A YOUNG driver died at the scene of a high-speed crash – just half an hour after sitting behind the wheel of his new car for the first time.

An inquest heard how former St Martin's School pupil Robert Hyde, known to everyone as Bob, was not wearing a seat belt when the 2006 black Vauxhall Astra he was driving span out of control slamming into a railway bridge near Prospect Way in Wash Road.

The 22-year-old, from Woodland Avenue, Hutton, died of multiple injuries sustained from the force of being thrown about as the car ricocheted off one side of the brick bridge near Prospect Way, into the retaining wall on the other side.

The accident, which happened shortly before 10.30pm on February 17 this year, left the car a mangled wreck, almost unrecognisable as an Astra.

Mr Hyde, who had worked at F J Harnett and Sons wholesale nursery in Stock, had only just bought the car that same afternoon – his mother picking it up from the car dealers just a few hours before the accident. It was later that evening that Mr Hyde left his home for McDonald's at the Mountnessing roundabout, followed in convoy by friend Robin Dixon-Fyle.

Sgt Richard Raker from Essex Police forensic collision investigation unit, believed that Mr Hyde, who had accelerated away from his friend, may have been unfamiliar with the driving characteristics of the new car.

The accident unfolded as the vehicle travelled over a slight rise in the road.

The inquest heard how Mr Dixon-Fyle, driving his own Ford Fiesta, saw the Astra starting to wobble from side to side as Mr Hyde tried to correct the car's steering one way and then the other until he could hold it no longer.

Although police could not ascertain at what speed he was driving, CCTV film footage taken from a camera near the accident site captures Mr Hyde's car travelling past at significantly higher speeds than other vehicles.

His mother, visibly upset throughout the 30-minute inquest at New Bridge House, Chelmsford, on Thursday, said: "I just don't know what happened, what you [the police] say seems feasible. He must have only had the car for less than half an hour. Maybe he looked down and started fiddling with the music and then lost control."

Sgt Raker added: "Had Bob been wearing a seat belt would have substantially increased the chances of surviving the incident."

Mr Hyde was survived by his mother Claire, father Vince, elder brother Oliver and younger brother Charlie.

Tributes, flowers and a photograph were left at the side of the railway bridge the day after the crash, with messages penned by his friends and family.

HM Assistant Deputy Coroner for Essex and Thurrock, Tina Harrington said: "We may never know what happened." She recorded an verdict of accidental death.

WORK to build 400 new homes on the site of Chelmsford's iconic Marconi factory could begin next summer.

Bellway Homes have set a tight schedule for the redevelopment of the derelict factory in New Street, it revealed at its first public exhibition recently.

The story-board display at Anglia Ruskin University has attracted regular visitors, who were asked what they thought about Bellway's embryonic plans for the site, which has stood empty since 2008.

Richard Burrows, managing director of Bellway Homes Essex, said: "The response from the public has been hugely encouraging. We are now analysing all the feedback we received and using it to make further improvements to our evolving plans. We will be holding a second public event in the coming weeks."

Bellway has pledged not to include any high-rise buildings in its refurbishment of the famous 1912 factory, which housed Marconi's personal office.

It also seeks opinions on what it should do with the engine house and water tower, which it says are the only other buildings likely to be preserved.

The firm will be bringing forward its final proposals within a month for another public exhibition. It will then apply for planning permission and Chelmsford City Council will carry out its own consultation. The developer aims to bring the bulldozers in by early summer.

Most people who visited the exhibition seemed to prefer this plan over the previous one by the now-defunct Ashwell Land, which included several tower blocks, including one 18 storeys high.

City leader Cllr Roy Whitehead added: "I am very pleased to see the reduction in height and the absence of metal and glass. My preference would be to allow demolition and reconstruction of the whole site except the Marconi building. I am looking forward to seeing the final proposals."

Malcolm Noble, head of Changing Chelmsford, the volunteer group helping citizens have their say in the future of the city, added: "We are pleased with the way Bellway has handled this project. Their managing director has spared time to meet us and hear some of our ideas."

Further comments on the development can be made at www.marconiredevelopment.co.uk

See Your Views on page 16

RESEARCHERS at Anglia Ruskin University say art helps cure mental health issues.

