A RETIRED salesman has called a water company's delay in fixing a leaking pipe "ridiculous" after more than a month of waiting and three visits by engineers.

Roderick Davey, 69, of Rose Hill, Braintree, notified Anglian Water of the leak that led to water pouring down the hill outside his house nearly six weeks ago.

But the company has still not resolved the problem, despite sending three engineers to inspect the faulty pipe.

The grandfather-of-three said: "Water has been running down the hill for at least six weeks. We're lucky it's not winter otherwise it could have been really dangerous on the hill as it is just before a roundabout. Cars could have been skidding all over the place.

"Three engineers have been to look at the pipe, but all they've done is hang a sign up saying 'we love every drop', which is a joke if they can't even be bothered to stop water running down the hill.

"It must cost them a lot of money to send out people to it and not fix the problem."

Anglian Water says the hedge is part of the property boundary of nearby flats and so falls under the responsibility of management company Acorn Property to cut it back.

A spokesman for Anglian Water said: "We are sorry for the delay in repairing the leak on Rose Hill in Braintree. The private hedge nearby needed to be cut back before we could start work. As this is classed as private property it's not something we can do without permission.

"Now that this has happened, the repair is scheduled to be completed within the next week.

"No customers are off water or experiencing low pressure, but we are sorry for the delay and are grateful to those customers who have conscientiously reported it to us."

MALDON District Council may need more than the 4,410 homes it has planned to build by 2031, it is claimed.

Planning inspector David Vickery has told the counci l its Local Development Plan (LDP) may be based on outdated information.

In a letter to the authority, Mr Vickery stated a number of concerns about the plan, including the number of houses, the speed of building them and the delivery of infrastructure.

The government-appointed planning inspector has identified that the council may have been using outdated information – from as far back as 2008 – to assess its housing needs and therefore underestimated the number needed.

In a letter sent to the authority on Tuesday last week, Mr Vickery wrote: "I realise that my concern will not be popular with either the council or local residents, but it has to be raised... [the housing requirement] may be higher if further work is needed to take account of possible underestimation.

"The plan's housing policies may be fundamentally flawed either because they do not allocate sufficient housing land, or because a credible planning policy case has not been made."

Mr Vickery also expressed concerns that the houses may not be built quickly enough to supply improvements to infrastructure – from a levy on the developers – particularly highways improvements to north Heybridge and the A414 at Limebrook Way.

He added: "Many of the comments indicate the need for significant infrastructure provision early on in developments, and so I am concerned about the viability of the plan's housing allocations when substantial upfront monies are likely to be required.

"In addition, there is no indication as to when some of the infrastructure is going to be provided.

"This means that I am not convinced, even with the information that the plan's allocations will have sufficient resources available from either the public or private sector to facilitate the delivery of their key infrastructure."

Kath Vale, chairman of the Save Maldon Action Group, told the Chronicle: "The letter made for interesting reading. It does seem strange that a few years ago there was talk of 8,000 homes and suddenly it dropped.

"It sort of confirms what we said all along, that the council should have considered a new settlement closer to the rail network and infrastructure.

"We also had concerns about the amount of affordable houses available that seems to be dropping."

Don Benson, chairman of Heybridge Residents' Association, remained concerned about infrastructure.

He said: "Let's hope that this LDP wasn't a total waste of time.

"It would seem that the council will struggle to raise enough money in the community infrastructure levy to provide the infrastructure we need.

"We've said for a very long time that we need better traffic measures and a flood alleviation scheme."

David Coleman, strategic planning policy manager at Maldon District Council, said in a reply to Mr Vickery: "The council is surprised and disappointed by the scope of the concerns that you have identified.

"The council was then satisfied that the LDP should be progressed with a housing target of 4,410 dwellings."

Today, the planning inspector will visit the council offices for a meeting at 11.30am, at which the public is welcome.

AN ELDERLY woman has filed a complaint with First Essex after she claims a driver didn't help her when she fell and injured her leg boarding his bus.

