Resources were "stretched" as numerous Fire Brigades Union firefighters were on strike between 5-7pm due to concerns over pension cuts. Police asked drivers to take care and avoid unnecessary journeys, while the railways have also seen problems. No trains are currently running between Shenfield and Southend, and between Southminster and Wickford due to flooding. A Greater Anglia spokeswoman said: "A Network Rail team are on site and will have the problem fixed as soon as possible. "Rail replacement vehicles will be in operation between Shenfield and Southend Victoria from 17.40 until further notice. "Abellio Greater Anglia thank you for your patience and understanding during this problem."

HORSERACING at Great Leighs has taken one more stride to becoming a reality as the new owners were granted 12 "start-up" fixtures for 2015.

Owner Betfred and partners will now start applying for further fixtures from the British Horseracing Authority, hoping to reach 80 in the 2015 season.

Behind the scenes, meanwhile, contractors began craning in the steelworks for the ground's £6 million grandstand this week.

"I am delighted," said course clerk Andy Waitt. "We are pleased to get the start-up fixtures, which will mean starting racing in January. But we still hope to pick up 80 fixtures."

It is commonplace for the BHA to provide a racecourse being newly embraced into the fixture list with "start-up" fixtures which it helps to fund.

Amid the announcement following the authority's "first phase" of its consultation on Monday, it also confirmed there would be about 1,500 fixtures next year, similar to the 2014 format.

The bidding process for further fixtures is currently ongoing and a comprehensive rundown is expected to be published in September.

Director of racing at BHA, Ruth Quinn, said on Monday: "Consultation will continue on the allocation of BHA-controlled fixtures and initiatives to address small field sizes. This will include a possible reduction in the number of races run in the overall race programme, as proposed by BHA in the consultation document."

While work on the foundations of the grandstand off the A131 already began last month, on Tuesday contractors brought in the cranes to start work on the frame of the 2,000-plus capacity unit.

More than 40 contractors are now on site daily working on the banana-shaped, two-storey complex. "Work on all the issues the BHA highlighted are ahead of schedule," said Mr Waitt.

The 180-metre long stand will be built on the foundations of the old complex removed by Dutch-based owners De Boer in January 2011. Work on the new building, which will include a central tower, hospitality suites and a betting hall, is due to finish towards the end of November. The owners hope to dish out in the region of £42,000 in prize money per fixture, to provide about 100 jobs on race days and to build a 10,000-plus capacity stand by 2019.

In anticipation, new paving blocks have been installed and two underground walkways entirely excavated and drained of floodwater

The return of racing to Great Leighs, potentially coming as early as December, will spell the end of a six-year period in which the ground had been left derelict and redundant.

The course, bought by ex-show jumper John Holmes from the Essex Farmers' Union in 1997, closed in January 2009 due to financial failures despite being granted 48 meetings by the BHA.

MC Racetracks took ownership of the ground in November 2011, but failed twice to receive BHA consent for racing.

Fred Done, who along with his brother is worth £800 million, however, put the company out of its misery in December 2013 when he bought the course from the Royal Bank of Scotland.

A CITYWIDE survey is under way to work out how traffic in Chelmsford could be managed to cut down on delays and congestion.

Essex County Council is undertaking the study of people's travel habits over a two-and-a-half week period, usiing questionnaires, as well as counts on public transport, in car parks, and cyclists using the roads.

The roll-out of the survey comes as the Government announces a grant of £442 million to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, a proportion of which will be used to fund major transport improvements across the region.

Witham MP Priti Patel, who has campaigned alongside the council for greater investment in the county's transport infrastructure, said: "Our roads need upgrading to support economic growth and the investment announced is good news for our county.

"Most businesses which trade and export have problems with delays and congestion, so any action to alleviate these issues will be welcomed.

"We have all worked together and campaigned hard for the investment from the Government that has been announced.

"But we will carry on campaigning to secure more improvements for our roads as better roads in Essex will mean a stronger economy for Britain."

Among the package of transport schemes expected to benefit from this investment will be plans to address bottlenecks on the A12 to help handle a rise in commuters, who are only expected to increase further with the construction of the 3,600-home Beaulieu development in Chelmsford.

Included in the other 32 schemes planned across the south-east region, which are collectively expected to support up to 35,000 new jobs, 18,000 new homes and more than £100 million in private investment, are widening works along the A13, improvements to the A131 between Chelmsford Braintree, and the A414 from Harlow to Chelmsford.

