City's new manager in place by Monday.

The Clarets chairman has received more than 20 applicants for the job, after Glenn Pennyfather was sacked last week following four years at the helm.

Wallace is eager to get a new boss in place as soon as possible and will be conducting interviews in the latter part of this week. "I have received lots and lots of CVs, more than 20," the chairman said.

"I will be sitting down with the board and members of the supporters club to make a shortlist of five or six candidates and then we will interview them on Thursday and Friday and then make over decision over the weekend.

"We sorted out a budget last Sunday, as that is something the new man will want to know, he will want to know what he has to work with, but it is moving along quickly. It's very exciting."

Rumours were circulating this week that among the candidates was former Gillingham boss Andy Hessenthaler, but Wallace insisted he would not be naming names.

"Because of the confidentiality of the applicant I can't talk about names," he said. "There are applicants who are still in jobs elsewhere, so only the successful applicant will ever be named."

This week has seen the departure of top-scorer Jamie Slabber and number one Stuart Searle, but Wallace will wait before bringing players in as he wants to ensure the new manager has a "blank canvas".

"Jamie going was a disappointment," the chairman said. "Jamie was a big goal-scorer and he will be missed, but I'm sure we will get someone in who will score goals and also work hard because I think we missed that a bit at the crunch end of the season.

"Stuart Searle was a great servant for the club but has decided to move into coaching and Chelsea have made him a great offer I believe.

"Danzelle St Louis-Hamilton did a good job towards the end of the season and there is a keeper in the youth team that can step up to be the number two.

"It's up to the new manager if he wants to bring anyone else in, I wanted to give him a blank canvas."

A GRIEVING mum whose son was beaten to death in a German nightclub will feature in a Channel 4 documentary tonight.

Marie Heath, 54, of Silver End, and her family appear on The Murder Workers: Cutting Edge, a show that follows the work of Victim Support's national homicide team as they help families deal with their grief and stress during murder investigations.

Mrs Heath's son Lee, 31, was murdered by three bouncers in a nightclub in Frankfurt, the city where he had been living and working for 18 months.

She had a long fight for justice involving 116 flights to the German city and a five-month legal battle that look over a year to see the inside of a courtroom, which crippled her financially – despite a Chronicle campaign that raised £3,500 towards her flights and accommodation.

The documentary follows her and her partner Brian Reeves, 60, and son Danny, 29, to the trial, at which the Chronicle was also present.

"To have the cameras come with us was a big decision for our family to make, but we wanted to highlight the great work the Victim Support workers do and do it mainly for Lee and for all the great support our liaison officer Carol has been and still is," she said.

"When someone is murdered there's no support, you have to wait to find out yourself. It was important for us to have our voice.

"At first we felt like we were just a statistic. Criminals and murderers have all the help in the world, but there's no practical help for the victims' families."

Three bouncers were jailed in September 2012 for a combined 24-and-a-half years for killing Lee Heath on Easter Monday, 2011.

"We couldn't have asked for a better group in the Channel 4 team, they were brilliant, I can't praise them enough. They became like members of the family and we still keep in contact.

"When we went out to Germany the camera being out there following us had an effect on the way we were treated. Suddenly a car met us at the airport – that didn't happen before.

"I wasn't even allowed to show emotion – I couldn't be sad, I couldn't be angry. As a family you are limited to what you can say, so it was a way for us to have our say. By having the cameras there it took the pressure off us and deflected attention a bit.

"Some families don't get that support so we wanted to thank them. I can never thank Carol enough; she'll always have a place in our family."

When a murder investigation begins not only do bereaved families have to deal with the initial loss of a relative, they are also thrown into a world of police investigations and criminal proceedings of which they would otherwise not be familiar with.

The Victim Support team helps with funeral arrangements, applying for compensation, getting specialist counselling, closing down bank accounts, cancelling holidays or just being there.

Carol Geere, 48, formerly of Writtle, is a member of the Victim Support team, and previously helped families affected by gang crime in the Caribbean.

She said: "We made it clear that if Marie said yes at first she could say no at any time. We followed her through the trial and after. As long as they need us we're there for them, even after the trial."

BOWLS: Chelmsford Bowls Club is once again fielding eight league teams in local bowls leagues this season.

They kicked off their Chelmsford & District BA (C&D BA) League campaign in grand style with a series of four good wins across their four C&D BA teams.

Chelmsford A beat Writtle B 66-59, Chelmsford B beat Billericay A 58-46, Chelmsford C won 60-49 against Burnham B and Chelmsford D beat RHP C 52-45.

In the Central Midweek Bowling League the club were not so successful winning just one of their four league matches. Chelmsford B in Division Two were the only victorious team beating newly promoted Silver End 44-37 and taking the maximum eight points.

Chelmsford A lost to last season's top league winners Danbury C at Mayes Lane 25-36, Chelmsford C were beaten by Danbury B at Tower Gardens 24-36 and Chelmsford D lost heavily to Trinity 29- 44.

