A DISAPPEARING mini-roundabout at a busy junction will not be repainted despite it currently being little more than a hole in the ground.

Essex County Council risk-assessed the roundabout at the junction of Weald Road and Western Road in Brentwood after concerns were raised about the safety of road users.

But while agreeing to resurface part of the road within the next two months, the council deemed the roundabout not worthy of a lick of paint because it has signs to tell drivers what should be there.

Now fears have been raised that drivers who are visiting the town could be at risk due at the "confusing" junction.

Motorist Ian Hughes, 36, of Roth Drive, Hutton said: "It's a bit tight not to put a bit of paint down.

"It's definitely dangerous there, especially if you drive up from the High Street end.

"There's nowhere to cross as well, so it needs to be marked 100 per cent."

However, Keith Smith, 46, who lives on High Street, said: "The mini-roundabouts make sense.

"As long as you know they are there, they work: simple as that."

The roundabout had previously been raised and painted white, but has over time been worn away by the traffic.

Liberal Democrat borough and county councillor David Kendall estimates the roundabout has not been visible for more than a year but no action had been taken.

He accused Essex Highways of having "lost the plot" and said he would be chasing up the issue to ensure more is done to restore the site to its former glories.

"It seems that the highways department have totally lost the plot on this one," he said.

"The roundabout has totally disappeared, but rather than do the sensible thing and repair it they are doing some carriageway repairs near-by instead.

"This news has left me – and I'm sure many Brentwood motorists – very angry and frustrated.

"Brentwood residents pay 74 per cent of their council tax to Essex County Council, and this is the poor level of service they get in return.

"It's a disgrace."

Cllr Kendall added that he feared for the safety of all motorists, but particularly visitors to the area who do not know the area.

In response to the criticisms, a Essex Highways spokesman confirmed to the Gazette that: "Regarding the road markings on the mini-roundabout, a robust risk assessment by highways officers has determined that this does not require immediate works at this time.

"Works on the roundabout will be added to the programme of ongoing works for completion at a later date.

"There is adequate signage advising motorists there is a mini-roundabout on all approaches to the roundabout.

"The works in two months' time are in regard to road defect works, not linked to road-marking signage on the roundabout."

FLY-TIPPING continues to be a problem in Brentwood – despite the damning revelation earlier this year that no offenders have been prosecuted.

No fewer than six different tips in Orchard Avenue and Houston Avenue have been reported to one councillor in the past few weeks.

This comes despite the fact that in January it emerged that Brentwood Borough Council did not take a single person to court for fly-tipping in 2011/12 – despite being made aware of 306 cases.

The photographs shown were taken on August 6 by Labour councillor Julie Morrissey in a bid to highlight the extent of the problem.

The Brentwood South member said this week: "I think fly-tipping has got worse. People cannot afford to pay the waste charge to have these items picked up.

"I think the council need to do more – I will be getting in touch to see what it is doing. If we keep taking it away offenders won't stop doing it."

Councillor Morrissey added: "Last year a landlord emptied the contents of his flat he was renting out onto the pavement and he wasn't given a penalty."

She claimed there was another incident last year when the council found a culprit but the person was not arrested.

"He held up his hands and removed the rubbish but he wasn't given a penalty charge – the council said that charging him would be a bit heavy-handed," she said.

"I think the council should offer a yearly collection for people to get rid of their waste.

"The council need to be more creative – as some people have no way of getting rid of large items of rubbish.

Brentwood Council claim they are actively investigating a number of the 181 complaints of fly tipping brought to the authority in the first six months of this year.

They explained that they have put extra resources into keeping the streets clean with initiatives launched in 2013 including a new four-person neighbourhood action team to target "grot spots", a new trade waste officer whose job is to visit local businesses and offer advice and a litter awareness programme for secondary schools.

Councillor Keith Parker, environment spokesman, said: "The council has a zero-tolerance approach to fly-tipping – a selfish act which blights Brentwood.

"Our officers are investigating cases and gathering the evidence necessary to bring court action. We will continue to work with Essex police on stop and search operations for commercial vehicles to ensure they are dumping waste legally.

"There is also a dedicated hotline for anyone who has information on fly tipping – you can help us by calling 01277 262728."

A CHELMSFORD schoolgirl has become one of the youngest people ever to take part in a swim of the English Channel.

Charley Spriggs, of New Hall School, was one of six swimmers in a team called Charley and the Old Speedos, who completed the 21-mile feat in 12 hours and 15 minutes.

The 12-year-old comes from a family of keen swimmers and was inspired after her father, Jon Spriggs, swam the Channel solo in 2010.

"I was nine at the time and I remember saying then 'I want to do that'," she said.

So far the team have raised over £13,000 for Papworth Hospital Charity, the UK's largest specialist heart and lung hospital, but they hope this number will reach £15,000.