Linda Moss, 74, who lives in sheltered accommodation in Chelmsford, had planned to catch the bus into town on the morning of June 25 but found herself struggling to climb the steps of the vehicle when it pulled up on Watchouse Road, Galleywood.

Rather than help her, the pensioner claims the driver simply sat and watched as she fell down, cutting her leg in six places with "blood pouring" from the wounds.

Linda, who lives alone, said: "The driver didn't get up or help me or anything, he was just so rude.

"I use the buses quite a lot and normally they will help you but he wouldn't even get out of his seat when he saw me fall."

After fellow passengers pointed out the blood pouring from cuts on her injured leg, Mrs Moss left the bus at her GP's surgery where doctors dressed her leg, and she immediately called her daughter about the incident.

Mrs Moss's daughter Medina added: "I think it's disgusting. If the driver doesn't like being around people then he shouldn't be a driver on a bus.

"It's my mum – who is quite frail – and her health I'm worried about. He shouldn't be working for that bus company; he doesn't have any people skills at all."

A spokesman for First Essex buses said: "We are looking into this and will respond to the customer as soon as the necessary procedures have been followed. We train all our staff to a high standard of customer care, and would not expect a scenario like this on any of our services."

A DOG bit a 10-year-old boy on the leg in a Chelmsford park then ran off.

The attack happened as the boy was cycling in St Andrews Park, Patching Hall Lane, at around 3.30pm on June 27,when a dog, believed to be a white greyhound, bit him on the leg.

No owner of the dog was seen, it had no collar and was off the lead.

Police are appealing for information and anyone with information is asked to contact PC Carly Dixon at Chelmsford police station on 101.

A DESIGNER suit was stolen from a shop in Freeport Braintree.

The grey Zegna suit was stolen from The Suit Company at the Freeport shopping village at around 3pm on June 19.

The man pictured in CCTV from the shop is described as aged in his late 30s, white with a distinctive tattoo on his earlobe.

Police are appealing for help in identifying a man they want to speak to in connection with the theft of the suit.

Anyone who can identify the man pictured is asked to contact PC Martin Spensley at Braintree police station on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

THE Fire Brigades Union has announced a series of 15 strikes to take place over eight consecutive days as its bitter feud with the Government over pensions and retirement age reforms continues.

Essex Fire Brigades Union members, along with other firefighters across the country, will be taking the industrial action as part of a national dispute that has raged since September last year.

This recent spate of strike action comes less than a month after the last 24-hour strike was held on June 21 and another before that on June 12.

The FBU members strike on July 14 will be the 15th action taken since September 2013 and there will be further strike periods on the following dates:

• Monday July 14: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Tuesday July 15: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Wednesday July 16: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Thursday July 17: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm
• Friday July 18: 6am–8am and 11pm–1am on Saturday 19 July
• Saturday July 19: 11am–1pm and 11pm–1am on Sunday 20 July
• Sunday July 20: 5pm–7pm
• Monday July 21: 6am–8am and 5pm–7pm

These strikes are in addition to the already announced walk-out taking place between 10am and 7pm on Thursday July 10.

Essex Fire Service says it has resilient arrangements in place to ensure cover is maintained across the county throughout the strikes, but it also wants the public to "keep risk to a minimum", by remembering their "Be Safer….Be Slower….Be Vigilant" slogan.

AN e-fit image has been released of a man police want to question over the reported sexual assault of a Clacton woman in Southend last year.

Detectives want to trace the suspect following an allegation of a sexual offence in the town on July 22 2013.

Officers were contacted on June 6 with a report that a woman in her 50s from the Clacton area was sexually assaulted whilst inside a property in the Hartington Road area of Southend.

The man is described as white, around 5ft 7ins tall, aged in his early 30s, with dark brown receding hair.

Police are asking the public whether anyone can name the man depicted in an e-fit image.

