THE Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society has presented over £1,250 to local community groups.

The cheques were handed to four "Community Card" groups at the Quadrant department store in Chelmsford on August 28.

The lucky recipients were Canine Partners, Hearing Help Essex, Farleigh Hospice and the Chelmsford Gym Club who shared £1,278 as part of the organisation's Community Card scheme, which has been running since 1999 and has 250 charities and community groups signed up.

Head of membership, Kevin Bennett said: "Our Community Card is a very useful tool for many local groups which include schools, charities, churches, sports groups etc. Once registered, we'll give groups personalised Community Cards to distribute to supporters.

"These will earn points on purchases when presented at the till in the society's stores. These points transfer into cash for use as desired. Groups receive a quarterly statement and when they want to withdraw, Chelmsford Star adds a 50 per cent bonus, so if a group earns £100 they will receive a cheque for £150."

If you are interested in signing up, application forms can be found in all of the Society's outlets and more information is available on line www.chelmsfordstar.coop.

TWO friends are gearing up for the Bournemouth marathon.

Jackie Poulteney, 54 and Janette Andrews 49, nicknamed the '2 J's' have been training every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for months to get ready for the gruelling 26.2 mile event on October 6.

The pair are raising money for the J's Hospice, which cares for 18 to 40-year-olds with life-long illnesses.

Janette said: "I'm 50 this year so we decided to mark it with a marathon and raise money at the same time."

It all began when Janette's daughter lost a friend to illness six years ago, and the duo decided to do the Hyde Park 5K run.

Janette said: "At the finish line I said 'that's it, forget it!' I couldn't run any further than that."

The pair then took a break, before a recent weight loss from Janette sparked her interest again.

"I'd lost two stone and was struggling to lose the rest and so Jackie suggested we start running again."

The twosome get up at 6am to start their training.

Jackie added: "We're out the door come rain or shine without fail. If you have got nothing to aim for you can easily find an excuse not to go.

"We did 20 miles last Saturday. Jackie set us up a good schedule and we have stuck to it."

They are hoping to complete the marathon in less than five hours.

BASILDON and Billericay MP John Baron was one of 30 Conservative MPs to vote against the Government motion for military action in Syria.

The UK is now unlikely to join America in taking any action against the regime after it allegedly used chemical weapons in Damascus during its ongoing conflict on August 21.

Mr Baron has previously warned that intervention by the West could escalate the conflict

Speaking after the vote, he said: "This has been a good day for Parliament.

"MPs from all sides have deep-seated concerns about military intervention, and too many of our questions remain unanswered.

"It felt as though we were rushing into action, particularly as the UN inspectors had yet to report back."

Mr Baron also referred to the "legacy of Iraq" and said the country's special relationship with the US meant it was in a good position to tell the States when it was "going wrong".

"Questions about the evidence, the legitimacy of taking action without a UN resolution and about the military objectives were not answered," he added.

I HAVE just finished work at midnight and taken a 20-minute walk home...in PITCH BLACK!

Apparently, the council has decided people don't need street lights any more. So, it has stopped using them, at the MOST important time of the day, when people commit crime.

We rely very heavily on CCTV in this country and I am proud of that fact. So, I really don't think its wise to turn the lights off.

We are allowing every criminal to disappear into the night without a trace. How stupid can we be?

What if you haven't got the money for a taxi or you've missed your last bus home?

This ignorant and very dangerous decision has obviously been made without care for people who have to work unsociable hours and like to use the most carbon efficient method of transport ever – walking!

Many vulnerable people are at risk. You do not scrimp on people's safety.

If they are that worried about stopping light pollution and lowering carbon emissions, they would be talking to the big corporates about their 'activities'.

So do not tell me this is about anything other than making profit? For fat cats who can afford taxis?

It all feels like some strange curfew that somehow infringes on my human rights.What am I paying my council tax for?

You should be able to walk home in the night, in relative safety, knowing the dos and don'ts, with the street lights on.

If you cannot see two metres in front of you, that is clearly not safe. Sadly, but inevitably, we will probably have to wait until someone gets attacked, before heads will roll, and they see the light (literally).

Then they will be forced to admit they were wrong and turn the lights back on.

The situation is incredible, and completely unacceptable.

I felt like Cinderella last night, rushing to get home before midnight.

It's utterly ridiculous, Essex County Council. Please do your job and keep us safe.