The team set off from Shakespeare Beach in Dover, Kent, and swam 21 miles in relay to Wissant Beach in Wissant, near Calais, France.

Charley said: "I remember when we first set up the website I didn't know how much we would raise, so I just said 'put down £1,000 or something', but now we've raised so much more."

Charley chose to donate to Papworth Hospital Charity after her grandfather, Graham White, 75, was diagnosed with lung cancer last April.

Mr White, who is also a swimmer and has never smoked in his life, was referred to Papworth after they expressed an interest in his unusual case.

The hospital performed a lifesaving operation to remove Mr White's lung.

He is now on his way to recovery.

Charley said: "I'm glad I did it but I don't think I'd do it again, mostly because of the training."

She was even stung by a jellyfish during her preparation to take part in the challenge.

Charley also had to take part in a two-hour continuous swim to qualify to swim the Channel.

Each member of the swim team took it in turns to swim the stretch in chilly waters, which range from 15 to 18C.

Charley's mum, Sascha Spriggs, 43, went to France to meet the team when they arrived at the finish.

She said: "She did amazing. It was all Charley's idea.

"The doctors removed Graham's lung just before Christmas and he's doing really well, so she basically wanted to say thank you to the hospital for saving his life.

"The day they swam everything came to a halt at the charity because you could watch it live on a tracker. They are all tickled pink with her.

"Afterwards the swimmers were absolutely shattered. It was much harder than they all thought it was going to be.

"Charley managed to get the worst leg of the swim and at points the waves were going right over her head."

Nick Hunt, another member of the group, swam with a whole group of jellyfish and they stung him from head to toe."

The Guinness world record for the youngest person to swim the Channel solo is held by Thomas Gregory, 11 years and 336-days-old, in 1988.

However, it is now the law that solo swimmers must be over 16-years-old.

To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/Charley-and-the-Old-Speedos-Channel-Swim.

A CHARITY fund in memory of a schoolgirl who died of a rarely fatal strain of meningitis has reached a landmark £50,000.

Sandon schoolgirl Jodie Willan, 17, had been suffering from tonsillitis in April 2010, but when she developed a headache and failed to show signs of improvement she was rushed to hospital where tests confirmed she had contracted viral meningitis.

Doctors believed Jodie, who was studying for her A-levels, would make a full recovery but her condition deteriorated rapidly before further scans revealed she was brain-dead.

Her kidneys, pancreas and liver were donated to four recipients, and a fund in her memory was set up by Jodie's brother Leo, 22, to raise awareness of the disease.

It has now raised more than £50,000 for the Meningitis Trust charity.

Her best friend, Boston Mace, 20, said: "We thought £5,000 was going to be tough, so to have raised over ten times that amount in just three years is incredible.

"It is thanks to everyone's generosity and support that we have reached this very special target in such a short space of time."

A variety of fundraising activities have taken place including a concert held at The Sandon School, and larger events such as trekking the Great Wall of China and the London Marathon.

Boston, who took part in the Three Peaks Challenge earlier this year as part of the fundraising, said it was the hardest of all the challenges.

"Unfortunately, it ended up being on the hottest weekend of the year, meaning an already difficult challenge of climbing Britain's three tallest mountains in 24 hours was made even harder," he said.

"But remembering Jodie and all the kind people who sponsored us kept me going.

"When you remember the reason you're doing it, it isn't hard at all – Jodie was such a special person.

"She was very helpful and would do anything for anyone.

"Although it's still hard to understand she's gone, I'm so grateful for all the memories we had and am very proud to be able to call her my best friend."

Her father, Keith Willan, 53, of Boreham, added: "It is just over three years since we lost Jodie.

"Originally, we set the trust fund up as we did not want everyone at the funeral to spend money on flowers, instead we had contributions to the trust.

"We are proud of all Jodie's friends and family, and the fundraising activities they have organised."

Donations can be made at www.meningitis-trust.tributefunds.com/fund/Jodie+Willan For more information about meningitis visit www.meningitis-trust.org.

ENCOURAGING more women to become members and eradicating polio by 2014 are just two of the ambitions of the Brentwood man who has been appointed to lead the county's Rotary clubs.

Peter Dowse, 63, of Kelvedon Hatch, has been named District Governor of the Rotary 1240 district – something he described as a "great honour".

Mr Dowse is a member of the Rotary Club of Brentwood Breakfast and in his new role he will now oversee the work of the 59 Rotary clubs in Essex and Hertfordshire for the next year.

He said: "It really is a great honour.

"I love this organisation because it is non-political, non-religious and does so much help both here and abroad."

He added: "I couldn't have done it without the support of the Brentwood Breakfast Rotary Club."

