A SINGLE mother says she is living in "complete darkness" due to overgrown trees stopping natural light from entering her home.

Kelley Pitt, 36, also believes the foliage is causing her two-bedroom council house in Copperfield Gardens to become damp.

The trees overhang the rear garden of her property from land owned by housebuilders Linden Homes. However, Miss Pitt, who moved into the house in January 2011 with her son Charley, 17, claims neither the company nor Brentwood Borough Council is willing to help her.

She told the Gazette this week: "All I do is sit and cry – I'm in complete darkness. It's out of my control as there's no way I could afford to do the work myself – it will cost thousands of pounds.

"I have been fighting this for two years and the council said it is nothing to do with them. This is a mess."

She continued: "Everything is mouldy – the wallpaper is peeling off, the blinds have rotted and I've had to take my kitchen floor up.

"I have painted everything white and cream to try and brighten things up. I have a built-in wardrobe and all my clothes are in it and they've all rotted.

"My patio furniture has rotted away and the tree roots are even lifting up the patio itself. I don't want to live like this," she cried.

Miss Pitt first complained in July 2011 and says that since then Brentwood Borough Council, which owns the council house, and Linden Homes, which owns the land where the trees grow, have been passing the blame between one another.

She said: "I feel ignored – I am the tenant stuck in the middle."

A spokesman for Linden Homes said: "The trees form part of a protected woodland habitat and a well-populated badger sett, with a number of the trees having Tree Protection Orders.

"Further to our investigation, there is no evidence of any trees causing direct damage to the property, which, at the time of construction, was designed to accommodate the existing adjacent trees.

"We have advised the tenant and property owners that they are within their rights to trim the trees back to the boundary line, providing they conform to any restrictions that may be in place."

Councillor Jan Pound, spokesman for Housing and Health at Brentwood Borough Council, commented: "The trees are on land belonging to Linden Homes, not on council land and we understand from Linden Homes that they are part of a protected woodland habitat.

"Previous inspections by council technical staff have not concluded that the trees are causing a problem to our property, however we will be visiting again shortly to reassess the situation."

THE body of a former Brentwood schoolboy whose mother found success with novels about life in the East End has been found on a paradise beach in Thailand.

Jeremy O'Neill, 37, who went to Shenfield High School, was found, according to reports, clad only in a red T-shirt, washed up on Patong beach in Phuket on May 21.

The bearded 37-year-old was brought up in Nine Ashes Road, Stondon Massey, and attended Springfield PNEU school, in Stondon Road, Ongar, until the age of 11.

He was reported to have been seen by Patong residents washing himself in the sea at 4am – about two-and-a-half hours before lifeguards and police were notified of his death.

According to the Thai media, doctors at Patong Hospital have concluded that he drowned.

Mr O'Neill, known as Jem to his family, had been studying Thai at Patong Language School, just a few hundred yards from where he died.

A tribute Just Giving page set up in his memory by his younger sister, Jodi Glass, is raising funds for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity.

A comment from a user called Marieto wrote: "Jel (sic) was the most big hearted, smiler, larger than life, craziest person I knew and when remembering him I will always smile :) sleep tight fella xxx".

J Bucknole wrote: "Donating to a great charity in memory of an amazing man."

One heartfelt message read: "My heart is broken :-( the world is a much sadder place without you. Jeremy O'Neil I will NEVER EVER forget you x x x. Love you x x x.

His former head teacher, Dr Peter Osborne, who taught at Shenfield High School until his retirement in 1995, said: "Obviously I am very saddened.

"It always amazes me how young people these days travel so extensively over the globe."

A message posted on Facebook, from Russell Griffiths read "r i p jel cuz x".

Patong Language School attracts students from all over the work to learn Thai, but also provides courses in German, Japanese and English.

Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia, attracting more than three million visitors annually.

A message from the school, which describes itself as Thailand's leading language school said: "All of us here at Patong Language School are very saddened to hear of the death of one of our students, Jeremy O'Neill. He was a great guy, always with a laugh and a smile and will be missed by all who knew him. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends."

Several messages on the school's Facebook site have been left in memory of Mr O'Neill.

Linda Sofia wrote: "I am so sad to hear that, we really had a great time in PLS."

Bikkie Kawinkij wrote: "So sad, Linda. He was a really nice guy and too young to go."

Drownings are most common on Phuket's west coast beaches in the monsoon season, which can start as early as May.

A spokesman for the FCO, who confirmed the death of Mr O'Neill, said: "We were notified of the death of a British national on May 21 and we are providing consular assistance at this sad time."

Mr O'Neill, who moved to London in 2002, was the only son of Gilda O'Neill, the author of 13 novels based around life in the East End.