Dr Kerrie Margrove, who led the research alongside the South Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (SEPT), studied a group of 58 people from Open Arts.

Essex-based Open Arts organises 12-week art courses for people with mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression and schizophrenia.

The results showed that 89 percent of the group reported an improvement in relationships with others.

And 88 per cent reported an improvement in motivation and 81 per cent reported an increase in confidence.

Dr Margrove studied 32 people on the waiting list and 26 who were in classes, then took 19 who were on the waiting list into class a year later, and saw their mental health improve dramatically.

She said: "There were so many people wanting to take part in the classes but they could not accommodate anyone.

"We took this as an opportunity to find out how the service users compare to those who haven't been part of the classes.

"It was conducted by a series of interviews with people who were part of the classes and those who were not.

"We are getting an indication that it is a helpful service, and have already applied for funding from the Royal Society for Health Research, but they won't have decided whether they will give us the funding until April.

"With that money we plan to do a much larger trial with many more people and then we hope to randomise this.

"It will be the best experiment yet and it really will identify whether it is the art that has helped.

"Mental ill-health is a significant public health problem in the UK, with costly consequences in terms of the distress for those who experience mental health problems and their families, as well as considerable financial costs to the NHS and society more generally."

Kerrie studied psychology at Cardiff University before joining Anglia Ruskin University two years ago.

She worked alongside an art therapist to complete the research, which has been published in the latest edition of Perspectives in Public Health.

"Some people are self-referred and some come through the GP surgeries, but the communities feel the need to improve their wellbeing, make friends and get a better social life," said Kerrie.

"We are now trialing it with completely different groups.

"We have a lot of students who are stressed and dropping out, so our next stage is to see whether it works for them.

"Open Arts will now take off, hopefully in a university setting, with staff participating.

"Working at Anglia Ruskin is great, it gives me the opportunity to do so many things."

A HUSBAND-and-wife team could have found the recipe for success with a new mail-order food company offering some of South Africa's most well-known dishes.

Jana and Shalk Meyer set up the South African Food Company in June after being unable to find pre-prepared meals from their home country in the UK.

The idea came when Jana was craving South African food while pregnant with her first child, Byon, four and a half years ago.

Now the number of customers after dishes like Durban curry or bobotie is growing.

Just click on the website and a pre-packed frozen meal is couriered anywhere in the UK.

The couple, of Mount Crescent, Warley, are now ready to distribute to South African shops and other outlets such as Budgens.

Pretoria-born Jana, 36, said: "People brought food around when I was having Byon, but what I really wanted was a bobotie.

"I wanted to buy ready-made South African food from the shelf. You can buy things like biltong here, but you could not buy frozen meals anywhere and so we decided to do it ourselves."

Jana met her South African-born husband, also 36, in London while on a gap year in 2000.

She then trained as a teacher in Barking and later bought an after school tuition franchise.

It was after having her daughter Cariney that Jana decided to begin her newest enterprise.

"We are really excited about it," she said.

"It's been a long journey, but now we are actually starting to sell our product, it is fantastic."

Visit www.southafricanfoodcompany.co.uk for more details.

PUMPKIN pandemonium hit Hyde Hall when scores of families visited the gardens to get arty with their Hallowe'en creations.

The Pumpkin Carving Day was filled with families, all helping to draw and carve the scariest face on their giant squashes.

Children of all ages, dressed as witches, aliens and ghosts, also made witch-shaped candles and listened to spooky stories, on October 27.

Among the crowded room was family, Patsy Barker, 8, Emily Naylor, 7, James Naylor, 5, Val Naylor and David Naylor, of Chelmsford.

"It's a mucky business. We've come here every year for the past four years, so there is nothing we do not know about pumpkin carving," said David.

"It is such a creative thing to do with the family, but I always get messier than the others because I am chief carver."

Emily added: "I am trying to draw my face on mine, but I got it a bit wrong.

"I did a smiley face because that is the same face that I have on my witch's wand, but I don't want that face anymore."

Another family enjoying the festive fun was, Isabel, 5, Laura, 33, and Wayne Nicholls, 32, of Wickford.

"We have loved today, we came last year with Isabel and she absolutely loved it."

"When I get home," said Isabel, wearing a bat witch dress, "I am going to put the pumpkin outside the house with little lights in it."