Turning to the year ahead, Mr Dowse said: "As well as pursuing the national charity foundation I am pushing clubs to increase their membership and support our programmes.

"These include supporting Thriftwood School in Chelmsford and our life education programme for primary schools in the area."

Mr Dowse lives with his wife Mary, 65, in Stocksfield and has three children and four grandchildren with a fifth on the way.

He joined Rotary in Kensington, London in 1996 while he was working as a superintendent in the Metropolitan Police.

He recalled: "I was asked to join their lunch club and became president three years later."

Mr Dowse left Scotland Yard in 1999 and began working at Basildon and Thurrock College as a lecturer in education and training.

He joined the Rotary Club of Brentwood Breakfast the following year and became their president in 2005, a position which he kept for a year.

Mr Dowse was then asked if he wanted to serve with the district as the youth officer.

He took up this position and held it for four years before becoming assistant governor.

He was informed in 2010 that he would become district governor and was selected against many other prospective candidates.

As the district governor, Mr Dowse's role includes visiting all clubs in the district.

He added that he will take part in any activities that are asked of him to help raise money for the charities.

"I am already set up to do Foulness Bike Ride, which is 24 miles, and a 24km run for Chelmsford Rotarians, and no doubt Harlow will put my name down for the abseil down the water tower," he laughed.

Mr Dowse has travelled the world through Rotary, visiting Amsterdam in November and, more recently, San Diego.

"It was a remarkable time and I am trying to encourage other Rotarians to travel and see what we do further afield, although many do already," he said.

"The position of governor is a full-time job – how people have managed to work full-time as well as being in this position, I just don't know."

Mr Dowse is also a magistrate and a registrar for Warley Parish Church.

A SENIOR member of Brentwood Borough Council's administration has been reprimanded following a sexist comment made towards the second most senior civil servant working at the town hall.

Cllr John Kerslake was chairing a town hall delivery meeting when he referred to Jo-Ann Ireland's "elegantly formed" posterior earlier in the year.

The Director of Strategy & Corporate Services was away on holiday at the time, but the matter was referred to the council's complaints board by Labour councillor Julie Morrissey.

Councillor Morrissey said: "It was obviously an entirely inappropriate thing to say and so I felt I had no options but to refer the matter."

An apology was offered in advance of the hearing and accepted by the officer.

Louise McKinlay, Brentwood Borough Council leader said: ""The comment was inappropriate and as soon as I heard about it, I spoke to John. He acknowledged it was wrong and personally apologised to her and that was accepted, ahead of any referral or complaint."

The complaint was one four that the council's new standards panel deemed serious enough to warrant a sanction.

It follows a complaint about Conservative councillor Keith Parker who is accused of calling Liberal Democrat Karen Chilvers an "ugly sister" in open council.

Ms Chilvers put in a formal complaint about Mr Parker after a tetchy debate on July 10 descended into bad temper and insults.

She had accused the administration of gerrymandering the debate structuring questions and answers so that senior Tory councillors could respond with easy and positive replies.

After calling the debate a pantomime, Mr Parker is then heard speaking off mic. Soon follows the "ugly sister" accusation from the Brentwood West councillor.

Ms Chilvers said: "I'm not upset and I am not losing any sleep over it but these comments are completely unnecessary and misogynistic; they just drag the office of the council down.

Doddinghurst and Brizes councillor, Mr Parker said: "It seems strange that there are people who create a situation and then get on their high horse when they don't like what they are part of.

"To be honest the problem is the like of Miss Chilvers. I have no problem with the opposition taking the administration to task. That is what their job is.

"But they are putting in loads of spurious motions and amendments and are just creating a difficult and argumentative atmosphere."

Brentwood First councillor for Hutton North, Russell Quirk, was also warned about comments made on air on Phoenix FM about Chief Fire Officer David Johnson and also about failing to declare an interest with an office company when trying to find a partner to take over running two thirds of the town hall.

Brentwood Borough Council's report into Russell Quirk comes a year after Suffolk County Council found that comments made about Mr Johnson breached Brentwood Borough Council's code of conduct.

Mr Johnson accused the then Tory councillor of attacking his professionalism and integrity and making "wholly inaccurate, offensive and defamatory" statements about his private life.

The firefighter's wife had also complained after taking exception to a remark that she and her husband had moved house because of "matrimonial difficulties".

Mr Quirk said: "Were the comments relevant? No, probably not but I said them to provide context.

"I have been found slightly wanting and I accept that. I utter tens of thousands of words as a politician every year.

"But it was not a serious breach and it did not bring the council into disrepute."

Back in 2010, Lib Dem councillor Barry Aspinell was suspended from the council for six weeks after being found guilty of bringing it into disrepute.

Mr Aspinell was brought in front of Brentwood council's standards board accused of delivering misleading election literature to about 8,000 homes during the county council elections in June 2009.