Peter Jones is chairman of SE LEP, a business-led partnership that works to improve the economy in East Sussex, Essex, Kent, Medway, Southend and Thurrock

He said: "This initial funding is tremendously good news for our businesses and residents – addressing years of under-investment in the south east's transport network.

"It's not only a matter of improving connectivity around the area but providing links which open up major new sites for housing and business development."

And with the launch of the traffic survey aimed at Chelmsford's residents on July 8 it is hoped bids for further national funding can be tailored to the city's needs.

But just what those proposals should be for future investment in our transport network remains entirely up for grabs.

City councillor Ron Alcock is sticking up for his own council ward of Chelmer Village when it comes to where priorities for improvement lie.

"There are always problems with Chelmer and I have written to the county council telling it to prioritise," he said.

"The congestion is horrendous at the Chelmer Village Retail Park, especially around the Army & Navy roundabout. It is very difficult to negotiate.

"I think they should consider another entrance to the retail park to reduce the congestion there.

"Hopefully, the flyover will be built and the traffic will go in both directions at the same time."

For others concern over potholes and defects in local roads is their major problem.

John Ford, who runs the Chelmsford Youth Cycling club, said "The road conditions are pretty poor. We usually cycle off-road but we use the roads to get there in the first place. There are lots of potholes and they seem to have worsened.

"Yes, the council is strapped for cash, but I feel that it could do more. Highwood Road needs improving. It's been bad for a few years and nothing has been done."

However, leader of the city council Roy Whitehead was quick to defend the work already being carried out in this area by the county council highways department.

He told the Chronicle: "There is definitely some evidence that shows improvements are happening, there is a lot to be dealt with.

"It is still the number one topic and as it is summer improvements will be made. I have seen more teams out patching up potholes that haven't been repaired before, trying to improve the situation."

And indeed for some residents there is a sense of acceptance that living in a growing city will inevitably lead to sitting in queues on occasion.

"Going through the centre of Chelmsford can be a challenge on some evenings but rarely am I stuck for an excessive period of time," said Denis O'Brien, vice-principal at Tabor Academy in Braintree.

"Work on the Army and Navy flyover will hopefully improve this situation.

"However, the infrastructure of Chelmsford is quite limited in its ability to deal with increasing demand. I chose to live in the heart of a city and accept that there will be queues at certain times."

Residents can assist with the information used for future funding bids by answering questionnaires carried out by staff from the county council at the train station, on buses, in car parks, at cycle parks, and at the BP Service Station, Colchester Road, near the A12.

Questions will relate to mode and timing of transport around the city.

Assistant Chief Fire Officer Paul Hill said: "The first calls came in at around 3pm yesterday afternoon and it wasn't until 3.30am this morning that we were able to scale back to normal service on Canvey. "During that time we dealt with floods, structures struck by lightning and a couple of structure collapses. "Our approach to get through such an unprecedented level of calls was to deal with all life risk as priority and then we sent officers and appliances with lists of addresses to make sure there was no life risk at those calls where none had been reported just to make sure that residents were safe.

A picture of the flooding on #CanveyIsland earlier. Thoughts with all affected. pic.twitter.com/V6XbMeWQvM

— NPAS_Boreham (@NPAS_Boreham) July 21, 2014

FOODIES and families enjoyed a weekend of culinary delights at this year's Essex Festival of Food and Drink. 

More than 7,000 visitors flocked to Cressing Temple Barns - ignoring the threat posed by the imminent storms - to sample the best treats and tipples the county had to offer.

Demonstrations staged by Great British Bake-Off stars Ruby Tandoh and Jo Wheatley proved the most popular over the weekend, as where those fronted by Tony Singh from Incredible Spice Men and National Chef of the Year Hayden Groves.

Tony cut an impressive figure in his trademark kilt and turban and wowed the Main Stage crowds with his McTSingh chilli dog and aubergine flatbreads.

Ruby had mouths watering with her lemon and basil tart, and was joined by a small army of her young fans at the Master stage. They helped her knead the dough for saffron buns with almond praline twirl.

Visitors clamoured to have photos taken with their favourite chef and many had books and festival programmes for them to sign.

The event was organised by APT Events management with the Essex Chronicle.

Organiser Anne Pocock said: "We were worried about the weather forecast for the weekend with all the storms around, but the weather held for most of the weekend and our visitors basked in the sun and enjoyed a weekend of foodie delights.

"The chefs' demonstration stages were packed and you can certainly say Essex enjoys a great food show and a tipple or two. See you all next year and thank you to everyone who visited."