Anyone who recognises this man, or has any other information, should contact DC Mark Goodchild at the Rayleigh Sexual Offences Investigation Team on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

ESSEX Police officers have been suspended, resigned, given disciplinary warnings and even appeared in court of allegations that range from setting up inappropriate social media profiles to sexual assault.

One officer has even appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on April 4 charged with possessing a sawn-off shot gun.

PC Michael Winfield, of The Street, Melton, Suffolk, was suspended by the force and pleaded guilty to the firearms offences.

He was given a two-year suspended sentence and ordered to pay costs of £1,000, plus being ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid work.

Other officers searched police records for personal reasons, failed to investigate a missing persons case that resulted in a death and used "excessive force" when restraining a suspect in their home.

These allegations have come to light after a report was made public by Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston, that shows cases of misconduct between October 2013 and March 2014.

In one case an officer unlawfully entered a property and the suspect received a broken wrist whist being arrested.

"I am publishing these reports as part of my commitment to openness and transparency," said Mr Alston.

"In the past, some of these cases would never have become known to the public, and I am aware that there may be public shock and disappointment at some of the details. "

In an ongoing case that has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) a man died shortly after leaving police custody.

Another officer received a warning for making "inappropriate communications" with "a number of females" after attending incidents at their homes.

This has been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service and may lead to a criminal charge.

Another officer was sacked following a misconduct hearing for having a relationship with a witness and separate hearing found an officer had possessed indecent images.

Mr Alston added: "I would ask everyone to remember that, including police officers, PCSOs, police staff and special constables, almost 6,000 people work for Essex Police, and there are hundreds of thousands of interactions between the public and the force, often in difficult circumstances, every year.

"Mistakes and errors of judgment occur in every organisation. The test of an organisation is how it deals with misconduct.

"Both Chief Constable Kavanagh and I are committed to ensuring that the culture of Essex Police is one where everyone understands the critical importance of high professional standards, and constantly strives to deliver the best possible service to the people of Essex."

The report reveals the force received 482 complaints between October 2013 and March this year, with 41 allegations proved, 146 not upheld and 202 resolved, as well as 93 issues that were withdrawn or discovered to not be police matters.

MARK Cavendish's dream of wearing the yellow jersey in his home county is over after the Ongar resident crashed out of the first stage of the Tour de France in Yorkshire today.

The former Commonwealth champion was just 300 metres from the finish line when he tumbled to the floor, allowing German Marcel Kittelto speed to victory ahead of him.

Cavendish lost control of his front wheel as he tried to break free from the pack in the last 400 metres in the finishing straight in Harrogate.

He had made the bid for victory by using his head and shoulders to try and push Australia's Simon Gerrans to the left so he could have a clear run to the line, but lost his balance and fell heavily on his right shoulder.

Gerrans also hit the deck and the ensuing chaos left only four of the 198 riders in with a chance of winning.

It is unclear whether he will continue the race on Sunday after the Manx-born racer was taken to hospital, nursing an injured shoulder.

These tragic turn of events mirror a similar accident the 29-year-old had on his debut Tour, when he fell on the run-in to the Canterbury stage in 20007.

The event was opened in Yorkshire by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, watched on by David Cameron and Prince Harry.

Le Tour will continue through Yorkshire tomorrow and then move onto Essex on Monday.

At this stage it is not known the extent of Cavendish's injuries and it could mean he does not get to compete in his county of residence.

CASES heard by Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates from Thursday, May 8 and Monday, May 14.

Sent to prison

KELLY ANNE CALLANDER , 35, of Springfield Park Road, Chelmsford, was sent to prison for a total of 16 weeks.

She was given two weeks for stealing a hairbrush and a packet of tights valued at £14.49 from Boots in Chelmsford on May 8.

She was also given two weeks consecutive for stealing a pair of boots, a handbag and bracelet valued at £56.97 from H&M in Chelmsford on May 9.

The defendant committed the offences while subject to a suspended sentence order imposed on March 20 for offences of theft, assaulting a PCSO, and possessing drugs.

The suspended 12 week sentences were implemented.