Mrs O'Neill died aged 59 in 2010 from side-effects triggered by medication prescribed for a minor injury.

EDDIE Brett, 21, Sonny Jay, 19, and Te Qhairo, 19, met at Colin's Performing Arts College in Romford and since then formed their band which shot to success through last year's Britain's Got Talent.

The Loveable Rogues have since taken the country by storm and will be headlining the Brentwood Festival on Sunday, July 7.

Talking about coming to Brentwood again they said: "We're partial to a bit of Sugar Hut and the Slug and Lettuce and we do lots in Essex.

"We did the Music Crowns Festival and a performance at Hopefield. Back in the day we were on Phoenix FM too."

The boys, live in Essex and London – Sonny is based in Chigwell, Te in Canary Warf and Eddie in Harlow.

When asked what they would be bringing to the Brentwood Festival they replied: "Music and lots of fun and hopefully nice weather.

"We'll be doing our first and second single as well as other songs. We can appeal to families and our fans are of all ages."

The boys described their music as predominately pop with their own spin.

They explained: "It's all our own stuff, besides a few covers," adding that their new album will consist entirely of their own music.

The band have been on tour with Olly Murs and spoke highly of the Essex pop star:

"It was fantastic, he is from near where we live.

"When you go away with someone that long we came out friends which made it a really nice vibe."

The band have been performing together for two years and individually since before then.

"This is what we've always wanted," they explained.

"This is something we've aspired to do but you never know you're going to make it.

"It's a bit nuts at the moment – when our friends ask us what we've been up to and you tell them it's like you're telling yourself and that's when it starts to sink in.

"We're more used to it now but as it's so varied it doesn't sink in. We never really argue, only over little things like who spends the most time in the bathroom – nothing serious."

Eddie explained how he came up with the band's name: "I was in the park and saw a bird pecking at another bird, he went off and did the same to another bird – I thought to myself 'what a loveable rogue' and it came from there."

The boys are now focusing on their album and second single and in the future are hoping to do their own tour as well as planning a summer holiday.

"And of course spending lots of time in Brentwood," they added.

Loveable Rogues headline The Brentwood Festival on Sunday, July 7. To find out more about the festival and book tickets go to www.brentwoodfestival.co.uk

A gardener has given a new meaning to the concept of Neighbourhood Watch after cutting six staring faces into his hedge. See the 'faces' here Michael Geiger's quirky creation in the front garden of his home in Little Norsey Road, Billericay, has left passers-by smiling and some drivers have even stopped to take a closer look.
 
The retired banker, 84, used gardening clippers and string to create the characters in the 12-ft leylandii.
 
The faces have been likened to the Moai statues found on Easter Island in the South Pacific whilst other people have called them the
"sleeping policemen" keeping watch on the street.
 
Mr Geiger who lives with wife Betty, 82, said his hedge was the talk of the town.
 
He said: "People seem to like the faces - the children especially will stop and have a look.
 
"They have become quite well known round here - they seem to be quite popular.
 
"The hedge was rather large and boring and I thought I might create a bit of interest by sculpting the faces in there.
 
"I think Betty thought I was becoming eccentric when I decided to do it."
 
When he first clipped the characters into the hedge, it took Mr Geiger about a year to complete the look because he had to let parts of the hedge grow.
 
But now the faces need just a monthly trim to keep them looking fresh.
 
He added: "I still do all the trimming of the faces but we get somebody in to cut the hedge every year as I am not so keen on going up the adders anymore."

HOPEFIELD Animal Sanctuary's open day featured everything from bric-a-brac stalls to a bouncy castle and there was plenty on offer for all ages.

Dad of two Ben Hinton, 38, from Bocking, had brought along his two children, Sam, aged four, and two-year-old Ruby.

He said: "We try and take the kids to a place with animals at least once a week.

"Days like this are great for the children and the weather is excellent today.

"I haven't been to Hopefield before but it is good to be able to see and support the work they do."

The joint open day was the idea of rabbit re-homing charity Little Angels.

Founder Lucy Gill, 34, from Romford, said: "We are good friends with Hopefield and I admire the work they do.

"I suggested that we try and do something together and this is what we came up with.

"Most of the rabbits that come to us are after a family has bought one for a child who then gets bored.

"People don't realise how much hard work rabbits can be."

Emma Tudor, 36, from Upminster was with her two children, James and Steven, aged 6 and 5 respectively.

"We already have three bunnies from Little Angels and we just wanted to support the work they do," she said. "We love to come and see the animals and James and Steven definitely love the bunny rabbits."

Hopefield volunteers, Emma, 13, and Bethany, 12, were on hand to help out with the rabbits.