'Smelt amazing'

There was a mouthwatering range of food and drinks on offer at more than 120 stands, including meats such as crispy duck, savoury sausages, fresh lamb, pulled beef, hand-made cheeses, and for those wanting something a little different ostrich, zebra and kangaroo.

For those with a sweet tooth, there were delicious cupcakes, fancy marshmallows, baklava, waffles, and ice creams, and drinks fans weren't disappointed, with a choice ranging from champagne, Pimms and flavoured vodka to strawberry cider and fresh coconut water.

Main sponsors Adnams were kept busy with visitors to the Adnams boat bar and mobile beach hut which was packed with beers, mini casks and merchandise.

Their seated area, filled with Adnams deckchairs, provided people with a place to take the weight of their feet and enjoy a cool beer. New for 2014 was the Only Way is Local marquee sponsored by the Chelmsford Star Co-operative Society.

Local producers were showcasing their products which ranged from frozen yogurt and handcooked crisps to pure English honey and fruit smoothies.

"I came last year with my sons and we all liked it so much that we put it in the diary for this year, we even follow the festival on twitter," said Mairead Pryor, from Shenfield. 

"We loved seeing the celebrity chefs, especially Tony Singh.The food smelt amazing." 

Southend-based social group, Recycled Teenagers, came down by the coachload especially for the day. 

"It's a fantastic event, there's so much to eat, see and do," said group member, Barbara Barfoot. "My favourite thing so far has got to be the rums.

The best chef was Ruby Tandoh, she was lovely and the Great British Bake Off was a great show."

The festival's Great Essex Baking competition was judged by Ruby Tandoh, Nick Anderson from Mayfield Farm Bakery and Kevin Theobold from Marriages.

Jessica Auger, 12, won the junior category with her gingerbread men decorated like the Avengers' characters. Hannah Scott was a finalist

The winners in the two adult categories were Leanda Cable with her classic sour dough loaf and Lynne Clark with her macaroons.

Police in Maldon are appealing for information after a cyclist was knocked from his bike and suffered damage to his collar bone.

The incident happened in Maldon on July 11 when the 29 year old local man, on a black mountain bike, was in collision with a vehicle around 9.10pm on Fambridge Road near the Royal Oak pub. 

He was found on the ground and was treated by an off duty police officer before being taken to hospital and treated for a fractured/dislocated clavicle (collar bone).

Pc Matt Hillier is investigating and wants to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time and has any information about the incident.

They can contact him at Chelmsford Police station on 101.

A key city centre park used by Chelmsford railway station commuters will be closed for three months from today (Monday). 

Essential maintenance will start at Townfield Street car park today putting pressure on other long stay car parks.

Rail season ticket holders told they will be able to park at Wharf Road in the mean time. It will re-open some time in October 2014.

New movement joints will be installed, while protective coatings will be applied to the decks, walls, ceilings and columns, new bay markings and the internal redecoration of all staircase towers.

All external woodwork will also be re-stained.

A council spokesman said: "Alternative parking is being offered at car parks in Rectory Lane, Coval Lane, Glebe Road and Fairfield Road.

"Attendants will be available at Townfield Street car park from 5.30am until 9am on Mondays – Fridays, during the course of the works, to assist drivers, providing leaflets, maps and information on alternative car parks will be available.

"The council has chosen to undertake these works at a time when the number of users of Townfield Street car park is at its lowest, nevertheless, it is aware that this closure may have an effect on other long-stay car parks in the City.

"The council wishes to apologise for any inconvenience it may cause and thank drivers for their patience whilst these essential works are undertaken."

Anyone wishing to be emailed updates on the works can let the Council know by emailing: carparks@chelmsford.gov.uk.

THE air ambulance has landed on land next to Parkway, Chelmsford, after reports of a passenger being taken ill on a train.

The 12pm Norwich to London Liverpool Street train was forced to stop after a passenger fell ill, according to Greater Anglia.

Police and paramedics are at the station now and trains were running up to 20 minutes late.

Up to four ambulances and several police cars were also at the scene.

A go karting hot shot from Danbury has secured his first contract - aged just 12.

Sandon School boy Scott Huntley, who has raced three times at national level, has put pen to paper on a deal with CZ Racing Chains, a company based in the Czech Republic. It will last until he is 16.

It is the first time in 15 years that the corporation has sponsored one person. And he also finished third overall in the British EasyKart Cadet Championships this weekend, having been fastest on the track. Steve Huntley, Scott's father and coach, said: "Some kids start karting between the ages of five and eight but Scott around two and a half years ago, so he's a newcomer to the sport.