KIERON JOSEPH NOONE, 24, of Chelmsford Road, Good Easter, was sent to prison for nine months.

He was given three months for trespassing in Tesco Express in Chelmsford on April 21 and stealing a handheld terminal valued at £420.

He was also given three months consecutive for stealing another terminal from Tesco Express in Chelmsford on April 25, and three months concurrent for attempting to enter Tesco Express on April 27 with intent to steal.

The defendant was also given a further three months consecutive for stealing a handheld device to the value of £1,000 from Marks & Spencer in Chelmsford on May 8.

MARTIN PAUL CANSELL, 43, of Bardell Close, Chelmsford, was sent to prison for four weeks for taking a vehicle without the owner's consent on April 24 at South Woodham Ferrers.

He also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance or a valid driving licence and was banned from driving for 12 months.

ANTHONY SCOTT CASKEY, 39, of no fixed address, was sent to prison for four months for assaulting Sheryl Taylor by beating her in her home in a sustained attack, causing injury, at Chelmsford on April 20.

He was also given two months concurrent for damaging a kitchen wall to the value of £30 belonging to Sheryl and two months concurrent for using violence to enter premises in Chelmsford on April 21.

Suspended sentence

CRISTINA NICOLAE, 21, of no fixed address, was given a six week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

She was given two weeks suspended for stealing cosmetics to the value of £197.62 from Superdrug in Chelmsford on June 8, 2012, and four weeks consecutive for failing to attend Chelmsford Magistrates' Court on June 27, 2012, having been released on bail in criminal proceedings on June 8 from Braintree Police Station.

Assault

VIOLET MOSLEY, 31, of Wood Corner Caravan Park, Woodham Walter, was given a community order for assaulting Joanne Stocks by beating her at Braintree on April 24.

She was placed under a curfew for eight weeks, with electronic monitoring, and ordered to pay £150 compensation and an £60 victim surcharge.

DYLAN TURNER, 19, of Windermere Drive, Great Notley, was given a 12 month conditional discharge after pleading guilty to assaulting Norman Turner at Great Notley on April 23.

He must pay a £15 victim surcharge and £50 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

TAYLA SPENCER HUGHES, 22, of Rayne Road, Braintree, was ordered to pay £300 compensation for assaulting Millie Hughes by beating her at Braintree on April 21.

He also pleaded guilty to causing criminal damage at Braintree on April 21 by damaging a china bowl valued at £2 and failed to surrender to custody at Colchester Magistrates' Court on May 8 having been released on bail in criminal proceedings.

He must also pay £85 costs to the CPS.

JAMES PARKER, 21, of Coldnailhurst Avenue, Braintree, was given a community order for assaulting Clare Gardiner by beating her at Braintree on August 1 and had failed to attend Colchester Magistrates' Court on November 15, having been released on bail in criminal proceedings on October 4.

The defendant must attend the Senior Mixed Attendance Centre in Chelmsford for 30 hours, pay £100 compensation, a £60 victim surcharge and £135 costs to the CPS.

Criminal damage

TALIA LUCAS, 24, of Rookes Crescent, Chelmsford, was given a community order for damaging household items including a television, to the value of £500, belonging to Joanna Rampley at Chelmsford on March 28.

She also pleaded guilty to assaulting Joanna by beating her.

The defendant must participate in One to One for 20 days, attend appointments with a responsible officer, pay £500 compensation and a £60 victim surcharge.

Breach of order

BONNIE ANDERSON, 18, of Herberd Tye, Great Baddow, was ordered to carry out 30 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months, in additional to the original requirements of a community order imposed on September 24.

She had failed to comply by not attending two appointments in April.

She must also pay £50 costs.

JAMES CLOVER, 19, of Silver Street, Wethersfield, was ordered to pay £500 compensation after damaging a glass door front to the value of £500 belonging to Hayden Incedal at Enjoy Cafe in Braintree, on April 26.

He must also pay £85 costs to the CPS.