And Mr Parker was censured by his peers, after he used the word "queen" when referring to the gay community in a council debate.

Mr Parker was found to have breached the authority's code of conduct when he uttered the word as part of an off-microphone quip during a debate in January 2010.

A PROPOSAL to build 130 new homes on an edge-of-town garden centre has caused a stir among nearby residents who claim the area's infrastructure would struggle to cope with the extra strain.

Ingatestone Garden Centre has stood in Roman Road, near Heybridge, for more than 75 years.

But in a recent council report the land has been cited as a potential location for a new development of homes.

The centre's location means any changes could have an effect on neighbouring villages Mountnessing and Ingatestone.

Chairman of Mountnessing Parish Council, Karl Afteni, confirmed the centre's current owner James Harding has approached the parish council to discuss the possible developments.

"The existing garden centre area isn't that big but they may own some green belt land adjacent to it," he explained.

"There's been no application and nothing official as yet but I think there could be good things and bad things to it.

"I think we have to accept that there's going to be changes but there's a need for houses and we've got to look at it with a level head. I think our parish council can be open-minded and we'll look at how it impacts what's already there."

The garden centre was fully purchased by Mr Harding around three years ago but it is understood the owner would consider redeveloping the popular attraction in the future.

David Abrey, vice-chairman of Ingatestone and Fryerning Parish Council, acknowledged that residents had concerns about what impact any development might have on the area but told the Gazette any plans were still in their infancy.

"I think the big worry lots of people have about it is the facilities to be able to handle the increased demand for services," he said.

"But character-wise I don't think it would have much of an effect on Ingatestone as it's outside the conservation area."

THOSE struggling to find work or looking to start a new career can now receive free help from job professionals in Wickford.

The Job Club is a new service held every Friday to help people make themselves more employable by improving their employability and job prospects.

The club is part of the Wickford Family Project, a Basildon Borough Council-backed initiative which aims to bring the community together.

The informal meetings offer job seekers help with writing CVs, guidance on completing application forms and interview tips.

Volunteers will give advice and support on how to get back to work after a career break, while those who attend can also receive information about benefits and basic IT support.

Volunteer Yemi Adeeko, who lives in Wickford, said: "Hopefully, people will spread the word and let people know that we have a service here.

"If you don't need the service yourself, you might know someone who does." Dr Adeeko added: "It's very scary going back to work after having a break, after having kids, for example.

"Services like this can help you get the confidence to go back to work after time off."

The club is open to people of all ages and runs out of Highcliffe Children's Centre, in Rettendon View.

Around five or six volunteers help out each week.

Grant Taylor, neighbourhood coordinator of the Wickford Family Project, said: "We are blessed to have so many volunteers.

"The intention is to make this a long-term thing for people in the town.

"We are aware that there might be other issues with people's lives and we will support those who attend in every way we can.

"We will match attendees up with the best person who can help them with their job needs and if there isn't someone who can help that day we will make sure that there is next time."

Mr Taylor added: "The community has become very small and the Family Project is about bringing people together and improving prospects for people in Wickford."

The Job Club is held every Friday morning from 9.15am until noon and there is no charge to attend.

A HORRIFIED woman will write to Prime Minister David Cameron after she says her partially paralysed husband was forced to share a urine bottle with four other patients in hospital.

Anne White, 65, of Nickleby Road, Chelmsford, claims Stephen, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, could have died at Broomfield Hospital and nobody would have noticed.

The 6ft 4in former lorry driver, who is paralysed from the waist down, fell and cracked his head outside his home when his wheelchair broke.

Once at hospital, the couple claim he had a bloodied bandage reapplied, that he did not receive an observation for about nine hours despite having a fractured skull and was not fed for eight hours.

"He could have died and nobody would have noticed," said Mrs White. "We didn't know he had a fracture and he could have just passed out. He could have fallen out of the bed because he didn't have a cot with a side."

At about 1pm on Saturday, July 20, Mr White was lowering himself from the couple's car on a tail lift when the bolts in the NHS wheelchair buckled and it fell apart.

Mrs White found him lying in a pool of blood and thought he was dead.

After four hours in A&E the pair claim he was moved to an observation ward, but did not receive one until 10.15pm, before doctors confirmed he had a fractured skull by 11pm.

"Also at 9.30pm I was told he shouldn't eat or drink with a head injury when I asked for more food, but he already ate a sandwich and cup of coffee at 8pm," she said.

They claim he was given a urine bottle to share between four patients.

After returning home last Sunday night with his wound medically glued together, tractor enthusiast Mr White, who contracted his disease 20 years ago, said: "I feel disgusted with their behaviour.

"It's not the nursing staff, it's not their fault, but it's a situation of too many bosses and not enough nurses.