Leanne Lakey

Chelmsford

Brentwood's rich history has been explored through maps dating back almost 300 years at Essex Record Office in Chelmsford.

Here, archivists Sarah Ensor and Allyson Lewis discussed four maps depicting different stages in Brentwood's development between 1717 and 1920.

The earliest map was painstakingly hand drawn onto parchment.

"Someone would have gone out and measured it all as there was no way of getting up to look down on it from the sky," Ms Ensor explained.

"One of the noticeable things about this map, and one of the main reasons it was created, is that it shows who owned what land. Land is divided into sections with names on each plot.

"It wasn't listed as a map of Brentwood, but of South Weald. This is because back then Brentwood wasn't a parish – this didn't happen until much later.

"It was made on parchment because it's very strong and it is in relatively good condition after all these years and it hasn't needed restoration.

"We might fill in the holes in the parchment but we would never draw over the original."

Ms Lewis added: "It is very imaginative, all the houses are drawn separately.

"And because you have the major roads with the High Street, you should be able to map it onto a modern map and compare the two. You can also see Wilsons Corner and Brentwood School, which was then labelled as the free school.

"The big building you can see in the centre of the High Street is the White Hart."

The White Hart pub was known well beyond its appearance in the reality series The Only Way Is Essex as the Sugar Hut nightclub.

The building dates back to 1480 and for centuries was known as the White Hart Inn.

Situated in the centre of the market town, it was a central part of the community with meetings of the Assize courts, manor courts and other public events.

The archives have records of an innkeeper of the pub in the early 17th century named Thomas Taber.

In 1620, he accused one of his servants, William Flaxon, of stealing items including "one payre of greene stockines worth ten pence" and "one fallinge bande worth sixpence".

In 1795, the licensee was William Lenny and when the White Hart was put up for sale in 1864, the innkeeper was Catherine Moull.

Another map, created 60 years later in 1777, shows how quickly map making became more advanced.

Ms Ensor said: "This one covers the whole of the centre of Brentwood.

"The town was starting to take over South Weald as the focus of the area but at this stage it was still in between."

She explained that this map was financed by subscription so that if you sponsored the map your name would be printed on it.

"You could buy different copies of the map and this page was originally made as part of a book."

A third map held at the record office and shown to the Gazette was created in 1872.

This shows the Victorian town in a huge level of detail including the interior layouts of some public buildings.

Ms Lewis said: "This is an Ordinance Survey map and is drawn over a huge scale, 120 inches to a mile, whereas the 1777 map was 25 inches to a mile."

She noted an interesting detail on this map where individual cells in the police station are drawn.

"And of course the White Hart is still there," she added.

The 1872 map also clearly shows the former position of the Town Hall, the Lion & Lamb pub (now Dorothy Perkins) and the chapel ruins.

The latest map discussed was created in 1920 and showed the style of cartography had changed completely by this time. Builders would have used this more technical document for planning.

All these maps and many others depicting Brentwood and the surrounding area can be found at Essex Record Office.

For more information, call 01245 244644.

VINTAGE design fans were able to marvel at the cars and stalls from days gone by on display at Bocking's Roundwood Garden Centre on Sunday.

The free event saw classic cars – including Jaguars, Rolls Royces and Mustangs – motorbikes and tanks on show from 11am until around 4pm.

Sue Turner, community support administrator at Roundwood Garden Centre, said: "It was our second car show of the year and although was not as well-attended at the May event, everyone who came thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"There was a good flow-through of people throughout the day and most people stayed for the whole event, relaxing by the beer tent and, of course, our vintage tea tent was very popular as always."

The Essex Cares event in Bocking was held to raise money for the charity, which helps with people with disabilities gain more independence.

Tony Ratcliff, 69 of Panfield Road, Braintree, took a 1973 T25 Triumph that he'd only bought a couple of months earlier to the show.

"It's been great today and luckily we've had glorious weather since we bought it and can get the top down quite a bit. I've had to put a breaker in the back so the wife's hair doesn't blow off," he said.

Roundwood Garden Centre allows people with disabilities to plant and grow produce on the site's allotment and integrate with the community.

Colin Addington, 67, of Mill Park Drive, Braintree, was at the event with his 1960s Chevrolet DeSoto Firesweep and his five-year-old grandson Lewis.