"I have been working here six weeks and I really enjoy it," said Emma, who lives in Romford.

"We're both big animal lovers and it is great to help out."

Hopefield's deputy manager Lianne Angliss said: "We need to raise as much money as we can and we do several open days and events like this.

"This is our first event where we have partnered with a smaller charity to help them out."

Meanwhile, Remus horse sanctuary near Ingatestone was hosting its second of six annual open days that run from May until October.

The event's big draw was a dog show but there were also many stalls, morris dancing, karaoke and much more to keep the 1,000 or so visitors entertained.

The dog show featured eight categories and hundreds of dogs turned up, with many winning a coveted rosette. With categories including Musical Sit, to Best Catcher and Best Tail Wagger, the show had something for everyone.

Winner of the Best Cross Breed was 10-month-old Chocie, a border collie deerhound cross from Queens Park, Billericay.

Owner Hazel Truman, 64, said: "I can't believe it – I am over the moon.

"My dog Sam had just passed away this week.

"He was 14 years old and meant everything to me.

"Red was Sam's colour.

"He never used to win and always came 2nd or 3rd.

"So I dressed up Chocie in red in memory of Sam and we won.

"It is a really nice tribute to my old westie Sam."

Coming first in the Best Veteran category was 14-year-old golden retriever Bailey, who was being shown by nine-year-old Jessica Rowe from Chelmsford.

Jessica's father Steve Rowe, 45, said: "It is really good that he won. I have had him since he was a pup and he was my first dog."

Remus deputy secretary manager Vicky Thorogood said: "Events like these are vital.

"Each one pulls in around £5,000 – this one has been really popular and I reckon it will raise even more.

"We have around 200 large animals on site and they depend on events like these."

A CARER who has been refused an eye operation fears she may accidentally kill her husband because she struggles to read his prescriptions.

Bernice Cowles, 80, helps to give up to 20 tablets a day to her husband Murray, 81, who suffers from Parkinson's disease.

But Mrs Cowles, of Chafford Gardens, West Horndon, has been refused surgery on her cataracts and now worries that she is a risk to the father of her three children.

"It's important that I can read his prescriptions correctly," said Mrs Cowles, who is particularly affected in her left eye.

"I could read he needs 13 of a certain tablet rather than three. These things run through your mind.

"If the other eye goes what then? At my age you never can tell what might go next."

Her cataracts began to develop last summer, but at a routine optician's appointment in January she was told the problem needed to be addressed before she could be given new glasses.

However, after being referred by her GP to Brentwood Community Hospital, the pensioner was told she could read enough letters on an eye chart and that she must wait another six months before being reassessed.

The criteria was set by the newly-formed Basildon and Brentwood Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and, as such, can be different depending on the area of the country in which you live.

"It seems to be that nasty postcode lottery business," said Mrs Cowles.

"I just saw too many letters below the set line.

"I struggled with it, but of course you do your best at the time, although it was a real struggle on the last line.

"I'd like them to assess me not just on what I can see but what I have to do. It should be taken into consideration."

"It's not as if I particularly want to have it done. It's not something I'd look forward to. But it is necessary – I need to have it done.

"I don't want to jump queues, I just want to get on the waiting list.

"It would give me peace of mind and mean that I won't have to worry so much about the future."

The progressive neurological condition that former Royal and Merchant Navy seaman Mr Cowles suffers from means that he struggles to take the required prescriptions himself.

He said: "To lose the vital support my wife gives me would be unthinkable. At the very best I would have to have strangers administering my medication."

In worry the couple turned to Brentwood and Ongar MP Eric Pickles to highlight their cause.

Mr Pickles wrote to the CCG and Mrs Cowles has now been offered the chance to apply for funding to have her cataracts removed.

However, the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) believes this is not satisfactory, as she may have to wait for up to a year and there are no guarantees she will get an operation.

Clara Eaglen, RNIB eye health campaigns manager, said: "We believe that the eligibility criteria used by Basildon and Brentwood CCG is in breach of guidance issued by the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and should be immediately withdrawn.

"Everyone with a sight-threatening condition deserves early access to treatments that will delay or halt sight loss.

"People like Mrs Cowles should not have to live with a reduced quality of life simply because commissioners are using arbitrary criteria to determine whether they get to keep their sight."

The Gazette approached the Basildon and Brentwood CCG for a comment, but it had not responded at the time of going to press.

CALLS are being made for speed restrictions on a "dangerous" road near Ongar where a pensioner was killed.

Councillors say action is needed to improve safety on the stretch of road between Tyler's Green and High Ongar, on which there have been 19 serious or fatal crashes since 2005.