"It was disgraceful and something drastically needs to be done."

Once Mrs White receives a reply from the hospital's patient advice and liaison service (PALS), she will forward her letter to the Prime Minister and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt.

The Care Quality Commission is currently investigating Broomfield Hospital after a February inspection concluded the hospital was failing to protect the welfare of its patients.

Mid Essex Hospital Trust said Mr White was given a review immediately upon arrival at A&E, but apologised when admitting the fracture was not identified until a second opinion that day.

A spokesperson said: "During this time Mr White was cared for within a specialist unit within sight at all times of the medical and nursing staff and close to their central station which is always staffed."

It added: "The urine bottles referred to are not a disposable item but are bottles that are sterilised between each and every patient and this was adhered to at all times. The Trust does not have any buckets for patients to use at any time for toiletry needs and are therefore unable to add further comment to this."

The statement ends: "We do appreciate that an emergency of the nature Mr White suffered can be extremely stressful and worrying.

"We would welcome the opportunity to meet and review this case and answer the questions Mr and Mrs White have to ensure we improve the care and communication we offer patients and their relatives in the future."

A MUM suffering from cancer says she has had "the most positive experience in such a negative time" thanks to a Billericay hairdresser.

Clare Alexander, 37, was diagnosed with breast cancer in March and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.

She says she has been helped through her battle by the owner of High Street salon Essensuals, Jim Shaw, who works in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support to offer hair care for people with cancer.

Miss Alexander recalled how she went for an initial consultation with Mr Shaw two weeks before her chemotherapy started.

She said: "He brought me a choice of wigs and explained that he can restyle them into however I wanted.

"I loved his attitude – he was sympathetic, but not too much, and he was funny too – I like his humour."

Miss Alexander who lives with her eight-year-old son Josh and partner Steve Chambers, 41, explained that the next time she went to the salon she had her hair cut shorter to begin getting used to the change.

Two weeks ago she returned to Essensuals once her chemotherapy had started and her hair had started to fall out.

She said: "He shaved my hair off – it was sad but Jim made the best of this bad situation.

"The girls working at the salon were lovely too. Because I'm a youngish woman it was nice to go somewhere modern like this and stylish.

"Jim does great work and I haven't had to pay for his services, just the wig, and they don't make a profit from these sales."

Miss Alexander, of Chelmsford, said her wig was inexpensive at £150 when compared to the prices at other salons and shops, which can be as much as £500.

She continued: "Losing your hair is psychologically traumatic but I've been able to get over it quite well because of Jim.

"I am feeling positive and am thrilled with my wig – people haven't noticed it's not my own hair.

"You can style it and put it up and it's not fixed.

"The service he offers is a brilliant thing and I would recommend it to anyone.

"I will definitely be going back to Jim – he's in the final five for British Hairdresser of the Year so hopefully I'll still be able to get an appointment."

Mr Shaw has been a hairdresser for 30 years and has been offering the service for those who have or have had cancer for two years.

This was after he trained with Macmillan on how to look after clients with cancer.

The 47-year-old said: "It's great to be able to help people – they are always so grateful.

"I have had letters from a son saying thank you for making my mum feel so special which was lovely.

"It's a rewarding thing to do and I am so glad I finished my training and can offer the service.

"I am inundated with requests for the service and have met so many lovely people."

AROUND 15 members of Chelmsford's Muslim community are helping to feed the city's homeless.

The event, organised by the Iqra learning centre, and night shelter CHESS, saw the group spend two hours in Trinity Methodist Church feeding the homeless with home-cooked food and dishes donated from Indian takeaways.

Ayman Syed, general secretary of the Chelmsford Muslim Society, who helped to organise the event with his wife Saima, said: "It was my wife who came up with the idea.

"It is the month of Ramadan – we should be more charitable.

"We contacted CHESS and whether we could do something, so then she (my wife) spoke to the parish church.

"We had a lot of interest from Muslims who wanted to help people."

Ramadan is the month of fasting between the hours of sunrise and sunset, where no drink or food can be consumed.

But this was not a problem as the sun had set by the time the food was served, as a short presentation about Ramadan was given.

"We were fasting at the beginning but the homeless were coming little by little," said Mr Syed.

"We were looking to wait until more people came in until 8.20pm – by the time the presentation finished it was 8.45pm so by then we were all serving and eating together."

There were around 15 homeless people who attended the event and an equal number who helped out by serving or giving the food.

"We were hoping for around 30 or so," said Mr Syed.

"We made a lot of food packages for people – rice, fruit and bottles of soft drink. We packaged the excess food all up and sent it back to CHESS.

"It went really well – it was really nice to have got people involved, also for them to see Muslims as well.

"There were people there with scarves and some without, men with beards and some without – a real mixture.