He said: "I've always wanted an American car as I used to live near the US air base in Weathersfield. All the parts are original, so when I saw it I just fell in love with it."

There were more than 50 cars and 25 craft stalls, live music and food outlets at the centre, as well as British Heart Foundation demonstrations to youngsters of CPR.

David Johnson, 66, from Halstead brought a 1935 Austin 10 Litchfield to Roundwood and told the Chronicle: "This is a great event with some amazing vehicles on show – my car was originally actually owned by Harold Combs, the composer.

A CHARITY'S minibus has been stolen from outside its Brentwood base.

About 120 people who rely on Brentwood Mind to help them cope with depression, stress and other mental health illnesses have been dealt a major blow by the theft.

Many of the charity's members benefit from a range of workshops, courses and outdoor activities, such as football and tending allotments.

But many of these activities and therapeutic days out will have to be put on hold until a replacement to the charity's white 12 seater Transit can be found.

The 2010 Ford Transit minibus was stolen from a parking bay in William Hunter Way at the rear of B & M Cycles sometime between Friday evening and Saturday morning last week.

The white 12–seater van, registration number FV60 RSU, had been used to transport members across the borough, including to the Brentwood Centre where the charity organises a weekly six-a-side football sessions.

Larry Gutteridge, from Brentwood Mind, said: "This is going to be a blow for service users – for a start we won't be able to use many of our venues until we get a new minibus."

Brentwood Mind, which is celebrating its 40th birthday this year, was formed in 1973 to help those in the Brentwood and local community suffering with mental illness to lead full and interesting lives.

Mr Gutteridge is hoping the insurance will pay out – but worries that it may still cost the charity as much as £15,000 to buy a new minibus.

He said: "All the fundraising we have been doing as part of our 40th birthday celebrations will now probably have to be sunk into a new minibus rather than promoting and improving the services we provide. That's a real shame."

If you have any information please call Brentwood police on 101 or 01245 491491.

A RARE chance to meet the Lord of the Manor is being hosted by Stanford Rivers Parish Council this month.

A reception will be held at Toot Hill Village Hall on September 12 to meet the Stanford Rivers Lord of the Manor Joel Goldman. This will be the first time that parishioners have had an opportunity to meet Mr Goldman.

His grandfather, Harold Scott, is the author of a book about the history of Stanford Rivers, which was published in 1974.

The current parish council chairman John Glover has recently had the book reproduced for the community and copies are available for £25 each, hard bound in black with gold lettering.

From this tattered old book came the search for the Lord of the Manor. Said Cllr Glover: "A chance meeting in St Margaret's Church, Stanford Rivers, put me in touch with Alix Tystad, daughter of Harold Scott, and subsequently with her son, Mr Joel Goldman – we had found the Lord of the Manor and invited our parishioners to the reception."

STRENGTH, fitness and confidence will be developed at a new pole fit class for teenagers in a discipline that could not be further from the traditional image of pole dancing.

Jackie Fair, 54, lives in Crays Hill, and is excited to be offering the sport to teenage girls aged 14 to 16 years of age.

She has been running Pole 4 All for six years at her established gym Fit 4 All. The mother of three has a background teaching modern dance which led her to pole sport.

Mrs Fair explained: "Pole sports have had a lot of bad press – it has come away from dancing and now it's basically gymnastics on a pole.

"We went to the Pole Sports Federation competition and the young children participating were incredible. They are trying to fight to get it as an Olympic sport and so are we – it was amazing to watch.

"It teaches you all sorts of tricks on a pole – they will learn to climb the pole right to the top and fall into one move to another."

Mrs Fair stressed what the class is not going to be: "Pole dancers gyrate round a pole and these classes won't be anything like that.

"There will be no sexual innuendos whatsoever – we need to get away from that image. It is a sport and makes you strong, keeps you completely fit and is extremely sociable.

"It is for people of all ages and I teach men as well as women."

She explained that they will be holding shows throughout the year to give the girls a chance to show friends and family what they have learnt.

Mrs Fair continued: "It's also a great place to make friends – I have made the best friends in my whole life here.

"The thing is with teenagers is that they tend to stay away from exercise but if I get them into this they might keep it up – it's very addictive."

The classes start on Tuesday September 10 and will run on a weekly basis on Tuesdays from 4:30 until 5:30pm.

Classes cost £5 for an hour's tuition and will take place at Fit 4 All, based on Oak Farm, Castledon Road, Downham.