Organiser Claire Campbell, 40, of Chelmsford, said: "I have been at Hyde Hall for 12 years and I have been doing this event for probably the same amount of time.

"I love to see all the familiar faces coming back and the enjoyment of the children."

Retired volunteer Mazza Marston, who was helping at the witch candle stand, added: "Seeing the kids being creative, not in front of the TV or the computer, really is a joy to see.

"They are using their creativity and taking their creation home, I think it sends a very positive message to all families."

A THIRD-GENERATION farmer who produces organic vegetables for a London-based community scheme has scooped an award.

Sarah Green, who runs Mark Farm in Tillingham, sends boxes of her home-grown produce to Growing Communities in Hackney, which aims to feed urban areas in a sustainable way.

Sarah's sought-after boxes have helped the scheme come top in the best independent local retail category in the 2012 Observer Food Monthly Awards.

"I enjoy growing good food, and the way my business has expanded has been very rewarding. I'm proud to be associated with Growing Communities and the recent award, voted for by people who buy and eat my produce, clearly demonstrates that box scheme members and farmers' market customers appreciate the fresh, organic food.

"I was approached by Growing Communities a couple of years ago to sell my produce at their farmers' market. Because of where I'm located, I was looking for ways to increase my sales and this seemed like a fantastic opportunity.

"At first I only supplied them things once a month but now it's fortnightly. It's really gone from strength to strength."

Sarah, 32, took on her family farm after attending Writtle College, and was the first to bring organic veg to the business.

She added: "I run the farm with my mum Sally and dad Steve. My grandad Peter had it before and he still has an interest in the farm but can't be out in the fields at 88.

"After returning home from Writtle College, I started growing the organic vegetables and it's grown from there.

"The boxes are delivered weekly and it's really important to me that they look good, so a lot of care goes into growing our veg.

"The produce depends on what's in season and I also include recipes and a newsletter letting people know what's going on at the farm. I like to send a variety – you'll never just receive a cabbage each week."

Sarah also helped the Duke of Cambridge Pub in Islington come runner-up in the best organic restaurant category

She said: "It's great that my contribution has helped the pub and community scheme be recognised in the awards. It's great to see our hard work paying off."

BELL ringing is not just the domain of bookish types with a penchant for wearing socks with sandals.

Just ask Nicola Stark, a 34-year-old with two small children who wants to open up the mysterious world of campanology to the young, the old, and even – as she puts it – "yummy mummies".

Ms Stark has been bell ringing since she was 10. Now she is helping lead the recruitment drive for new ringers at Shenfield St Mary's.

The group has around eight regular ringers, but they need another three or four to ensure all six bells can be rung for all of its services and other occasions.

She said: "I want to challenge the stereotypes that go with bell ringers.

"It's not all for people who wear socks with their sandals, although you do get people like that.

"There's no reason why it can't be for yummy mummy types too."

Although bell ringing does not just require arms of steel and the stamina of an ox, Ms Stark says it does take time to learn the intricate skill of bell changing – and the sequences in which the bells are rung known as methods.

Most bell rounds go through a quarter peel of 45 minutes, but a full peel lasts for three hours and involves up to 5,000 bell changes.

"It's wrong that people think bell ringing is for strong people, but it does take a bit of concentration," she said.

"The secret is just to keep the momentum going on the bells. Once you can control the bells, you start learning the methods."

Ms Stark started ringing thanks to her parents, veterans of the bell-ringing world who have used their skills in churches as far afield as Australia.

After dropping the hobby for a few years while going through university, Nicola began ringing at Shenfield St Mary's three years ago after the family moved to the borough.

"It's a really nice hobby to be able to do something away from the family and the children.

"It's a really distinctive part of English heritage and it's really important that we keep it going."

Beth Johnson, who has been ringing for 45 years since the age of 13, is helping out at St Mary's while the church's Tower Captain – the lead ringer – recovers from illness.

She said: "It's an important part of my Christian witness, but it's a great hobby.

"It's good for anyone between 10 and 80 – for all different ages – there are not many hobbies where that happens."

A HARD-HITTING campaign featuring a child apparently eating dog mess has been launched along a picturesque country walk.