Drugs - possession
RICHARD ANDREW SHELDRICK, 19, of Don Court, Witham, was fined £125 for possessing 1.1g of cocaine, a controlled class A drug, at Colchester on February 9.

He must also pay a £20 victim surcharge, pay £85 costs to the CPS and forfeit the drugs and have them destroyed.

He was also fined a further £30 fine for failing to surrender to custody at Colchester Magistrates' Court on April 30, having been released on bail in criminal proceedings.

Drugs - producing

DAVID BRADLEY, 29, of Beckers Green Road, Braintree , was fined £350 for producing five cannabis plants, controlled class B drugs, at Colchester on September 6, 2012.

He must also pay a £35 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Harassment

AARON JAMES WARDLEY, 30, of Halyard Reach, South Woodham Ferrers, was given a community order for harassing Nicola Charman on or about May 11 at South Woodham Ferrers by shouting abuse through her letter box and sending numerous, abusive text messages.

The defendant must attend appointments with a responsible officer and carry out 100 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months.

He was also given a restraining order not to contact Nicola and ordered to pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

ANTHONY PETER STONE, 55, of Braintree Road, Felsted, was given a 12 month conditional discharge for harassing Anne-Marie Magee at Braintree on April 21 by attending her home address on various occasions and attempting to gain entry.

He also pleaded guilty to making verbal threats whilst using a phone, that were grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or of a menacing character.

He must pay a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Malicious communications

JAMES DAVID DIGBY, 25, of Fortinbras Way, Chelmsford, was given a community order for sending text messages that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing nature at Chelmsford between March 8 and April 21.

He must carry out 100 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

He was also given a restraining order not to contact Karlene Thorpe or go to Barnard Road in Chelmsford.

LIONEL CLIFFORD BARON, 28, of Falklands Road, Burnham on Crouch, was given a restraining order and fined £275 for sending a text picture message that was grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character to Natalie King at Southminster on April 14.

The defendant is prohibited from contacting Natalie and must pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Theft – shoplifting

APRIL AMANDA CHAPMAN, 18, of New Writtle Street, Chelmsford, was given a community order for stealing food products and underwear valued at £294.34 from ASDA in Chelmsford on May 8.

She must attend Essex Senior Attendance Centre for 24 hours, pay a £60 victim surcharge and £40 costs to the CPS.

Theft – other

CHRISTOPHER LEWIS DAVIS, 36, of Maldon Road, Margaretting, was given a community order for stealing a bicycle to the value of £500 belonging to Zoe Defoe at Chelmsford on April 23.

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Danny Pitt by beating him, possessing 0.4 grams of cannabis resin, a controlled class B drug; and committing the offences while subject to a community order imposed on April 2 was in force for stealing a bike.

The defendant must have treatment for drug dependency for six months, and must not enter Chelmsford city centre as bordered by Parkway Rectory Road, New Street, Victoria Road, Springfield Road and High Bridge Road except to attend Probation or drug referral appointments.

He must pay £50 compensation plus a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS. In addition he must forfeit the drugs and have them destroyed.

MARK ALAN COATES, 40, of Bran End, Stebbing, was fined £265 for stealing a quantity of photographs and correspondence of an unknown value belonging to Daniella Westbrook between February 16 and March 15 at Takeley.

He must pay a £27 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

ANTHONY DAVID TAYLOR, 18, of Vauxhall Drive, Braintree, was given a 12 month conditional discharge for stealing money to the value of £20 from Kieran Colville on March 15 at Braintree.

He was ordered to pay £20 compensation, a £15 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

RYAN JOHN HARMER, 25, of Fairway, Chelmsford, was fined £500 for stealing cash to the value of £500 from Bethannie Freeman at Chelmsford on May 8.

He was ordered to pay £350 compensation, a £50 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Theft - receiving

RICHARD ANTHONY MAYERS, 42, of Holkham Avenue, South Woodham Ferrers, was given a community order for receiving stolen goods in the form of a jacket valued at £270 belonging to James Gresty in Chelmsford on February 18.