For more information visit www.poleforall.co.uk or call 01268 764000.

A WOMAN subjected to a "horrible attack" by a gang of thugs is now frightened to leave the house – just months after recovering from a spinal condition that had left her housebound for six years.

The 30-year-old, who did not want to be identified for fear of reprisals, was walking alone through Central Park in Chelmsford on Friday when three men shouted death threats, before throwing a drink over her, and hitting her across the face.

"I just can't believe they did something like that to a woman walking by herself," said the victim, who studied animal care at Writtle College.

"I was just getting myself together and now this horrible experience happens. It really makes me want to just move out of Chelmsford."

The woman, originally from Cheshire, had been walking into the park at around 12.30pm after visiting shops in Moulsham Street when she spotted the three men and immediately felt wary.

"I just didn't know what I was going to do. I recognised them as they hang outside my flat sometimes and they had earlier had an argument with my boyfriend who wouldn't give them a cigarette," she said.

"They began to walk towards me really aggressively then one of them said he was going to kill both me and my boyfriend – I was getting ready to fight for my life.

"One then threw a cup of amethyst purple liquid over me and hit me across the cheek before they all walked off.

"I just called the police straightaway."

It has been around 18 months since a life-changing operation had nearly cured the condition and given her a new chance at an active life.

"But this horrible experience has really set me back, it was a big deal for me just to go out on my own and now this happens," the victim added.

"I'm worried about how secure my flat is as people just buzz strangers in all the time, I just hope they catch them really soon."

The suspects are all believed to be in their late teens, and it is a white male, believed to be called Cam, that the victim remembers delivering the blow.

He is described as having dark hair, wearing a turquoise and purple hat which said 'Hornets', and faded blue shorts with a yellow stripe with suede royal blue Nike trainers. He was also carrying a brown, red and green man's handbag. The second and third attackers are described as being of mixed heritage, with one having the word BAILEY tattooed onto his neck and a rotting front tooth. The third is chubby.

Police would like to hear from anyone who saw what happened by calling Pc Chloe Lingane at Chelmsford police station on 101.

OVERGROWN trees in Billericay are being blamed for attracting "hooligans" who damage property and defecate on cars.

Residents are sick of the unkempt trees in Davids Walk, with some claiming they have led to more criminal damage in the area by providing shade for groups to congregate under.

Steve Radford, 55, is fed up with the situation.

His house in Valley Road backs on to the problem street, which is overrun with out-of-control saplings and unruly sycamores.

The delivery driver, who lives with his wife Linda, 49, and daughter Samantha, 21, said: "The overgrown trees are inviting youngsters to congregate on the road as they feel they can't be seen.

"They park their cars up and play music at the back end of the street and they are shadowed by the trees.

"We have had a lot of criminal damage – it's a place where hooligans hang out.

"Since we have been here I have had 17 cases of damage to my car. I think it's made worse by the trees, the youngsters hang around under them until 2am.

"My daughter won't park on the road anymore because she fears her car will get damaged. I have had wing mirrors pulled off and even had my car defecated on."

And the trees are not just a security concern for Mr Radford. "They are also an eyesore and are blocking light," he said.

"Around 12 leylandii were planted alongside the road and they have grown out of control – I made contact with the council last year and they just took the tops off, which didn't solve the problem.

"We also have a problem with sycamores which are self-seeded and the council just ignores them, birds sit on these ones and mess all over the cars. The road surface is also being pulled up by roots."

Mr Radford said he has reported the tree problem to Essex County Council several times over the years, but is still waiting for action to be taken.

He added: "They have promised to trim the trees but nothing has happened.

"I feel in this part of Billericay we are forgotten."

Peter Newman, 64, lives on Greens Farm Lane with his wife Linda, 70, and their garden also backs onto Davids Walk.

Mr Newman, who runs a constitutional club in Billericay, said: "The leylandii trees completely shade us and we have tried to get someone to cut them down but no one will listen to what you say.

"It would cost £800 just for a trim of the trees and we don't see why we should pay it.

"There is also a sycamore right outside our gate which is growing sideways – if it comes down it will destroy my garage.

"The council should have taken the tree down when it was young, before it got this bad. There are lots of young trees growing on the bank.

"I have complained for years – it's a nightmare, but I haven't bothered this year – I've given up."