The latest fatality was on May 23, when Colin Evans, 70, from Brentwood, died when the silver Honda Jazz in which he was a passenger, collided with a Vauxhall Vivaro near the junction of the A414 with Pensons Lane.

This was the spot where another Brentwood resident, teenager Chrissie Johnson, was left brain damaged after a collision seven years ago.

There have been two deaths on the road since 2005 plus more than 70 reported incidents resulting in slight injuries.

Brian Surtees, a member of Ongar Town Council said: "As a resident it is something that is very concerning.

"It is a dangerous road and you would hope something could be done to improve it.

"I think everyone in the area is aware of what happens on that stretch of road and many people know someone who has been affected.

"If something can be done to improve it – if it is a speed limit or more signage – then it would be of a great help."

Mr Surtees, the vice-chairman of the town council, continued: "It is very sad that someone has lost their life and my thoughts are with the family.

"If anything can be done to prevent it happening in the future then it would be very welcome.

"It is an issue that is always raising its head time and again and it seems that it isn't getting better."

Town clerk Aimi Middlehurst said: "It is very sad to hear of the fatal accident on the A414.

"The town council would be willing to assist the county council with any local knowledge but Essex County Council does hold the budget and responsibility for highways matters."

An Essex County Council spokeswoman said: "We are aware of the fatality that occurred on the A414 and offer our condolences to family of the individual involved.

"There are currently no plans to make changes to this stretch of road or hold a consultation.

"We will await the police report from this incident to ascertain if any measures may be required.

"However, residents may wish to raise concerns via their Local Highways Panel, which could consider what alternative measures may be available to address local concerns.

"We would advise the residents to contact their local parish or district councillor.

"Essex Police is currently investigating the collision and we will support them with their enquiries.

"Until these investigations are concluded we will not be in a position to comment further."

AIDEN PALMER admits it was a "very hard" decision to decide to leave Chelmsford City. The left-sided player made more than 100 appearances in two seasons with the Clarets – mainly at left-back – but announced last week he was to move on.

It has since been revealed that the 26-year-old has joined Ebbsfleet.

He said: "It was a tough decision. Deep down I didn't really want to leave to be honest, but I've got a young family.

"It was very hard, I didn't want to leave, especially after the play-offs last year but I think it's for the best for my family's sake."

Speaking on Twitter after revealing he was to move on, he said he had "nothing but good memories of the club".

And as he moves on, he admits he is hoping to be fondly remembered by the Clarets fans.

"I'd like to say a big thank to all the fans, the board and everyone associated with the club.

"It has been the best two years of my life and I'm grateful for that.

"I have decided which club I'm joining, but I'm not able to say anything yet.

"I will be playing against Chelmsford next season though.

"I hope to get a good reception. The fans have been great to me, I've not left the club on bad terms or anything like that, so I'm hoping that I will get a good reception from the fans.

"I want to Chelmsford to be up there, I've spoken to Dean Holdsworth and Mansell Wallace and told them I want Chelmsford to be up there.

"I'm a Chelmsford supporter, obviously I want to win the league but I want them to be up there as well."

Manager Holdsworth admitted he was sorry to see Palmer go but that the Clarets were simply not able to match the terms offered by Palmer's new club.

"He's got a much better financial offer," he said. "He's got to think of his family and I understand and respect that completely.

"It wasn't a football decision, it was a financial one. He's very respected by everyone. As a manager you have to understand players will come and go.

"They go for the right reasons, and he's bettered himself, by playing some good consistent games for Chelmsford. He's got a good financial offer so I wish him well.

"We couldn't match what he was offered."

Another player seemingly bound for the Melbourne Park exit door is winger Anthony Cook.

Cook, whose penalty secured the play-off semi-final first leg win over Salisbury last month, has claimed on Twitter that he does not want stay at the club after not being paid some expenses.

He wrote: "Definitely can't stay now... refusing to contact me about unpaid expense but choosing to talk to other players about me. Enough is enough.

"Would have loved to stay but the disrespect is way too much to deal with... I hope the club do well the fans deserve it great fans."

HE DESCRIBES himself as "a bit like a non-league Robbie Savage" – and midfielder Tom Davis has insisted he has signed for Chelmsford City to win things.

Davis, 29, became manager Dean Holdsworth's second new signing at Melbourne Park last week, agreeing terms for next season after leaving Tonbridge Angels.

He has vast experience of the non-league scene and has won promotion from the Conference South with Woking, AFC Wimbledon, Lewes and St Albans, as well as the Ryman League with Sutton United and Dover Athletic.

And he has now joined Holdsworth's new-look Clarets, and although he admits it will be a tough ask to add another promotion to his CV at the first time of asking, his winning mentality means he has his sights set on the top of the table.