"People came from all over the place either helping by giving or serving the food – old and young, lots of kids came."

Nabil Choudhury, 26, who came down to Chelmsford to see his parents, was at the event.

He told the Chronicle: "It was really good at breaking down community barriers – it got the community working together.

"I found it really inspiring.

"Generally in society, people are scared of homeless people and some are scared of Muslims – this changed the stereotypes."

Reverend Viv Gasteen, minister of the Trinity Methodist Church, said: "It was just lovely.

"Some Muslims prayed at the end of the evening and so did I.

"I think we do not do enough to celebrate the things we do have here in our community."

Mr Syed is already looking ahead to next year.

"We are definitely hoping to do it again next Ramadan," said Mr Syed, who is also looking at hosting the event more regularly.

Jez Humberston, 43, who is now living in supported housing, said: "The event was really eye-opening and shows how different cultures can work together."

Maurice Silverstone, 59, agreed with those sentiments and added: "The food was fantastic."

A district councillor accused of benefit fraud by the Department for Work and Pensions has won his six-year legal battle.

Stephen Savage, 62, Conservative councillor for Maldon East, won after Judge Wikeley described the department's case as confused and based on legally irrelevant arguments.

The charges date back to a period between May and November 2007, when Mr Savage was alleged to have been overpaid Jobseeker's Allowance.

Mr Savage, who was unemployed at the time of his election, said this week: "These bad decisions seriously affected not only my benefit but also the level of council tax I should pay to Maldon District Council.

"This was a complete waste of time and public money as I have never ducked my liability to pay but to date no one has been able to calculate how much I should be paying.

"The situation is ridiculous but also very stressful – I just want it to be sorted out properly."

The case follows a series of disputes over claims made by Mr Savage, who was prosecuted by the Department of Work and Pensions for falsely claiming Jobseeker's Allowance between 2007 and 2009, although he was later found not guilty in January 2011.

He also appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court in 2011 and pleaded not guilty to two counts of fraud by failing to disclose information and one count of fraud by false representation.

The department then appealed to the Upper Tribunal following the case's dismissal.

Judge Wikeley threw out the case based on the poor quality of the department's decision making, stating: "The consequential overpayment decisions were in effect built on sand and crumbled with the defective entitlement decisions."

The early judgements were described as a catalogue of flawed decision making and miscalculated deductions of entitlement, which have affected Mr Savage since his election to Maldon District Council in 2007.

"I hope it will be sorted out faster now since the Upper Tribunal's ruling," said Mr Savage. "I have been denied state benefit that I was entitled to and lost thousands of pounds having to take my occupational pension early as I had nothing to live on. I should not have been penalised for being a councillor."

In a separate claim in June, Mr Savage was ordered by magistrates at a hearing to pay the authority £1,942.92 to settle his council tax arrears, which have built up since 2010.

Mr Savage thanked council colleagues and the wonderful support and advice he received from Chelmsford Citizens Advice Bureau.

ASPIRING archaeologists learned how to uncover Chelmsford's secret past at the weekend.

Inspired by Channel 4's Time Team, children picked up their trowels and headed to Chelmsford Museum in Moulsham Street for a day of adventure and fun.

As well as using metal detectors and excavating pebbles and sand trays, the youngsters tried out dowsing and metal detectors.

"Today is all about finding out about the history of Chelmsford, particularly Roman," said museum manager Nick Wickenden.

"With Time Team people always ask 'well, how did they know that'? This shows how we've found the evidence and how we've found out the facts.

"The excitement is it's all covered under the ground. You don't know what you're going to find until you've found it.

"That's part of the thrill, finding something that hasn't been touched for 2,000 years."

Zack Copping, 44, took a moment away from making a Roman mosaic of a T-Rex, to tell the Chronicle: "It's good to see the museum doing this sort of thing." His son Henry, four, of Hillside Grove in Chelmsford, said: "I made an oil lamp like people would have used thousands of years ago."

Niamh McTurk, 6, said: "My oil lamp is my favourite thing that I made today.

"I really like it here. The soldiers and the bees are the best. I've even seen the queen bee."

Her mum Emma, 35, of Links Drive, Chelmsford, added: "She absolutely loves it here. We only live around the corner, so she's always here. It never seems to bore her. It's any excuse to come to the museum.

"It's a great place for parents to bring their kids."

Amateur archaeologist group Writtle Heritage was on hand to share its expertise with visitors on the day.

The group's members have unearthed many exciting items at their current dig site in fields near their village.

Adding to that list of finds, co-ordinator and archivist Wendy Hibbit said: "We've found musket balls which are probably from the Napoleonic Wars.

"It's surprising what you can find when you look – we've even got a cannonball found in one of the allotments.