"I had a racing app on my phone and, when I left it lying around, Scott had progressed from Mini Cooper to Bugatti Veyron, completing all the levels within four hours.

"So, I took him to the indoor track at Witham and he learnt the basics at the Cadet School."

Scott has so far scooped 30 trophies from karting competitions across the region, with 2013 a particularly strong one. He most recently became the 2013 Cadet Champion at the A12 Pro-Karting Championships in Witham.

He also secured his first national podiums, seeing him defeat the British Champion Karter as well as gain the 'Rooker Winner' title

Scott has previously beaten the lap time of Nicholas Hamilton, the brother of F1's Lewis, in a less powerful kart. (160cc as opposed to Nicholas' 200cc)

Malba Allen, the UK CZ Chain distributor, said: "Scott is the first person that the UK director importer of CZ karting chains is sponsoring for the last 15 years.

"Not only do we have high hopes for him, but we also believe he will have a great future, specially coming from a family of racers - that will help even more in the development of his career."

Go karting appears to run in the family.

Scott's grandfather, Dennis Huntley, used to race in the 1960s and his great uncle, Maurice Lee, was the North East's Autotest champion for five years and started racing Mini Coopers 50 years ago.

Scott is also sponsored by farmers Frances and Peter Theobald, who've devised the 'Living Memorial' to honour our fallen servicemen and women.

If he secures sufficient funding, he'll able to attend the World Championships, representing Great Britain in Italy.

Mr Huntley added: "We couldn't believe it. Usually, you have to approach a sponsor and even so 10 or more can be selected.

"It took about five weeks to get the contract signed - they had to look at Scott's school report as he was to be an ambassador for the company."

When asked about how others could get involved, he responded with: "Go to local track and don't rush into anything. Some kids spend thousands of pounds on professional karts.

"Scott's used hired karts and we only bought a second hand kart, that had been lying around for 18 months, last year.

"His dream is to get involved with F1 and people can shoot him down for having that dream. But, you don't know anything until you try."

It's set to be another scorching week, and while many are now planning to jet off for the summer - most of us will still be working through it.

So what better way to motivate yourself during the weekday than planning a trip to one of Essex's many beer gardens at the end of the working day.

Essex Chronicle readers took to our Facebook page to recommend their favourites. See 27 of yours below.

O'Connors, 7 Hall Street, Chelmsford, CM2 0HG

This Irish pub has a sheltered beer garden for the summer months and monthly acoustic nights. All food is freshly prepared and free Wifi is available.

Six Bells, Main Road, Boreham, CM3 3JE

The beer garden at the Six Bells has a large outside and play area equipped with swings, slide, climbing frames and a see-saw. The menu is coeliac and gluten friendly and strives to offer good value meals.

Hurdlemakers Arms, Post Office Road, Woodham Mortimer, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6ST

There is plenty of space in the Hurdlemaker's Arms' beer garden outside both the front and back of the pub. The garden is child-friendly and there is also a barbeque area in the summer months.

The Old Ship, Lockhill, Heybridge Basin, Maldon, CM9 4RX

A traditional waterfront pub offering all pub food including fish sourced from local fishmongers. The beer garden is located right next to the lock and from here you can watch the river traffic drift past.

The Anchor, Runsell Green, Danbury, CM3 4QZ

The Anchor is a traditional country inn with the beer garden decorated with flowers and bushes.

The Prince of Wales, 2 Prince of Wales Road, Great Totham, CM9 8PX

This traditional village pub has a peaceful garden to enjoy a beer in during the summer months with a sheltered area should the sunshine not last.

The White Swan, Main Road, Bicknacre, CM3 4EX

The beer garden is located at the rear of the pub and has a lockable gate.

The Riverside Inn, Victoria Road, Chelmsford, CM2 6LJ

The Riverside Inn offers a beer garden with atmosphere during the evenings with large lanterns and fairy lights to illuminate the seating areas. During the day, it has plenty of outside sofas available alongside the river for guest to relax on.

The Black Bull, 244 Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PN

The Black Bull is situated in the popular west end of Chelmsford within a mile of the railway station The beer garden wraps around the pub and has a covered area in case the summer weather does not deliver the sunshine we all hope for.

Blue Boar, Silver Street, Maldon, CM9 4QE

The historic buildings which make up the Blue Boar pub span 650 years of Maldon history and the beer garden is surrounded by them in a quaint courtyard. It offers five fresh ales on-tap which are all brewed on site at the Stable Brewery.