The defendant must present himself to Essex Probation for 12 days, or 12 sessions, to undertake the Medium Alcohol Requirement Intervention activity, participate in Education, Training and Employment Activity for 15 days, attend appointments with a responsible officer and must pay a fine of £40, a £60 victim surcharge and £25 costs to the CPS.

He was also in possession of 0.40 grammes of Buprenorphine, a controlled class C drug, which he must forfeit and have destroyed.

Threatening behaviour

TAMMY MCKEON, 35, of Meadgate Avenue, Chelmsford, was fined £50 for causing harassment, alarm or distress towards a Police Constable at Chelmsford on May 8, by using threatening, abusive or insulting words or disorderly behaviour likely to cause alarm or distress.

She must also pay a £20 victim surcharge.

Careless driving

MICHAELA BRADLEY, 38, of Maldon Road, Bradwell on Sea, was given six penalty points on her driving licence for driving along Maldon Road at Bradwell on October 16 without due care and attention.

The defendant was taking a left hand bend when she lost control of the vehicle, skidded across the road and collided with an electricity pole.

She was fined £333 and £90 costs.

She was also fined £500 plus a £50 victim surcharge for driving without insurance, having the cord exposed on one tyre and driving a vehicle that did not have a test certificate in force.

RACHEL BATTS, 28, of School Road, Great Totham, was given six penalty points for driving without due care and attention at Witham on February 11.

The defendant had failed to see two pedestrians on a zebra crossing and collided with a four year old pedestrian.

She then continued to drive for 36 metres with the child caught underneath the vehicle before coming to a stop.

The pedestrian suffered serious injuries including a deep wound to the head requiring a nine day hospital stay, multiple surgeries and skin grafts.

She was fined £250 with a £25 victim surcharge and £90 costs.

A DOCTOR who has gone above and beyond the call of duty for his patients for more than three decades has been crowned the national hero of healthcare.

Dr John Cormack was one of five finalists in the Daily Mail Health Hero awards 2014, all of whom were invited to meet Prime Minister David Cameron at 10 Downing Street last Thursday.

The 67-year-old, who has worked as a GP at Greenwood Surgery in South Woodham Ferrers for the past 35 years, said: "I didn't expect to win at all; it was a very strong field.

"In fact it was slightly embarrassing, because we were so sure that I hadn't won that I didn't bring any clothes for the television interview so I had to borrow some, but it was very exciting.

"It was very interesting and very pleasant to meet David Cameron. He gave us a lot of time and seemed genuinely interested in what we do.

"His advisers seemed interested but also concerned about what we told them, so I think we managed to get the right messages across to them."

Tales of the GP taking a widow and lifelong West Ham fan to watch a match in Southend, or springing a man from hospital to attend his golden wedding anniversary, are just two of the selfless acts for which he was nominated by patient Ian Gillard.

"He can't do enough for others. He's the sort of GP who opens the surgery on Saturdays to give an urgent blood test, and works bank holidays so his patients don't have to queue in A&E," said Ian.

But the 67-year-old hasn't always enjoyed such a positive relationship with the healthcare system in which he works, even going so far as to change his name by deed poll to Dr John Cormack the Family Doctor Who Works for the NHS For Free.

In January 2012 he was vocal in his criticism of the NHS budget for general practices, even investing more than £5,000 of his own money into Greenwood to keep it afloat.

And speaking to the Chronicle this week, it appears he still holds strong views.

"There's no budget for doctors, so we've began to use nurses as they cost less money to hire, but they still do a great job. I think other practices are beginning to follow this model we have started too," he said.

"The NHS is perfectly happy to line their own pockets but don't reward the truly hard-working people. So I will continue to carry on campaigning to end discrimination."

AN AMATEUR historian has researched the stories behind the 98 Burnham men who fought and died in the First World War.

Walter Jenkins, 63, of Chapel Road, researched the men immortalised on the wall in St Mary's Church for his new book Our Dear and Brave Men.