The council has now cut down weeds on the bank of Davids Walk but Mr Radford says more needs to be done.

"They still haven't cut back the large trees shading the road and have ignored the young sycamores," he said.

A spokesman for Essex County Council said its parks department had completed an initial tidy-up and cut-back of the area, referring to the work it carried out on the bank, and insisted the rest of the work would be completed.

The spokesman added: "Another resident has requested further work to be done, and we expect this to take place during our scheduled winter maintenance work."

VINTAGE design fans were able to marvel at the cars and stalls from days gone by on display at Bocking's Roundwood Garden Centre on Sunday.

The free event saw classic cars – including Jaguars, Rolls Royces and Mustangs – motorbikes and tanks on show from 11am until around 4pm.

Sue Turner, community support administrator at Roundwood Garden Centre, said: "It was our second car show of the year and although was not as well-attended at the May event, everyone who came thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

"There was a good flow-through of people throughout the day and most people stayed for the whole event, relaxing by the beer tent and, of course, our vintage tea tent was very popular as always."

The Essex Cares event in Bocking was held to raise money for the charity, which helps with people with disabilities gain more independence.

Tony Ratcliff, 69 of Panfield Road, Braintree, took a 1973 T25 Triumph that he'd only bought a couple of months earlier to the show.

"It's been great today and luckily we've had glorious weather since we bought it and can get the top down quite a bit. I've had to put a breaker in the back so the wife's hair doesn't blow off," he said.

Roundwood Garden Centre allows people with disabilities to plant and grow produce on the site's allotment and integrate with the community.

Colin Addington, 67, of Mill Park Drive, Braintree, was at the event with his 1960s Chevrolet DeSoto Firesweep and his five-year-old grandson Lewis.

He said: "I've always wanted an American car as I used to live near the US air base in Weathersfield. All the parts are original, so when I saw it I just fell in love with it."

There were more than 50 cars and 25 craft stalls, live music and food outlets at the centre, as well as British Heart Foundation demonstrations to youngsters of CPR.

David Johnson, 66, from Halstead brought a 1935 Austin 10 Litchfield to Roundwood and told the Chronicle: "This is a great event with some amazing vehicles on show – my car was originally actually owned by Harold Combs, the composer.

Thousands of pupils across the county could face disruption next month after two teaching unions announced strike action over pay, pensions and working conditions.

The National Union of Teachers and NASUWT have called for their members to down tools and walk out on October 1 in the east of England, which includes Essex. 

Members in the East Midlands, West Midlands, Yorkshire and Humberside will also strike on the same day, while those in the North East, London, the South East and the South West are set to strike on October 17.

The unions said that teachers are "angry, frustrated and concerned" about the Government's reforms, which make teachers' pay linked to performance in the classroom and being paid by schools, rather than in line with a national framework.

It is not yet clear how many schools in the county will close due to the action in the county on October 1.

A CYSTIC fibrosis sufferer has cycled 100 miles around London and Surrey to raise money to combat the disease.

Daniel Hurrell took part in the RideLondon to Surrey 100 cycling event earlier this month to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust.

The 25-year-old from Witham only found out he had the condition when he was 18, after years of suffering with a persistent cough and intermittent breathing difficulties.

"Even though I've had it since birth, with a constant cough since I was 11, it took a long time for doctors to finally test me.

"I was always fairly healthy and did a lot of cycling so the illness didn't show until around 16 or 17. It's about getting a balance with exercise – I can cycle a bike and only cough a bit, but sometimes even going up flights of stairs can make me out of breath," said Mr Hurrell.

The RideLondon to Surrey saw nearly 20,000 cyclists follow the Olympic road race route from 2012, starting at the new Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park and finishing at The Mall.

Daniel's time of seven hours 52 minutes meant he completed the challenge quicker than many other participants who did not have chronic lung conditions.

Cystic fibrosis is a life-shortening genetic condition and of the many suffers, only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday.

It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation.

"I cycle two to three times a week, 20 miles each weekend, before cycling from Witham to Southend and back – which is about 70 miles – I follow the main roads and cut off through little villages.

"The support I got from family and friends as well as spectators was great. My jersey said, 'I have cystic fibrosis' so people started cheering when I went past and shouting my name.

"It was weird to have people I didn't know call out my name, but it gave me a huge amount of encouragement and made me push on even harder.