"I'm a winner," he said. "I have to win in training, if I'm driving I have to race someone off at the traffic lights.

"I just have to win, if I'm playing Scrabble, Monopoly or cards, if I don't win I get upset.

"Even when I'm playing with my little girl, if I don't win at something I'm kind of like 'I should have won that' and I think that's set me up well for non-league.

"Chelmsford have had a lot of good players over the years but some of them haven't quite achieved what they should have achieved.

"I'm not turning up every Saturday, spending quite a lot of time away from my family and concentrating on football as well as a job, to not achieve things.

"I don't waste my time, my time's valuable so I'm not here to just play and keep fit – I'm here to win things.

"I said that to Dean, I don't do anything without winning. If it's training and I'm not winning, I'm going to be telling them to sort it out or else it's a waste of everyone's time."

Having played at Melbourne Park on several occasions in the past, Davis believes the club is a daunting place for the opposition – and is thrilled to be working under Holdsworth at the Clarets.

"I was pleased to get it sorted," he added. "I've always thought playing against Chelmsford is a tough game.

"No-one likes going to Chelmsford to play their games.

"It's quite good to play for someone where you know teams don't like Chelmsford, they don't like going to the ground because of the track.

"It's a decent club and it's got a good opportunity next year to kick on from last year.

"Dean's a massive candidate and I'm sure Chelmsford and their fans are really pleased to get someone who is not just a name that will help attract fans but he's also highly qualified for the role as well."

And Davis believe he has a lot to offer his new boss in the middle of the park.

"I'm a passer," he said. "I wouldn't say I'm both-footed but I can pass the ball quite adequately with both feet. I'm box-to-box, I keep myself fit, I can play holding, or I can push on.

"I'm one of them annoying midfielders. I guess some people might not see what I do, I break the play up a lot. I'm a bit like a non-league Robbie Savage. I bomb about, wind people up.

"I wouldn't say I score loads of goals but I have scored goals.

"I've never been sent off, but I do get a few bookings because that's the type of midfielder I am – I'm one of those annoying guys who's always there."

MANAGER Dean Holdsworth has signed four more players this week as he begins to shape his new-look Chelmsford City squad.

After signing left-sided player Nicky Nicolau last week, Holdsworth has brought in two more new faces and agreed deals with two of last season's Clarets to stay at the club.

Midfielder Tom Davis, 29, has arrived after leaving Tonbridge Angels, while Dover centre-back Danny Webb is back for a second spell with the Clarets.

And Holdsworth has also seen last season's player of the year, centre-back Mark Haines, and striker Rob Edmans pen contracts to stay with the club.

Meanwhile, the club have announced an increase in season ticket prices for the 2013-14 campaign. An adult terrace season ticket is priced at £210, with a seat in the stand costing £235.

Matchday prices will be £13 for the terrace and £14 for the stand, meaning a saving of around £60 for season-ticket holders attending each home game.

Concession tickets are priced at £145 and £170, Youths (17 to 18) £70 and £80, Children (12 to 16) £40 and £45 and U11s can stand on the terrace for £15 or sit in the stand for £35.

Chairman Mansell Wallace said: "We took the decision to raise the prices slightly with the long-term interests of the club in mind. It's no secret that we've inherited an amount of historical debt and we've been making a conscious effort recently to clear this as soon as possible.

"We hope our brilliant fans understand the modest increase, and thank them for their continued support.

"It's vital that people come and support us, especially through the purchase of season tickets, because attending matches has a directly positive effect on our chances of success on the field in 2013-14."

Information, and an application form, can be obtained by contacting the club by e-mailing enquiries@chelmsfordcityfc.com, or by calling (01245) 290959 during regular opening hours.

ANOTHER bus service came under threat this week when Regal Busways told Essex County Council of its plan to ditch the 261 service from Blackmore to Brentwood via Doddinghurst.

The operator wants to cancel the service from July 19.

The news comes just weeks after changes to the 73A and B bus services that offer elderly residents of Warley a link to Brentwood town centre.

"They've done it once, now do it again," was the call from the secretary of the Bus and Rail Users' Association, Cllr David Kendall, who wants Essex County Council to guarantee the service will continue.

"They came up with the goods for the Woodman Road service and that's gone down very well.

"It's easy for people to say 'just save it' but these things do take time.

"The key is communication and to be fair they have flagged it up early and they have been very open about it."

The 73A and B services are now by Stevensons of Essex with the council after it was dropped by provider First Group.

Vice chair of the Bus and Rail Users' Association, Josie Lloyd, acknowledged the difficult financial times: "Every commercial service has to pay for itself but people have to have this route available to them," she said.