The list of men includes Gilbert Laws, an Olympic medallist who won a sailing gold in the 1908 summer Olympics and died shortly after the war, which was attributed as a war death. It also includes Herbert Tunbridge who lied about his age – knocking 10 years off – and going into combat aged 60.

Mr Jenkins was inspired to take on the 18-month project after taking a trip to Estaples in northern France for his wife Ruth's birthday last summer – and laid a poppy posy on the grave of her great uncle.

"After returning from France during mass I looked up in church and saw the names on the wall and thought to myself that I wanted to get to know the people behind those names on that list," said Mr Jenkins.

"It was an emotional journey to France and I thought it would be a fantastic way to remember the Great War in its centenary year and the brave men from Burnham who fought in it. It was great to know that some of the families still live in Burnham."

The couple have family connections to those who fought in the war – Mrs Jenkins had two great uncles who fought in France while Mr Jenkins had a great uncle who fought in the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey.

"I have found out some wonderful stories of the people named here. It's a fascinating side to the Burnham people that fought so bravely during the First World War," said Mr Jenkins.

Old copies of the Essex Chronicle, a visit to the Essex Record Office in Chelmsford and the national military archives at Kew all came in handy during his research.

The book also contains details of the war memorials erected in four churches in Burnham. It also provides information on the graves marking the dead and the famous "dead man's penny", given to wives and loved ones.

Through his research, Mr Jenkins helped to find two relatives of Burnham resident Nancy Crisp's family – Jesse Francis Whiting who died years after in a hospital after fighting near Ypres, and Ernest Whiting who died as a prisoner of war.

Mrs Crisp said: "I'm a keen family historian so it was wonderful to find out a bit more about my predecessors."

Walter has recently paid for 98 bulbs to be planted in the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to remember the Burnham soldiers.

For more information go to www.ourdearandbravemen.co.uk

A GRANDMOTHER would not have discovered she was suffering from an aggressive form of breast cancer had it not been for her roll-on deodorant.

Anne McCafferty, from Stock, only discovered the cancerous lump under her arm after noticing tenderness while she used the roll-on anti-perspirant and was quickly diagnosed with HER2 breast cancer.

And now almost a year to the day after her diagnosis, and after months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the 61-year-old will be one of thousands of women taking part in the Race for Life in Chelmsford today (July 6).

Anne, who had taken part in Race for Life once before in memory of her parents who both died from cancer, said: "My mum had ovarian cancer and so I was looking for the signs of that and missed the breast cancer signs.

"I wouldn't have known unless I had been using a stick deodorant and realised that I felt tender under the arm which I put down to exercising at first – I thought I had strained a muscle.

"The doctor told me in no uncertain terms that I would need chemotherapy, a mastectomy and that I would lose my hair – It was quite brutal in a way."

As part of her aggressive treatment at Spire Hartswood Hospital in Brentwood, Anne underwent a lumpectomy, the removal of her lymph nodes, sessions of chemotherapy every three weeks and then radiotherapy every day for five weeks.

Anne has also overhauled her diet and switched to chemical free make-up to ensure if the worst strikes again she can say she did everything she could.

She added: "The kids have been wonderful; they came to every chemotherapy session with me, as well as my husband.

"My daughter gave birth to her first baby towards the end of my radiotherapy, which was so wonderful to focus on something else.

"It takes time at first to get your head around the diagnosis but then you have to get on with things."

Anne will be joined at the event in Hylands Park on Sunday by her daughter Nicola, sister Julia and her niece Hannah, who are fundraising collectively with a target of £1,000, which they have already surpassed.

"I've been told the cancer may come back but I like to think that means it might not too.

"My surgeon said to me go out and live your life and we'll worry about the illness, and so that's what I've done," Anne added.

"I'm really looking forward to the race as it means a great deal for the whole family."

To sponsor the girls go to https://www.justgiving.com/Familypoos/

SUPERBIKE star Ed Rendell has admitted that the pressure has been eased after extending his lead in the Motostar 125 Championship to 41 points.