"We've even found an Emperor Nero coin, from AD 61 which would've been when Boadicea was here in Essex.

"We pick up these coins and you think 2,000 years ago it must have fallen from someone's pocket –it's amazing."

HUTTON-BASED kart racer Alexander Burford-Fuller's run of bad luck continued in the latest rounds of the Club 2000 Championship at Red Lodge, and the Junior Rotax Championship at Rye House.

However, when given the chance he again showed his potential in the sport with some very impressive drives.

The opening two heats at Red Lodge were a disaster for Burford-Fuller with mechanical issues in both races.

In heat one he suddenly lost power in the middle of the race, and went from challenging the leaders to hanging on to his fourth place position, which he just managed to do.

After the race it was identified that a water seal had gone in the engine, so a quick change of engine was required before heat two.

However, this did not prevent another mechanical gremlin hitting him when the bolt on the throttle pedal snapped when lying second causing the 13-year-old to retire from the race.

Things calmed down for the last qualifying heat with a steady, if unspectacular, drive giving him a fourth place finish.

With all his earlier issues Burford-Fuller had a poor grid position for the final, but it was by far his best drive of the day to power through the field to finish fourth, and also set the fastest lap time of the day by nearly a quarter of a second.

By the end of the race he was only one second behind the leader, and would have been pushing for the win if there were a couple more laps.

On to Rye House the following day, where there was an impressive grid of 19 karts, including two Super One drivers. The day started well for Burford-Fuller with a fourth in the first qualifying heat, and he was the only other driver apart from the two Super One drivers to record a lap time under 37 seconds.

Heat two was probably his most impressive drive to date in his short karting career. Starting fifth on the grid he took the lead on the first bend, and initially pulled away from the remainder of the field.

However, the Super One drivers started to chase him down, and with just over two laps to go one of them caught and passed Burford-Fuller.

However, he was not content to accept defeat, and produced a breathtaking dive up the inside on hairpin one for a clean overtaking manoeuvre on the next lap to regain the lead.

He then drove the perfect defensive line for the remaining lap and a half to take his most impressive win to date.

The remainder of the meeting was not so successful for Burford-Fuller with a 14th in the third qualifying heat after an incident on the third lap saw him spin off the track. The other driver involved was invited to explain his actions after the race.

And the final was not much better when, after a good start, and initially lying fourth, Burford-Fuller was relegated to last place after a coming together of a number of karts on the first hairpin.

However, he did battle back to ultimately finish 11th, but this was a disappointing end to a day that initially looked to be going very well.

On another day he could well have achieved a podium finish, but at least he did strengthen his second position in the overall championship despite his frustrating weekend.

ESSEX Spartans coach Marc Saunders announced his departure from the club after their forgettable 2013 campaign came to a close with a 13-0 loss to Bedfordshire Blue Raiders.

The Spartans recorded just a solitary victory in the campaign, and Saunders announced his retirement from both the playing and coaching ranks after three years at the helm of the Billericay-based Spartans, a decision he described as "emotional".

Saunders said: "I have had both the honour and the pleasure of being the head coach of the Spartans for more than three years and feel it's time for a change for both myself and the team.

"I will keep very close to the team and wish them every success in the future."

The Spartans were visited by former NFL star and current Sky TV studio analyst Cecil Martin, who flew in from Brussels in time to arrive at Hannakins Farm for the second half of the game.

Martin cheered the Spartans on from the sidelines, and remained with the team after the final whistle to join their end-of-season reflections.

On the field, two closely-matched teams battled it out in a nervy contest.

Essex found themselves behind 7-0 in the opening quarter, and with the Spartans offence again struggling, the defence picked up the slack and held firm to ensure there was no further scoring in the first half.

After a rousing half-time speech from Martin, the Spartans fought on as they looked for only their second victory of the season, but an aerial score from the visitors extended their lead to 13-0.

The final whistle sounded on their 2013 campaign with their ninth defeat of the season.

GAUTAM GAMBHIR admits the chance to play county cricket for Essex was too good for him to turn down.

The India batsman has joined up with Essex for the rest of the campaign to aid the club's push for promotion from the County Championship Division Two.

Usually an opener, he has made more than 4,000 Test runs in 54 appearances for India, averaging 44.18, but has not featured in their Test side since December.

He has also played 147 one-day internationals and 37 Twenty20 internationals, and brings great experience to the top of the Essex order.

And he revealed that the chance to play in the County Championship gives him the chance to fulfil a lifetime ambition.

He said: "When you are growing up as a kid you always hear about county cricket and I think you should play it once in your lifetime.

"It's always a good opportunity to come out here and play county cricket for a team like Essex which has got some quality players.

"It's going to be a good challenge and good fun as well.

"People at home think pretty highly of county cricket.