The White Hart Inn, 107 The Street, Little Waltham, CM3 3NY

The White Hart Inn has a large beer garden attached to one of the oldest coaching inns in England.

Queen's Head, The Hythe, Maldon, CM9 5HN

This pub boasts an enviable riverside location on the Blackwater River with the famous Thames barges moored alongside it. Those wishing to get a table inside or outside in the summer months are advised to book ahead because of the pub's popularity.

OAKhouse Bar Cafe, 35 High Street, Maldon, CM9 5PF

The OAKhouse has an extensive history in this market town and only in 2002 did it adopt its chameleon-like daily schedule providing food and drinks from breakfast through until 11pm during the week and until later on Saturdays.

The Jolly Sailor, Church Street, Hythe Quay, Maldon, CM9 5HP

The modest beer garden outside of the Jolly Sailor offers some of the great views of the Hythe Quay. The rare view of old Thames river barges make this an idyllic spot.

The Dog & Gun, Boreham Road, Little Waltham, CM3 3NF

The Dog and Gun was originally a coaching inn in the 1700s and was refurbished in 2012, keeping all of its original charm. There is a terrace which is covered with umbrellas and heaters that acts as an extension of the internal dining area.

Golden Fleece, Duke Street, Chelmsford, CM1 1JP

Located in the centre of Chelmsford, the Golden Fleece has live music in the evenings and screens live football. It has a colourful, walled beer garden sometimes decorated with a mural.

The Flyer, Dickens Place, Chelmsford, CM1 4UU

To add to a large patio beer garden and restaurant, there is also an over 18s sports bar with its own TV screen.

The Wheatsheaf, The Green, Maldon Road, Hatfield Peverel, CM3 2JF

The Wheatsheaf offers ample free parking alongside a large beer garden which has plenty of space for children to play in. There is also a patio area with seating at the front of the pub which overlooks the village green.

The Angel, 160 Main Road, Broomfield, CM1 7AH

The Angel dates back to the 15th century and was originally a hall house; it was then converted to an inn in 1702. It offers a large beer garden with both patio and grass areas in a rural setting.

The Running Mare, Running Mare Lane, Chelmsford, CM2 8PN

The Running Mare oozes rustic charm and rural character in which to enjoy hearty pub food and a selection of cask ales and fine wines. The beer garden here is surrounded by a field and trees.

The Lodge, Hayes Chase, Battlesbridge, SS11 7QT

This family-run pub prides itself on always having an event on for people to enjoy and in good weather there are extensive gardens with a playground for families to enjoy.

The Bull, Blackmore End, Braintree, CM7 4DD

A lovingly restored pub and restaurant in a grade II listed building which dates back to the 15th century.

The Viper, The Common, Mill Green Road, Ingatestone, CM4 0PT

Although a smaller-sized pub, The Viper has a large beer garden at the back with seating available on the grass and also a patio with seating outside the front of this country pub.

The Compasses Inn, Littley Green, Chelmsford, CM3 1BU

This pub maintains a cellar boasting real ales and is not just a hot-spot for summer drinking.

The Fox Inn, The Green, Finchingfield, CM7 4JX

This pub is a renovated 16th century coaching inn overlooking the village green and duck pond. It offers food made with local produce and also a selection of real ales.

The Railway Tavern, 182 The High Street, Kelvedon, CO5 9JD

This pub boasts a riverside seating area where patrons can admire the variety of wildlife on the River Blackwater which runs alongside them. The Railway Tavern also offers afternoon tea.

The Bakers Arms, Common Road, Stock, CM4 9NF

Not only is there a large patio area and beer garden at the front of this pub, but a small garden attached to the restaurant at the back for al fresco dining. 

"The ambulance service dispatched several resources to the scene including Hertfordshire Air Ambulance.

"Sadly despite the best efforts of everyone involved, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene."

A passenger outside the station said: "I heard someone had a heart attack, it's obviously serious as there's so many ambulances and police cars here."

The identity of the woman is not known and British Transport Police has not commented at this stage.

A MASKED knife-wielding robber has been given four years jail for raiding a pub full of punters, a bookmakers and a shop during a two-week crime spree.

Convicted burglar Jaymes Lang, 23, burst into The Sun Inn in Feering, on April 14, punched a barman in the face, and forced customers and other staff to lie face-down on the kitchen floor while he and his accomplice Craig Winskill robbed them at knifepoint.

Two days earlier, jobless Lang, formerly of Witham and Greenstead in Colchester, had walked into the Ladbrokes betting shop in Newland Street, Witham.