Chelmsford & District Bowling Association (C&D BA) results:

Division two: Chelmsford A 66 (8pts) Writtle B 59 (2pts). Rink scores ( Chelmsford skips named first); Fred Dowding 29, Roger Day 13, Phil Kyffin 12, George McGuffin 23, Terry Little 25, Rod Whiteman 23. Chelmsford B 58 (8) Billericay A 46 (2). Graham Robson 25, Alan Ambrose 14, John Caton 16, Rex Hobbs 19, Bob Barnett 17, Fred Nickelson 13. Division three; Chelmsford C 60 (6) Burnham B 49 (4). Ron Page 16 Ron Hunter 17, Ben Lilley 14, Peter Perrin 16, Derek Flack 3,0 Greg Gladden 16. Division five; Chelmsford D 52 (7) RHP C 45 (3). Ken Newhouse 24, Ian Drummond 9, Terry Parks 16, Dave Attridge 16, Jeremy Salter 12, Laurie Powell 20.

Central Midweek Bowling League results; Division one; Chelmsford A 25 (2) Danbury C 36 (6). Bob Barnett 8, Morris Eveleigh 21, Ray Walker 17, Dennis Willett 15. Division two; Chelmsford B 44 (8) Silver End 37 (0). Jennie Wilson 20-14, Bob Barnard 24-23. Division four; Chelmsford C 24 (0) Danbury B 36 (8). Mick Allen 15, Ray Robinson 19, Ron Page 9, Dave Hendle 17.

Division six; Chelmsford D 29 (0) Trinity 44 (8). Ken Seal 15-28, Charlie Simpson 14-16.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS mascot Streetly the Swift went into the national spotlight during his run at the Mascot Grand National.

The race was covered by BBC's The One Show earlier this month, and their guest on the night - actress Caroline Quentin - picked out the Ryman League Division One North outfit's mascot in their sweepstake.

But he was slowed down by his heavy feet, and although he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, he trailed in 18th out of 27 in the field.

The race was won by Barry Barratt the builder, ahead of Mr Bumble of Barnet.

Streetly said: "It was a wonderful day out, great fun and worthwhile as my entrance fee was donated to charity."

The mascot derby has been running since 1999, and this was the second time it had been held at Kempton Park.

You can see a video of the race at www.heybridgeswifts.com.

Meanwhile, the club have announced a pre-season friendly against League One Colchester United at Scracely Road on Wednesday July 10.

PETER Stockley, a lecturer for many years at the former Mid-Essex Technical College, died on Sunday, May 5, at Broomfield Hospital, after a long illness.

He was born the middle child of a Suffolk family from Mildenhall, his grandfather (affectionately known as "WG"), having been a notable figure in the village as headmaster of the school and organist at the parish church.

His mother also taught at the school, while his father, Mr A V Stockley, latterly served in the role of Principal Door Keeper at the Houses of Parliament under Black Rod.

Peter attended Culford School, near Bury St Edmunds, and went on to qualify as a teacher after having completed an apprenticeship at engineering firm, Ransomes & Rapier in Ipswich.

He met and married local nurse Julie Lees and they moved to Chelmsford in 1961, where they settled. Peter took up the post of lecturer in engineering and mathematics at what later became Anglia Ruskin University, progressing to senior lecturer, specialising in the newly developed CAD, until he retired after 36 years' service.

Julie and Peter had four children – Vivienne, Annette, Richard and Elizabeth.

Peter was a competent pianist and enjoyed being part of a piano trio and piano duet, giving recitals at the college, Shire Hall and Chelmsford Cathedral. Julie sang for many seasons in the Chelmsford Singers.

Peter was also a keen hockey player in earlier life, playing for the Hoffmann's hockey team.

Later in life he was involved in voluntary work as a pianist entertaining the patients of Farleigh Hospice, while one of his chief pleasures in retirement was playing bridge with the Danbury Bridge Club.

He will be sadly missed, a devoted husband, father and grandfather and brother to Tony and Anne.

The funeral will take place on Thursday, May 23, at St Michael's Church, Galleywood.

Donations may be made to Essex Air Ambulance.

PUPILS welcomed a teacher from their twin Kenyan school this week. The Cathedral School invited Pauline Njeru from St Peter's Embu, to strengthen international links and teaching about global issues.

The teachers and children have been working with St Peter's in Kenya to learn how to become responsible global citizens and to develop skills to work in a global economy.

The two schools have worked simultaneously on a project focussed on food, looking at food production, where food comes from and what we eat.

The two schools have done the same tasks then swapped information so that the children can compare and learn from each other.

In Chelmsford the children have had to be very creative to find enough growing room to plant their food. The result has been a range of unusual pots and planters including wellington boots and bin bags.

Pauline Njeru from St Peter's has been in Chelmsford to learn more about the project's progress and to work with the children at the Cathedral School.