Regal Busways made the headlines last month when a Brentwood student escaped a "life threatening" situation when the double-decker he was travelling on crashed into a bridge.

At the time of publication, the company had not responded to a request for comment.

AN ARMY of excitable school children cut the ribbon to Chelmsford's new Tesco this week after their seven-year-old artist won a city-wide competition.

Molly Jones, of Moulsham Junior School, created the design which is now printed on the Springfield Road store's free-of-charge hessian-made 'bag for life'.

She received £1,000 worth of community donations, half of which will go to her school and the other to go to her chosen charity, ActionAid.

Moulsham Junior School head teacher Linda Hughes said: "Everyone at the school was delighted to hear that Molly had won the competition.

"Molly and her classmates couldn't wait to cut the ribbon and re-open the store; they have really enjoyed the event."

Molly chose ActionAid, which works across 40 third world countries in a bid to fight poverty, because she already sponsors a child through it.

Store Manager, Natascha Jesuvant, said: "We're delighted that Molly and her classmates came to re-open the store.

"Molly chose a charity that is really important to her and it is a pleasure to be able to support both the school and ActionAid UK as part of our re-launch celebrations."

The Tesco store, which cost £6million to install with the new food-to-go section, is creating 70 new jobs.

IF A record existed for overtaking manoeuvres in a single weekend of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, then Alex Lynn probably broke it in the latest round at Austria's Red Bull Ring.

A mysterious grip problem struck the ace Italian Prema Powerteam squad that Lynn drives for during wet qualifying, leaving Lynn and his team-mates with a tough job to do in the dry races.

Yet over the course of the three races Lynn made up a total of 36 places to grab some useful points and consolidate fourth place in the championship table.

Lynn said: "I just couldn't put a whole lap together because of the grip, and the whole team was struggling."

Lynn then stalled at the start of race one, and got away 28th and last, but his Mercedes-powered Dallara soon went on a charge. By lap seven he was amazingly in the top 10, and by the finish of the race, he was seventh.

With the rest of the field getting up to speed on the dry track, passing was more difficult in race two. Lynn got tagged by his ex-Formula Renault team-mate, Mitchell Gilbert just past the halfway point, before finally passing the Australian.

Then he came up on his ex-British F3 team-mate Pipo Derani with a few laps to go. Lynn passed the Brazilian into turn two, but then Derani got a run on him down the next straight and the two cars tangled, sending the Briton into a rear-end impact with the tyre wall.

The third race provided another spectacular race into the points for Lynn, who finished eighth from 21st on the grid and perfected an outside move into turn three that worked on several rivals.

There is now something of a gap in the F3 calendar. Teams will test for two days at the Red Bull Ring this week, and then it's a wait until the prestigious non-championship Masters of F3 at the Dutch circuit of Zandvoort.

"The whole Prema team are really disappointed with the results they got, but I'm happy I did the best job I could from where I started," said Lynn, member of the MSA's Team UK and the British Racing Drivers Club's SuperStars programme.

PLANS for one of the UK's biggest solar power parks in the Essex countryside was rejected on Monday.

Applause echoed around Maldon Town Hall as councillors voted against controversial plans for the 35-hectare "industrial park", which would have included 60,000 solar panels on land at Little Braxted, near Witham. But victory for campaigners is not yet ensured as the final decision will be taken by district councillors on the Planning and Licensing Committee later this month.

"Our country is already under threat with pressure from the Government over building more and more housing," said Cllr Robert Long during the North West Planning Committee debate.

"We have 78 objections and if we actually listen to local people then there is no argument at all."

Many objectors attended the meeting to express concern at the impact of the plans from renewable energies company Lightsource on what is regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"It would have a huge detrimental impact on the local area," resident and parish councillor Graham Bendall told the committee. "The plans have been both conflicting and misleading throughout."

But the opposition was by no means unanimous with words of support and disappointment from landowner Kit Speakman and planning agent Cairan Dillon.

"The land was selected for its high demand of electricity and low visual impact. This park would provide power for around 4,500 homes," said Mr Speakman, who is also vice-chairman of Little Braxted Parish council.

"It has a number of similarities with Bradwell Wind Farm, which was rejected and later approved by appeal, so the council should avoid another costly appeal case for the taxpayers of Maldon."

Mr Dillon, who faced a tirade of complaints regarding the application at a public meeting in March, added that it was "a real shame" the council's requests for further information could not have been made at an earlier date – a view which was quickly quashed by Cllr David Sismey.

"For the applicant to suggest that the council was late in asking for more information is quite extraordinary," he said.

"It is them who should have been forthcoming with all the details."