"Since diagnosis I've wanted to do some sort of fundraising event, initially I entered the marathon but was too ill, then I started to ride again in January," added the Dixons merchandiser.

Daniel's next plan is to take on the London to Brighton cycle challenge, adding: "After doing 100 miles around London, 54 miles to Brighton doesn't seem as much of a challenge."

He also has his eyes on taking part in the London to Paris ride next April, "I would aim to do 100 miles each day over five weeks," added Mr Hurrell.

So far he has raised nearly £800, with a target of £1,500.

To sponsor Daniel visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/danielhurrell

MALDON was the venue for the UK's 2009th Parkrun at the weekend when dozens of runners turned out to pound the pathways of Promenade Park.

Parkrun, a national project that encourages people to get fit by hosting free, volunteer-led runs in parks across the UK, came to the town for the first time on Saturday, when 143 runners took part.

Now people can join the 5km timed runs every Saturday from 9am at the amphitheatre in Promenade Park.

Volunteer organiser Sue Smith, 42, who lives in Maldon and has organised similar events across Essex, said: "The event went really well, we were all pleased with the turnout as this was our first one.

"We would encourage anyone that didn't turn up last week to get down to the park this week to join in."

The Maldon Parkrun follows the event in Chelmsford's Central Park two weeks ago. It was attended by Eddie Izzard in conjunction with Join In, an initiative taking place in the Olympic Games anniversary period between July 27 and September 9, to renew the volunteering spirit after the Games Makers' success last year.

Ms Smith said: "It's a really good excuse to get out and run – I only started to run last year and I really enjoy it.

"Before long I found myself organising similar events in Chelmsford but it is great to have one in the town you live."

Ms Smith insists that the Parkrun is not a race and although times are recorded runners only compete against themselves.

"The Parkrun is all about inclusivity – whether you are old or young, an experienced runner or someone trying out running for the first time, it's the ideal distance.

"We have mothers with their children in buggies and people running with their dogs too."

All participants for Parkrun need to register at www.parkrun.org.uk to obtain a unique bar code before they take part. The event is free and each person's time is entered on to a national database for their 5km run or walk.

Parkrun events are organised by volunteers – so if you would like to help, e-mail maldonprom helpers@parkrun.com

"We do need some help so anyone that feels like they can help out with volunteering for the event and meet some new people whilst getting fit should get in touch," Ms Smith said.

"The roles are all very simple and people don't need to make any commitment to be there every week, occasional helping is just as appreciated."

Visit www.parkrun.org.uk for more details.

AN ENERGY investment firm has taken the first steps in plans for a 92-acre solar park at Sandon Quarry.

BlueField Energy is the latest to target rural Essex for a commercial scale solar park with preliminary enquiries made to Chelmsford City Council for rows of up to 66,000 panels at the site.

The London firm join three other developers who have submitted proposals in the surrounding area, which would result in around 300,000 panels across mid-Essex if approved.

"We have certainly seen a gigantic leap forward with these big applications for solar farms," said leader of Chelmsford council Roy Whitehead.

"Clearly the attitude of central government is in favour but this can conflict with protecting the green belt which is the problem all authorities are having.

"Residents are coming up to us and asking how this is happening."

Developers who have identified the plot at Mayes Lane, Sandon – the latest in a total of eight applications across mid-Essex this year – have been told an environmental impact report will now be necessary after a number of historical discoveries nearby.

Second World War defences, Mesolithic flints and Bronze Age pottery shards have all been uncovered on the land, which also includes the Grade II listed Sandon Hall.

Museums manager Nick Wickenden said: "Over the years there has been a smattering of historical material found there such as some of the tools which were used during the Mesolithic period, which date back to 4000 BC."

"For that reason there is interest in the site and so we would want to look into things further."

The newest proposal follows a series of controversial suggestions for large-scale solar farms from developers, some of which have deeply angered the residents they would impact upon.

Lightsource Renewable Energy, the UK's leading solar energy generator, has been responsible for half these applications in 2013 but deny targeting the area.

"The big determining factor for us is a viable grid connection in order for our solar farm to export its electricity back into the network," said Liza Gray, on behalf of the company.

"Unfortunately the electricity distribution network is really old and aged; therefore you will find that where there is a viable connection or a feasibility upgrade cost, this will be sought after by renewable energy developers, not just solar farm developers.