The Chelmsford rider enjoyed a successful weekend at Knockhill, Scotland, as he cruised to victory in his class and pushes further ahead of closest rival Taz Taylor.

He said: "When an event is held in Scotland you want to come away with a good result as it is a 1,200-mile round trip.

"But we did exactly what we needed to do, which was to extend my lead at the top of the standings. We have managed to build up a pretty massive lead now, which is really good for the upcoming events.

"It means that the pressure is off slightly and everything can be a little bit more comfortable. I can relax and keep setting targets for all the upcoming races."

The 22-year-old did not have it all his own way in the early stages of the weekend, however. He had a big slide in qualifying, but was able to get on the second row of the grid, and then also slid on the hairpin during the race.

Rendell added: "It was a bit of a mixed weekend as I had an off in the first qualifying stage, but luckily had put in a fast enough lap to claim fourth on the grid.

"Then in the race I had a big slide on the hairpin but was able to maintain control of the bike. It wasn't particularly wet, but just spitting a little bit so it was in the back of your mind. I think it was a little slippery during the early stages as a few people came off."

The next round of the 2014 MCE Insurance British Superbike Championship is the Big Brands Bash – three days on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit July 18-20.

Rendell said: "It is nice for it to be a local round. It is usually a quick circuit there – and I usually go pretty well at Brands – so I am hoping for the same that weekend."

Thousands will be lining the streets of Chelmsford and Essex for the Tour de France but will they have to take any waterproofs with them?

The latest weather forecast from the Met Office and the Essex Weather Centre suggests it might be worth taking precautions.

Saffron Walden

The entry point for the cyclists, and crowds gathering here will be watching in dry, comfortable conditions. The sunshine could give way to some light showers by the afternoon, after the cyclists have gone past.

Temperatures will rise to 21C, about average for this time of year.

Uttlesford and Braintree District

Remaining dry as the caravans heads in and between Finchingfield, Weathersfield, Rayne and Felsted. The risk of isolated afternoon showers will linger but it is forecast to remain dry and bright.

Maximum temperatures of 21C

Chelmsford

Similar here, it will start dry and bright with plenty of sunshine throughout the morning for when the eager spectators are  making you're way to the one of the many scenic spots. However, by the time the caravans come past, there will be the risk of isolated showers if you're unlucky.

It will feel warmer than it did over the weekend though, with a light south westerly breeze. A maximum temperature of 21C.

Epping Forest

The finish line for the Essex leg, cyclists are due to pass through here at about 2.40pm - the time when isolated showers are forecast to break through the sunny conditions.

Starting dry and bright, clouds are predicted to build, increasing the risk of showers, expected to hit the district by the early afternoon.

A woman has been taken to hospital with serious injuries after a collision with a car close to Hylands Park in Chelmsford.

Emergency services, including the air ambulance, were called to the scene at the A414 Three Mile Hill at about 11.20am today (July 6). The road was closed for several hours before being re-opened around 3.30pm.

The collision involved a blue VW Polo. The injured pedestrian was taken to Queen's Hospital in Romford where she remains for treatment.

It took place yards from where the Cancer Research UK Race for Life was held in Hylands Park. The area was already badly affected by traffic.

There is no suggestion at this stage that it involves anybody connected with the event.

Women of all ages descended on Hylands Park in Chelmsford today (July 7) to run, walk and jog the annual Race for Life.

Thousands set out to make it for the event, held to raise money for Cancer Research UK, cheered on by dozens of spectators, who lined the route and gathered at the finishing line.

Participants raced in the 5k and 10k events, with the first entrant crossing the line at about 11.30am.

Among them was Chris Bunting, who said she had beaten her personal best. She added: "I got today 57 minutes and 26 seconds.''

And an out-of-breath Janice Miller was delighted to have finished the course, she added: "All the best wishes to everyone that has done it.''

Friends Katie Doo and Philip Potter ran the route together, and said: ''Great cause, I think every girl should do it''