The controversial project is Braintree District Council's attempt to stamp out dog fouling on the Flitch Way, a country path passing through 15 miles of countryside along the former Bishop's Stortford to Braintree railway line.

The Pick It Up campaign is warning dog walkers to clean up after their pets or face fines of up to £1,000.

It also encourages fellow park-users to report offending dog-owners to the council in a scheme they have called "Stamp out poo – tell us who".

Founder of website Essex Mums Louise Ford, who has two young children, said she thought the pictures were "grim" but that she supported the campaign.

"It is a real problem," she said. "I think the picture of the child is a little far-fetched because you think parents would keep an eye on their kids.

"It is pretty grim but, then again, having dogs foul on the streets is disgusting – so it's comparable.

"I think a shocking campaign is the only way to go."

The scheme set the council back £500 and involves a selection of posters, all with images of faeces, stuck to bins along the length of the Flitch Way.

"We are fully supportive of the anti-dog fouling campaign," said Stan Davies, chairman of the Friends of the Flitch Way.

"The majority of people are responsible when it comes to dog fouling and treat the countryside with respect.

"The few that don't clear up after their dog are being thoughtless of others who want to appreciate our beautiful area without worrying about stepping in something nasty.

"Anything we can do to help stop the despicable habit we will, so our volunteers will be keeping their eyes and ears open."

In addition, walkers can report dog-litterers online or post a dog fouling report form to officers at Causeway House.

Councillor Wendy Schmitt, Braintree District Council cabinet member for the environment, said: "This antisocial behaviour by irresponsible dog owners is a public health risk and spoiling everyone else's enjoyment of the Flitch Way.

"With all these groups working together it means an army of eyes is looking out for offenders and reporting them to our enforcement team.

"Thinking you can get away with it is no longer an easy option."

What do you think about the campaign and, more especially, the shocking poster (right)? Visit www.thisistotalessex.co.uk to have your say or e-mail letters@essexchronicle.co.uk

TOWN Ladies were dumped out of this cup having won the original encounter seven days earlier.

But the fixture had to be replayed after use of repeated substitutions by both teams during the final half-an-hour of the first game led to the Essex County Football Association instructing the teams to play again with a new referee and under the correct competition rules.

It was a decision that came back to bite Brentwood as an abject performance saw the club lose for the first time in a month and also for the first time in six away matches following two draws and three consecutive wins.

The match started badly for Blues as they conceded in just the third minute when Georgia Box was in position to stab home from close range.

Although playing nowhere near their best, Town were able to fashion a number of half-chances including one when Alex Shepard combined with Hannah Porter but she fired over.

Blues did equalise when Nikita Whinnett's simple pass picked out Lucy Faraday who scored with a 35-yard strike.

Two minutes later the home side restored their lead through Annie Hickey with an angled header.

Goalmouth opportunities were restricted in the second half with Porter heading a Jo Sibley corner wide and Shepard drawing a save from Prior besides her right-hand post for the hosts, and Cristina Fragnito nodding a Faraday flag-kick wide for Blues.

Then, with a quarter-of-an-hour remaining, Colchester struck a blow to Brentwood's hopes with a third goal.

It came at the end of a prolonged period of possession when Kerry Jacks squared to Powels, who fired in via the underside of the crossbar from 20 yards out.

The former Colchester United youngster was so overjoyed with her goal that she was cautioned for her goal celebration straight afterwards.

Brentwood had to score next, but instead Town extended their advantage through the dominant Porter.

Shepard's left-wing cross was cut out by Dimmock, but it fell to midfielder Porter, who scooped over Prior from just outside the penalty area.

FORGET burgers and chips – pie, mash and liquor looks like a new favourite in Billericay.

Since January 2012, close friends Erika King and Nicola Flanagan have been serving the traditional London meal from a mobile kitchen in Radford Crescent between 4pm and 9pm every Friday.

As reported in the Gazette last week, Kerina Boshell has just launched pie, mash and liquor night at her High Street cafe Deli37 – but Mrs King is nevertheless confident that punters will keep coming back for her pies.

The 35-year-old mum of two, who co-owns Simply Pie and Mash with Hornchurch-raised Mrs Flanagan, said: "We can't stop competition but Nicola and I firmly believe that we serve the best pie and mash and that we give the best service.