"However, Essex is not really more popular than other regions, we have submitted three sites in Essex for planning thus far when compared with 15 sites in Devon over the last 18 months."

The company, which has offices in Bath, Belfast and London, has recently been forced to withdraw one application for a farm at Little Braxted after being met with fierce opposition from residents. It would have supplied power for 3,600 homes.

The rejection by Maldon District Council of an application for the 90-acre site had been appealed earlier this year but three weeks ago it was quietly withdrawn by the company.

"I'm very happy, everybody is and it was definitely the right decision," said Wickham Bishops resident Lorna Setter who had spearheaded the campaign against the Little Braxted submission.

"I don't have anything against solar farms but where they were proposing is surrounded by listed buildings and the Whet Mead nature reserve. Little Braxted is a tiny parish and the farm was far too big – the visual impact would have been horrendous."

Despite this setback the firm continues to pursue applications in Great Totham, Bicknacre and Little Easton, which if all approved, would produce enough power for around 9,000 homes.

Maldon district councillor Frank Delderfield, who represents the ward of Great Totham, said: "The government is in favour of renewable energy but I understand the concerns of the people. It's more of a solar power station, calling it a farm gives a false impression.

"It's a question of scale and some of the applications are clearly unsuitable but every case must be judged on its own merit. In the right place it can work, but in a picturesque place such as Maldon it might be less appropriate."

The newest application just outside Chelmsford also comes on the heels of approval given to a £20 million solar project at Highfield's Farm, Kelvedon.

Both Braintree and Colchester district councils have given the go-ahead to the plans from Hive Energy Ltd for a 74-acre plot to be covered with around 60,000 panels – although the project is still not without its fair share of controversy.

"I understand the need for power, but I do have an issue with paving over agricultural land for solar panels, we need the land for other things too," said ward councillor for Kelvedon Robert Mitchell.

A CHELMSFORD businessman has hit back at claims that he was involved in an £8.5 million counterfeit tobacco-making conspiracy.

Paul Percival, 52, of Cowdrie Way, Springfield, was found guilty at Nottingham Crown Court last week and handed a 21-month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, for importing tobacco-shredding machines from Eastern Europe and facilitating the purchase of raw-leaf tobacco.

The 13-strong gang set up plants across the West Midlands to produce counterfeit hand-rolling tobacco using the name of a well-known brand, but were caught as part of a four-and-a-half year operation by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, which says it cost the country £8.5m in lost tax.

It is illegal to import tobacco without paying tax.

But in an interview with the Chronicle, Mr Percival, a 52-year-old finance and insurance manager, said that as far as he was aware, the machine was not going to be used for tobacco.

"A gentleman that I have done business with before asked me if I would fund an industrial shredder – it's a slightly unusual piece of equipment and the gentleman did not have the funds," he claimed.

"He was going through a rough time and asked if I would I arrange the funding for it. It arrived here in April.

"I only got involved for the last three months that they were running the investigation," added Mr Percival, who was also ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid work and given a home curfew from 9pm to 6am for six months.

Mr Percival said that, in his line of work in trade finance, to be asked to finance an import of a machine is not unusual.

He says the first thing he knew about a problem was when HMRC contacted him by letter.

"They impounded the machine straightaway and they wrote to me and asked to come and see me in early May," he said.

"It got impounded – it has not been active or put into use."

Last week, 12 others were sentenced, including one other Essex man, Simon Howard of Swanbourne Drive in Hornchurch who got the same sentence as Mr Percival, while mastermind Phillip Hall was sentenced to two years in prison, to run concurrently.

Gary Lampon, assistant director of criminal investigation for HMRC, said: "This was a well-organised international crime gang that we have disrupted and brought before the courts.

"They had no regard for the money they stole from public finances and honest taxpayers, which has been substantial."

But Mr Percival added: "For the HMRC to say I'm taking money off the taxpayer is wrong. I have lost £100,000 rather than earned anything.

"Without the support of my wife and my friends I could not have got through it.

"I'm just lucky enough to have got family around me and have good friends.

"It was at least a year of investigation before they charged me.

"It's been hanging over my wife's head and my family for over three-and-a-half years now.

"This is the first time I have ever financed one of these and it will be the last time."

HUNDREDS visited Tollesbury on Saturday in support of the famous Woodup pool on the banks of the River Blackwater.