"There's not too many overseas players – especially Indians – in county cricket at the moment, but I think they rate it very highly because the standard of cricket is always pretty high, which is what you want to test yourself here.

"Back home at the moment there's not a lot of cricket and you always want to challenge yourself in different conditions, especially when you can get six first-class games in before your own first-class season starts, it's always a great opportunity.

"England is a completely different challenge to what you get at home."

Gambhir will be hoping to force his way back into contention for India ahead of their tour to England next year – but he insists he is not looking that far ahead.

He added: "The main thing is to do well for Essex and to try and bring Essex success – that is my immediate aim.

"I just need to go out there and keep scoring runs and try and contribute in every way."

Gambhir, 31, replaces New Zealand opener Hamish Rutherford as Essex's overseas star for the rest of the campaign, and he revealed he is relishing the challenges ahead.

"It's happened pretty quickly and I was really excited," he added. "Obviously Essex is a quality side with some quality players and you can learn a lot from them as well.

"There's not too much cricket at home, it's monsoon season as well, so I'm fresh, the energy levels are pretty high and I've done some work on my technique as well.

"Hopefully I can go out there in the middle and score some runs.

"It helps you develop as a cricketer to play in different conditions.

"People in Essex are pretty loyal to their team and we want to give them happiness as well."

Gambhir was not the only debutant for Essex at Colchester after the club signed England spinner Monty Panesar on loan.

The left-armer is to leave Sussex at the end of the season after a difficult campaign both on and off the field.

The latter culminated in a police caution for being drunk and disorderly after a late-night incident in Brighton.

The 31-year-old had been part of the England squad for the third Test at Old Trafford earlier this month, but has not featured internationally since the winter.

Coach Paul Grayson said: "We are delighted to welcome Monty to the club for the remainder of the season.

"He is a world-class spinner and we are confident that he will have a positive impact on the team."

ALL-ROUNDER Graham Napier is hoping to finish the season on a high after the disappointment of another T20 semi-final defeat.

Napier starred with the bat to help the Eagles to what looked like a competitive total against Northamptonshire, but the Steelbacks chased it down fairly comfortably.

The Steelbacks went on to win the competition, but Napier insisted that did not ease the pain of the defeat.

He said: "There's no consolation in it really because we felt we could have beaten them if we'd played well enough, but we didn't.

"It's disappointing that we didn't come home with the trophy.

"I'd rather forget about Saturday really.

"The best team in the tournament won it on the day.

"They turned up and batted superbly in both games and we just didn't get it right with the ball."

Essex have an instant chance for revenge over Northamptonshire as the two sides clash in a crucial LV> Championship game at Colchester, which started yesterday.

And Napier is relishing the finale to what he believes has been his best four-day season to date.

He has recorded his career-best first-class bowling figures and, in the early months at least, repeatedly got his side out of a hole with the bat.

He added: "We're back into the four-day competition, playing against the same team and if we have a good week here then we'll come out of it in a good position in the table ahead of the last run of games.

"The Championship this year has been my most consistent throughout my career.

"I want to carry on that form for the rest of the season, especially coming back home, it would be nice to go out and keep taking wickets and scoring runs.

"I've always said the last few years that my form when I'm on the field is fine as long as I'm fully fit.

"I've managed to stay like that all summer, we've got six games to go and it would be nice to finish off without missing a game."

The Colchester-born 33-year-old is relishing the chance to play in his home town and is looking forward to what he hopes will be a successful few days for the county.

"It's home," he added. "It's the home of cricket for me. It's nice to come back, there's so many friendly and familiar faces about.

"Promotion is there for the taking. We've got to play a lot of good cricket – we've got five games of tough cricket coming up and if we play well in all those games we'll be there or thereabouts.

"It's just doing your job, getting out there, scoring the runs and taking the wickets. "

An Essex student was one of 13 contestants who took to measuring flour and making edible delights last night as the fourth series of the Great British Bake Off returned.

Along with the other bakers, 20-year-old Ruby, a History of Art and Philosophy student, had to make a sandwich cake, angel food cake and chocolate showstopper.

She made a rhubarb and custard sandwich cake, described by judge Mary Berry as being "a little untidy on top," but that she had a "very good sponge", while Paul Hollywood said that the "crème patisserie is awful – it's not quite thick enough".

Ruby's second cake, an angel food cake, was described as being "a bit runny," and she was therefore placed in the bottom three.  

Speaking about her last cake, Ruby said: "It's far from perfect and a bit rough around the edges but it's finished, which is the first time so far, so if I go out now then I've done a decent showing of my last bake."

Her third, signature chocolate cake was judged by Mary Berry saying simply: "I like that, it goes."

Ruby survived – but will she next week?

The next show will be broadcast at 8pm on Tuesday, September 3, on BBC Two.