Claire Nokes a teacher from The Cathedral School will be travelling to Kenya for an exchange visit later in the year.

A DEDICATED ex-marine radio officer has made a like-for-like model of Guglielmo Marconi's steam yacht 'Elettra' after three years of extremely hard work.

Peter Watkins proudly presented the model to nearly 500 visitors at "one of the best" Sandford Mill open days in recent years.

Following the Marconi Day event at the end of April, the ship will be on show for the museum's science discovery day on September 27.

"It's a very nice model of a very graceful yacht," said Geoff Bowles, Chelmsford Museum's curator of science. "He did an exact copy and all built from scratch.

"He swore he would have it ready on time and he did.

"If he hadn't had it on show we would have done it anyway and dared people to find the missing bits," Geoff joked.

The day, which included talks, tours and refreshments, all free of charge, coincided with the national Radio Officers' Association AGM at the Atlantic Hotel in Chelmsford.

In the afternoon, the association joined the crew at Sandford Mill.

A WELL-ESTABLISHED peer mentoring scheme runs at St Martin's School in Hutton.

PIPs (Prefects in Peer Support) have been so successful in helping Year Seven pupils settle in the school, their work has been extended to help Year Eight pupils too.

All PIPs receive the KIDSCAPE BIT (bullying intervention training) so they feel equipped to cope with students who need extra support.

The training focuses on all areas of bullying, with a particular emphasis on cyber intimidation to which young people can fall prey via text messages or social networking sites.

Working in pairs the PIPS spend two or three mornings a week with their forms, running activities with the aim of encouraging the younger pupils to get on well together.

Gaynor Wilson, the school's SEAL (social and emotional aspects of learning) co-ordinator, who oversees the scheme, said: "Having PIPs helps the Year Sevens settle, allays fears and gives them an upper school friendly face to remember.

"It has worked so well we wanted them to continue when the students move into year Eight, as although they are now familiar with the school they can still have problems."

Joseph Beattie, 18, who is head boy of St Martin's, became a PIP in September.

He said: "I was asked to get involved and very happy to do so. Some of my friends have been doing it for more a year now and have established a rapport with younger pupils.

"It's lovely to see that.

"I've just moved forms and this one is quite different from the last one I was in.

"They are both lovely but it's interesting to see how different the chemistry is between the two groups."

Joseph works with Nikita Frampton, 17, and as they are both drama students they like to use role play and acting games to help the younger students mix more.

Nikita said: "It's really nice as you are with them for two years and so you really get to know them.

"The pupils have our school email addresses so if they do not want to speak out in front of others they contact us that way.

"I think they often feel happier talking to me rather a teacher as I am much closer in age."

DESPITE agreeing to cut cabinet members' allowances by three per cent, the Conservatives at Essex County Hall have been criticised for rejecting a proposal to make further savings.

The proposal to scrap the Special Allowance of the Deputy Leader, which was put forward by Liberal Democrat members this week, was rejected by members, despite claims it would save taxpayers £21,400.

Lib Dem councillor Stephen Robinson, representing Chelmsford North, said: "This post is just not required. The Conservative deputy leader of the Council receives £40,000, eight Cabinet members receive £35,000 and the Deputy Cabinet members receive £13,000 each. The Conservative group must recognise that they lost one third of their councillors in the election and don't need this extra allowance."

The Liberal Democrat proposal was supported by councillors from other major parties including Labour, and the Green Party, although Ukip abstained and it was finally voted down by the Tory majority.

Leader of the Liberal Democrat opposition, Mike Mackrory, said: "The Conservatives have 56 per cent of the councillors, but have rewarded themselves with 97 per cent of the allowances. This is quite outrageous."

MORE than 1,000 fundraisers put on their walking shoes at the weekend to raise vital funds for a community hospice.

The annual Farleigh Hospice 'Walk for Life' on Sunday attracted crowds to Heybridge Basin to sign up to the challenge in memory of a loved one, or simply to support the work the hospice carries out.

And the popular day – now celebrating it's 21st anniversary – raised a total of £101,300 in sponsorship, which will now all contribute to the specialist care it provides in Chelmsford and throughout Essex.

Farleigh Hospice's marketing manager, Cheryl Bunkle, said: "In one way or another, Farleigh Hospice has touched the lives of so many people from the Chelmsford, Maldon and Braintree districts, and this is so evident at the walk. It's an important event which has come to be very well supported by so many people over the years."

Participants arrived at the Daisy Meadow car park from 8.30am onwards, with the opportunity to choose between a 22km, or 10.5km route, all ending up at Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford.

"Myself and the rest of the team at the hospice are more than grateful to every single one of the 1,107 lovely walkers who took part," added Cheryl.

"The money raised through this event will go a long way in helping the hospice's specialist team carry on making a real difference to local families affected by life limiting illnesses, when and where they need us most. It really is because you care that Farleigh Hospice can."

Farleigh Hospice needs to raise £7,850 each day through voluntary funding to continue its care services in the county.