"People travel from far and wide for the pies that we do and the feedback from customers in Billericay has been excellent."

She added: "When we first started up we handed out leaflets at the station and one guy told us we wouldn't be successful because it's too posh an area.

"However, there are a lot of Londoners who have moved out into the suburbs and they love our pie and mash."

Mrs King, who lives in Broome Road, Billericay with her husband Michael, 39, and their children Etienne, five, and Remi, six, explained she sources her food from Goddard's, which has been making handmade pies since 1890.

She said: "The recipe for Goddard's is a closely-guarded secret and apparently even the Goddard brothers' wives don't know the recipe. The pies are all homemade with the finest ingredients – it is just the proper stuff."

Mrs King also believes that the fact she serves pie, mash and liquor from a trailer rather than a shop does not put off customers.

"We are not a dodgy burger van," she said.

"We have had people who have said 'We don't normally buy food from trailers but we have heard that your pie and mash is so good that we want to give it a try'."

She added: "People have said 'Why don't you do burgers, why don't you do this and that'? but we are specialists in pie and mash."

As well as meat pies, Simply Pie and Mash serves soya mince and cheese and onion pies, both suitable for vegetarians.

The liquor does not contain eel juice and thus is also suitable for those who don't eat meat or fish.

Besides Billericay, the firm serves up pie, mash and liquor between 8am and 4pm on Saturdays at North Weald Market and from 8am to 3pm on Sundays at Dagenham Market.

For more information, visit www.simplypieandmash.co.uk

The day began at the Great Bardfield museum where we saw displays of the village history. One of the reasons for the visit was to see how exhibits were displayed and get ideas to furnish our own Heritage Centre. One of the originators, Jenny Rooney gave a short talk on how the building was restored with a lot of help from villagers. She was also lucky to get more village help with the making of display cabinets and graphics for the storyboards.

After lunch at either the Bell pub or the Blue Egg café, we enjoyed a walk through the village. Our guide Janet Dyson explained the history of some the buildings, pointing out the ones that were used by the Great Bardfield Art Movement between the 1920's to the 1970's whose existence come as a surprise to us. Our walk ended at the parish church where we saw the grave of Ariel Crittall who has recently passed away.

We were impressed with the pride that the residents have in their village and what the community have achieved.

Members of the Society get regular updates and reduced rates to events which are open to all. Our next will be on Wednesday 28 November at the Bowls Club, Silver End commencing 8pm with a talk by Robin Carpenter on the Clockhouse Way development in Braintree and the Park Estate in Frinton

NETTS 'A' and Black Notley 'A' have both won their first games of the season.

Netts had only two players for their match against Sible Hedingham but in addition to Kevin Gowlett's customary three sets, Patrick Gilbert also remained unbeaten – and the two of them took the doubles for a 7-3 win.

Notley's winless run has had much to do with the strength of the opposition, and they finally removed the nought from their wins column with a 6-4 victory over Rayne 'B' in which Gordon Fairchild, Rob Stannard and Zach Harrington all won twice.

Following their maiden victory Netts were without Gowlett for the first time in their next match and found Notley 'B' too much to cope with.

John Cleasby made his first appearance of the season but his two singles represented two-thirds of his team's total.

Netts Phoenix were another team to score a first win but in their case it was only their second match following their late entry into the league. James Hicks was unbeaten as they came past Rayne 'C' 6-4.

At the top end of the table Liberal 'B' had the opposite experience.

After winning their first four matches they faced Rayne 'A', the only team ahead of them in the table, and crumbled 8-2.

Simon Webber won twice for Liberal but Steve Elmes's three sets led his team to victory.

Liberal 'C' stretched their winning run to four matches when they visited bottom team White Lions. Garry Fryatt was unbeaten in the 8-2 victory.

Notley 'C' maintained their promotion challenge with a 7-3 win over Rayne 'D' where Adam Pitt demonstrated his continuing improvement with an unbeaten hand.

Notley 'E' have been involved in some of the tightest matches in the division, with two draws and a 6-4 defeat behind them.

They had another close encounter, but this time emerged on the right side of a 6-4 scoreline against Nomads.