Although the nationwide need to develop renewable energy alternatives was recognised by members, it appeared their concern over the visual impact, glare from the 1.5m high panels and failure of the company to "properly engage" in public consultation, far outweighed this with a unanimous recommendation of refusal.

However, both the applicant and objectors must now wait until the meeting of the Planning and Licensing Committee on June 20 for the final outcome.

CHELMSFORD CITY manager Dean Holdsworth has revealed Justin Miller is set to extend his stay at the club this week.

The versatile 32-year-old was a key man for the Clarets last season, and is on the verge of becoming the third of last year's squad to stay at the club.

Player of the year Mark Haines and striker Rob Edmans have already agreed to stay, and Holdsworth is pleased to have retained that pair – and Miller, when his deal is signed.

Holdsworth said: "I would hope we'll sign Miller by the end of the week.

"He told me he's got a long throw and didn't use it much last year, so there's certain plus points that will give us something different in the squad, and Justin will do that.

"After talking to Rob, he wants to be that 20-goal striker next year.

"I'm looking forward to working with him. He's going to work really hard.

"He's a player I liked when I was at Newport and I'm going to push him as hard as I can.

"Mark was an easy conversation. He wants to do well, his desire comes through in his voice and it's another huge plus for the club to have a player of his calibre staying with us."

Holdsworth has also brought in Nicky Nicolau, former Tonbridge midfielder Tom Davis and ex-Dover defender Danny Webb and is pleased with how things are shaping up.

He added: "Obviously there's more work to be done but we're slowly but surely ticking them off.

"These players have all shown good desire, I've told them what I expect of them and they want to come and do well which is great.

"Nicky came highly recommended from not just my brother but two or three people. His experience from the Conference is excellent for us.

"Danny knows the league and the criteria for these players is that they do know the division. Through the spine of the team we're going to have some good experience and players who can handle it.

"Over the year they know it's going to be a rigorous season and the players I've signed so far are more than capable of playing at this level and the level above."

Midfielder Davis has enjoyed success at this level before, and Holdsworth also believes his personality will be a big plus for his squad.

PLANS for one of the UK's biggest solar power parks in the Essex countryside were rejected on Monday.

A round of applause echoed around Maldon Town Hall as councillors voted against controversial plans for the 35-hectare "industrial park", which would have included 60,000 solar panels on agricultural land at Little Braxted, near Witham.

But the victory for local campaigners is only temporary as the final decision will be taken by district councillors of the Planning and Licensing Committee later this month.

"Our country is already under threat with pressure from the government over building more and more housing," said Cllr Robert Long during the debate at the North West Planning Committee.

"We have 78 objections to this plan and if we actually listen to local people then there is no argument at all," he said.

Many of the objectors attended the meeting to express their concern at the impact of the plans from renewable energies company Lightsource on what is regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"It would have a huge detrimental impact on the local area and take a decade to grow enough hedgerows to shield the view," resident and parish councillor Graham Bendall told the committee. "The plans have been both conflicting and misleading in their information throughout."

But the opposition was by no means unanimous, with words of support and disappointment from landowner Kit Speakman, and planning agent Cairan Dillon.

"The land was selected for its high demand of electricity and low visual impact. This park would provide power for around 4,500 homes," said Mr Speakman, who is also vice-chairman of Little Braxted Parish council.

"It has a number of similarities with Bradwell Wind Farm which was rejected and later approved by appeal, so I believe the council should avoid another costly appeal case for the taxpayers of Maldon."

Mr Dillon, who faced a tirade of complaints regarding the application at a public meeting in March, added that it was "a real shame" the council's requests for further information could not have been made at an earlier date – a view which was quickly quashed by Cllr David Sismey.

"For the applicant to suggest that the council was late in asking for more information is quite extraordinary," he said. "It is them who should have been forthcoming with all the details."

Although the nationwide need to develop renewable energy alternatives was recognised by members, it appeared their concern over the visual impact and glare from the 1.5m high panels, and failure of the company to "properly engage" in public consultation, far outweighed this with a unanimous recommendation of refusal.

However both the applicant and objectors must now wait until the meeting of the Planning and Licensing Committee on June 20 for the final outcome.

MID Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust has announced its new chief executive.

Paul Forden will bring to the role 18 years of experience with the NHS, ten of those in CEO roles in hospital trusts across the country. For the last two and a half years he has also been working as managing director of clinical services for Serco, with responsibilities for acute and community services.

Mr Forden has also been involved in developing Serco's health business in Australia, and was based there for the last six months.

He will take over from Malcolm Stamp CBE, who is leaving at the end of June to take over as chief executive at Metro North Hospital and Health Service, in Brisbane.