The fundraiser was held at the saltwater bathing pool in Woodrolfe Hard and more than £2,500 was collected to go towards the upkeep and improvement of the beach run by Tollesbury Parish Council.

The event showcased local talent on stage with bands performing throughout the day, along with a BBQ, belly dancing, craft and charity stalls, a sandcastle-building competition, and a highly competitive raft race.

Nick Bradshaw, from the organising team, said: "The whole day went very, very well. We tried to do this for the benefit of the whole village and the money will certainly go to good use.

"The event brought the village together and everyone was in a really good mood. We did well to raise money for the pool, which everyone has used at one time or another.

"I think the fundraiser has really lifted the spirit of the village. Although Tollesbury is just a small place, we know how to have a good time."

The council hopes to install a number of barbecue points and bike racks by the pool, along with making improvements to the beach area.

Adam Hobden, 45, from Waterwells Road, Tollesbury, plays bass in The Malcolm M Experience, which performed on the day.

He said: "It's only occasionally that everyone gets together like this and it was a fantastic day.

"It was a really good turnout and everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves. It was great to see local families enjoying all that was on offer, with the children playing in the pool and the adults enjoying the music.

"I was asked to perform because I sometimes play at the Kings Head and I was only too happy to help out. I'm already looking forward to next year.

"My family have lived here for five generations and I'm very proud of the village where I live and events like this can showcase what a great little village we are."

FIVE per cent of eligible households in Brentwood have applied to downsize their property since the introduction of the so-called "bedroom tax" in April.

Brentwood Borough Council estimates another 200 rooms could be freed up from around 177 households in the borough affected by the spare room subsidy.

The council has announced plans to encourage more tenants to take up the benefit scheme.

One tenant affected by the housing benefit cut is Sharon Grundy, 51, who works part-time and suffers health issues.

She currently rents a three-bedroom property in Hawthorn Avenue with her daughter, Louise, 19.

"I don't think it will be successful," she said. "We've been looking on the website but there's nothing on there that suits us."

"To bring in money, we have to go to work and we can't afford spending too much on bus fares but from where we live now we can both walk to work."

Despite searching, Ms Grundy claims there is little chance of her downsizing in the immediate future due to a lack of social housing available in the borough.

She added: "I haven't got a problem with moving at all but I don't see why I should give up my three-bedroom house for something terrible. When I've been to visit other places I couldn't believe what I saw. It really did shock me. In one case, you had to see it to believe it."

A recent public consultation on a new draft Allocation Policy proposes greater priority for tenants wishing to downsize. The final policy will be recommended at the Community Services Committee on October 8.

The council also pays a grant of £1,000 per room for tenants downsizing by a transfer.

Councillor Jan Pound, chairman of the Community Services Committee, said: "We're hopeful that people will be encouraged.

"This isn't a Draconian attitude we're taking. We're hoping to encourage people to downsize.

"We can free up houses so we can have the large properties for the families who need them. We're heartened that people are coming to us with that in mind."

Members of two bowling clubs have been supporting a Lottery initiative to encourage residents to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Lawn bowlers from Brentwood Bowling Club and carpet bowlers from Herongate-based Stonyhill Bowls Club helped run a bowls roadshow as part of a successful family fun day at King George's Playing Fields last Friday.

Bowlers joined Bowls Development Alliance (BDA) staff to answer questions about the sport and to spread the word that it's fun, friendly and a great way to keep fit.

Essex has been chosen because the BDA has identified strong potential demand for bowls in the county, which has a high population in the 55-plus target age group.

Brentwood Bowling Club has enjoyed a bumper summer season with a record number of new members and free coaching on the greens at King George's Playing Fields.

Stonyhill has also attracted new members by offering indoor taster sessions throughout the year and, later this month, an intensive two-day "Come & Try" promotion is being held for anyone wanting to have a go.

The event is being organised by Ann Betts, who took up bowling three years ago after retiring from Brentwood County High School where she was an assistant head teacher.

She said: "Bowling has a very bright future in Brentwood because of the changing age profile of the population.

"Bowling is a great activity for all ages but most new bowlers tend to be retired or approaching retirement and numbers in these groups are increasing."

There is no need to book for the Stonyhill Come & Try sessions, which will take place on September 27 from 4 to 10pm and September 28 from 10am to 3pm.

All equipment will be provided but, if possible, visitors are asked to bring flat-soled shoes.