Chris Parr was unbeaten and it was Parr and Matt Wallace's win at 12-10 in the fifth game in the doubles that effectively clinched the victory.

Sean Clift and Keith Flowers were both unbeaten as Notley 'D' took eight points off Rayne 'E'.

A LANDLORD in Ramsden Heath has transformed his pub's beer garden into a winter wonderland, complete with a synthetic ice rink.

Steve Haslam, who owns the White Horse in Heath Road, officially opened the rink on Saturday to coincide with the school half-term holiday.

The entrepreneurial proprietor, who believes his synthetic rink to be the first at a pub in Essex, is planning to turn it into a roller rink after the festive season.

Mr Haslam, 47, who owns the pub with partner Jo Drain, 41, said: "We've been nominated as the best outdoor pub on several occasions, so we're always thinking of new ideas to improve the pub.

"We've got a fabulous garden that holds 500 people outside, but it closes in the winter, which we always think is such a shame.

"After doing some research, we decided an ice rink was a great idea and something we should definitely do.

"We surveyed people who drink in the pub asking them what they thought about the idea and everyone agreed it was a great suggestion."

After receiving a £20,000 investment from TLC Inns, the company which operates the pub, the ice rink took 14 workers three days to install.

Mr Haslam, a father of three, added: "The ice rink is an outstanding venue. It was originally installed on to the roof of Harrods in London.

"But it's not just aimed at children, everyone can go ice skating and we're planning to have a massive Hallowe'en party as well as embracing the Christmas spirit."

The ice rink, which measures 16m x 8m, can hold 42 skaters at any one time and Mr Haslam and his team will be serving mulled wine, hot cider and mince pies from a specially erected marquee.

"It's already proved a hit with my children.

"When Christmas is over the ice rink will become a roller rink during February and March."

The rink will be open during the school half-term from noon to 8pm, on weekends between noon to 3pm, and during the week from 4pm to 8pm.

A skating session is 40 minutes and costs £5.

Children who skate will be offered half-price meals.

A YOUNG motorist has admitted causing the death of a Merchant Navy veteran through careless driving.

Thurlo Haile, 72, was knocked down and killed after he was struck by a Ford Fiesta in Springfield Road last June as he crossed the street to buy his morning paper.

The driver, 23-year-old engineer Lewis Snelgrove, of Woodhall Road, Chelmsford, was arrested at the scene.

This week he pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court.

The death of Mr Haile, of Oaklea Avenue, Chelmsford, close to the junction with Llewellyn Close, shortly before 8am on Friday, June 10, last year, sparked calls for urgent speed restrictions on the 30mph road.

The father-of-three was a popular face in the community and worked as the assistant churchwarden at All Saints.

He was married to Jean for nearly 50 years and was a member of the local Probus group – the association of retired and semi-retired men and women – and a former chairman of the board of governors at Bishop's Primary School in Beardsley Drive.

Mr Haile was born in Lytham St Annes, near Blackpool, but moved to Chelmsford during his thirties.

He had a very successful career in the Merchant Navy, where he served as commander.

By 1992 he had become Master of the Royal Navy Reserve League and later became its secretary.

He left the Merchant Navy to become a marine consultant in London until his retirement, when he began to take up several hobbies, including rambling.

Snelgrove has been released on court bail prior to his sentencing back at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, November 16.

PARENTS were stunned when the county council demanded nearly £50,000 to organise a lollipop lady outside their children's school – even though the annual salary is less than £4,000.

After Essex County Council told parents and governors from Tollesbury Primary School there wasn't enough traffic to warrant a crossing patrol the group convinced the authority to let them self-fund their own.

Sarah Case, whose five-year-old son Fraser goes to the school, said: "When my son started school I was concerned by the level of traffic that was going past the school at drop off and pick up times – not the volume of traffic but the size of the lorries going to and from the nearby business park.

"I couldn't believe there was no form of traffic crossing at all outside the school meaning that children at the top end of the primary school were unable to walk to school alone. The majority of the parents at the school are so concerned about the road and everyone wants something done about it."

After contacting Essex County Council in January this year to ask why there was no pedestrian crossing or lollipop lady, Mrs Case was told there was not enough traffic to warrant one.

The mother-of-two added: "Eventually after a lot of to-ing and fro-ing with the council they agreed to a draft policy to allow schools to self-fund.