Mr Forden said: "I have an absolute passion about delivering safe, patient-centred care and I am looking forward to returning to the NHS, for which I have a true commitment and experience over many years. I welcome the opportunity at MEHT to build on the strong vision the Trust has to care, excel and innovate.

"I see my role as leading the organisation on their path to this vision.

"During my career in the NHS I have had the opportunity to work with MEHT, to develop certain services, including those for cancer patients, and I have seen the trust grow as a tertiary centre.

"The redevelopment of the Broomfield Hospital site, including the new wing, is a key building block to create an exceptional hospital that will deliver the care that one would desire in a modern 21st century hospital and I look forward to building on the quality of services delivered by MEHT in the future."

He will start in September. In the interim Nick Gerrard, chief finance officer at MEHT, will be acting chief executive officer.

DRIVERS were left in gridlock after hay bales fell from a lorry in Broomfield Road, Chelmsford.

The incident happened on Tuesday at about 2.30pm, next to The Kings Arms pub on Church Green.

Five out of 50 bales fell off the lorry and into the road, which was travelling from Broomfield to Writtle to deliver the hay to stables for horse feed.

Police closed off the road for about an hour whilst the men from horse feed and bedding supplier Thorogood's moved the bales using a tractor.

The driver Mark, 28, has been working for the company for five years. He said: "I just saw them fall off in my wing mirror, I can't really describe to you the feeling I had when I saw them. Thankfully nobody was hurt and there was no-one around at that time."

Employer Frank Thorogood who arrived on site shortly after the accident to help clean up, said: "I am very sorry for anyone who was held up along the road."

THE family of a 93-year-old grandmother who died from a heart attack after being wrongly charged £50,000 for repair work on her Brentwood flat have won an important legal ruling against Newham Council.

A tribunal decided that repairs to Florrie Bourne's home on the Eastham Estate were not necessary.

Her son, Roy Bourne, 65, believes she died from stress after receiving a bill for the work in January 2010, which he claims should have been closer to £10,000.

He added that his fight for justice would not stop while other leaseholders on the estate face similar problems with the council.

Mr Bourne, who lives in Leigh-on-Sea, said: "This is just the start of our fight for justice. Newham Council has been treating this estate like a cash cow. It is full of residents who have been paying their rents and service charges duly on time but the council has been putting nothing in and taking everything out.

"If we give up the fight, there are a lot of people who are going to suffer the same way as we have. How do you morally let that happen?"

Mrs Bourne was charged £50,000 for repairs to her flat roof and preferred to sell off sentimental jewellery rather than leave her family with a debt.

However, the Leasehold Tribunal Service has now catalogued a series of miscalculations from the council and noted that repairs to the roof, which could have lasted another 40 years, were not needed at all.

Other residents of the estate have also been hit with crippling bills.

Florrie's neighbour, Rebecca Taylor, blames these charges for the strain that led to the break-up of her relationship with Robert Court.

Ms Taylor, a 31-year-old teacher, said: "We were first-time buyers. We bought this flat because we thought it was affordable but the pressures of so much debt led to our break-up.

"It's been very hard and this report has shown we should never have gone through this stress in the first place.

"The worst thing is we have no redress and there is no democratic accountability – we cannot vote for the Mayor of Newham."

Another Newham leaseholder, Carlos Serpa, who has successfully reduced his £25,000 bill to £7,500 in a separate tribunal, urged other leaseholders to fight the authority.

He said: "It costs a few hundred pounds and it takes a bit of work to get the paperwork in order but it's worth it.

"Even though we were successful in getting our bills reduced, I'm not going to pay a penny until the job is done properly.

"There is loads wrong and I am still not happy with what Newham did."

For other leaseholders, however, the extra work in fighting the case is not worth it.

David Kitt, 76, and his wife Christine, 70, received a bill for £13,000 and have almost paid it off.

"For me it's not worth it but I am sure that is what Newham want," he said.

MP Eric Pickles, who has been fighting Newham Council on behalf of leaseholders, said: "They are nice flats but residents here are facing charges that you would expect to find at the more luxurious end of Park Lane in Mayfair.

"Within a short walking distance there are flats maintained by Brentwood Borough Council whose residents are facing bills of less than £5,000.

"The reason for that is those flats have been looked after properly under a programme of rolling maintenance.

"What we have with Newham is a neglectful and absentee landlord which has placed extortionate bills on the heads of my constituents."

A spokesman for Newham Council said: "We are currently reviewing the judgement from the Leasehold Valuation Tribunal and once we've looked closely at the information provided, we will determine what action to take next.

"The works were carried out by a previous management organisation as part of the Government's Decent Homes programme.

"We will continue to do everything we can to improve living conditions for both tenants and leaseholders."