"And after 10 months of waiting they have at last said that we can have some form of crossing patrol as long as we fundraise, which we are very prepared to do.

"However, what we were not prepared for was the amount of money they require to put this vital safety patrol in place – £46,842 initially for set up and then around £8,342 per annum – it's ridiculous.

"We were originally told it would be in the region of about £18,000 which we thought we would be able to fundraise for, but £50,000 is just such a large amount of money."

The council has claimed the costs include a number of expenses such as £15,000 for "infrastructure" and £15,000 for "decommissioning infrastructure". It also includes a £2,000 safety audit, £3,000 recruitment costs, £3,800 salary and National Insurance, £150 uniform, £200 training, £500 expenses and £4,500 redundancy costs, and annual management costs of more than £2,500.

Mrs Case, a freelance marketing consultant, said: "I can understand that we must pay for uniform and the initial safety audit, but do we really need to pay £15,000 for decommissioning infrastructure which means if we decide in a few years we don't want the lollipop lady the council can pay for redundancies etc?

"It's madness, why should we pay to get rid of something that we desperately need?"

Jayne Mitchell, a governor at the school and whose two daughters Evie, eight, and Leah, seven, attend, said: "There is a real concern about the road and the school is most definitely supportive of the campaign.

"I was hit on the shoulder by a lorry's wing mirror not that long ago and suffered some bruising.

"Luckily someone pulled me back in time but my shoulder is probably at the height of a little one's head. No one wants a serious accident and we're all worried it could happen."

Mrs Case added: "We're hoping the council will lower the cost and we're really hoping that any local businesses out there who want to help and support us will come forward."

Essex county councillor, Derrick Louis, cabinet member for highways and transportation, said: "This request was assessed but fell short of the national criteria used by Essex County Council to determine whether a site is suitable for a school crossing patrol. Our records show that there has only been one collision at this location over the past 10 years.

"We have to prioritise our resources for the provision of school crossing patrols for sites with the greatest safety need. For sites that don't meet the criteria we have introduced the option for local communities to self-fund a school crossing patrol, if they feel it is required."

Could you help with fundraising? Contact the newsdesk on 01245 602718.

THREE generations of a go-karting family have been hand-picked by the Bahamas government for an all-expenses paid trip to celebrate the sport on the island.

David Cleal, 63, his son-in-law, Warren Kent, 34, and his two young sons, Bradley and Lewis, are all part of the Formula Kart Stars team, who race go-karts at British tracks.

When Warren and Bradley were ranked in the top 12 of their age groups in this country, the Bahamian government invited the pair, along with their sponsor and mechanic, David – for an all-expenses-paid trip to the country's Festival of Speed this month.

Lewis, 13, was later invited as a guest driver to take part in the race known as the hill climb.

Eleven-year-old Bradley said: "I was really happy when we found out.

"We have all been to Belgium, Ireland and Scotland, and all over the country, but never to somewhere like the Bahamas."

The White Notley family race under the team name G4 Racing, representing the four generations of their family who have competed in go-karts.

The boys' great-grandfather started the family tradition.

"The best thing about it is that it's fun overtaking someone and going fast – if you get in the slipstream of someone when you're going down the straight, you can catch them really quickly," said Bradley who, along with his older brother Lewis, has accepted a scholarship to the prestigious Gosfield School for their go-karting achievements.

The selected drivers and mechanics will be visiting schools around the country to teach children about racing and to help them build their own Billy Kart – a motor-less go-kart that is raced downhill and can reach speeds of up to 30mph.

They will then compete in races throughout the two weeks against other selected drivers from around the world.

Warren, who used to be a semi-professional motor car driver and now races for the Formula Kart Stars senior group, said: "I started racing quite late in racing terms – when I was about 17 – but as soon as the boys were walking they were bought quad bikes and battery-operated cars.

"We thought we had the opportunity to have half of the family paid for and we would never be able to do it again, so we said we would bite the bullet and get all of us out there."

Warren's wife, Paula, and their two younger sons, Nathan and Zak, will also be joining the boys at their exclusive resort for two weeks.

Paula said: "There's a bit of a dynasty going on here. It's always been the life for them – they are really lucky, but they are also very talented."