He was jailed for four years today after admitting three armed offences in Feering, Braintre and Witham and was sentenced when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.

Lang and Winskill admitted robbery at The Sun pub, Feering, on April 14, and Lang pleaded guilty to robbery at the Co-op Braintree on April 22 and attempted robbery at Ladbrokes betting shop in Witham on April 12.

Investigating officer DC Christine Rhodes, of Braintree CID, said: "Lang carried out three serious armed offences in just over a week and put his distressed victims in fear of their lives.

"Three female customers were assaulted during the burglary at the pub. They had knives held to their necks and were pulled by the hair as Lang and an accomplice forced them and members of staff into the kitchen while they tried to steal cash and valuables.

"He is a ruthless criminal and we are delighted that members of the public have helped CID and uniformed officers to lock him up out of harm's way." 

AN "IGNORANT" plan to dig up 20 million tonnes of gravel and sand has been approved.

Following a cross-party protest in the district and an inspector's intervention, the divisive Essex Minerals Local Plan was given the green light at a full county council meeting.

The plan will see about 56 per cent of 40.67 million tonnes of gravel and sand for infrastructure developments across the county extracted from Braintree.

"It flies in the face of logic and of the county council's own policies," said Labour councillor for Witham North Philip Barlow.

"It's a disappointing outcome, but I'm afraid I find that the county council as a corporate body is quite happy to be ignorant to local feelings."

Sites in Braintree earmarked to become gravel pits include a 46-hectare area in Colemans Farm in Rivenhall End, Rivenhall Airfield, sites at Bradwell quarry and the 90-hectare quarry at Broadfield Farm in Rayne – a former Essex Village of the Year.

It is estimated about 800 lorries will pass through the district annually to transport materials.

Mr Barlow said: "My understanding is that some of our sites were put in reserve but that is only a small consolation for people of this district who have to suffer this. The county network of roads will also suffer.

"Essex is already a heavily used network and the B1018 between Braintree and Witham is either the most or second most busy road in Essex. I won't be surprised if further lorries make it worse."

The initial proposal was given the go-ahead at a cabinet meeting in August to replace the outdated plan adopted by Essex County Council in 1997.

The project sparked a cross-party protest in Braintree, which included Conservative district council leader Graham Butland breaking county council ranks.

Independent inspector Brian Sims started a six-week consultation in February as he thought the current plan was "excessive".

Yet he made only three modifications, including labelling two sites at Bradwell as "reserves".

Conservative Braintree councillor for Panfield Peter Tattersley said: "It's quite clear the county council have to make continued plans to make sure we have enough gravel for the next 20 odd years but I have a lot of sympathy with people living nearby.

"You have to strike a balance."

Conservative councillor for Three Colnes Chris Siddall said he was prepared to accept the plan after the inspectorate labelled the two Bradwell sites as reserves.

"We would have liked him to have gone further but we accept there does need to be provisions made around Essex."

Other sites earmarked for use in Essex include Fiveways in Colchester, Sunnymead in Alresford, Little Bullocks Farm in Little Canfield, Maldon Road in Birch, Blackley Quarry in Great Leighs, Shellow Cross in Roxwell and Slough Farm in Martells.

Landowners must apply for planning permission before extracting minerals.

Essex County Council cabinet member for planning John Jowers said: "We are confident this plan will support Essex as it grows, without having a negative impact on our environment."

THERE are severe delays on the M25 this morning after an accident involving two lorries has spilled fuel across the road and blocked two lanes leaving queuing traffic for ten miles.

The accident happened between junction 26, with the A121 at Waltham Abbey and junction 25, with the A10 at Enfield.

Due to recovery work and roadworks in the area travel time is estimated to be over two hours as congestion stretches to junction 28, with the A12 at the Brook Street Roundabout.

Another accident involving two cars at around 4.40am on the A127 Southend Arterial Road in Dunton Wayletts has left the exit slip road closed eastbound at the B148 West Mayne junction.

Firefighters released a man trapped following the collision in which a car left the road and ended up on its side.

There is also slow traffic on the A13 London-bound in Thurrock between Stifford Interchange and Lakeside and on the A134 Southway and Magdalen Street in Colchester is busy, but moving at the A137 St Botolph's Circus junction.

On the M11 there is heavier than usual and very slow traffic southbound between junction 6 with the M25 and junction 4, with the A406 at Woodford.

There is heavy traffic on M25 clockwise at the A282, Dartford Bridge with congestion to junction 31 at the A1306.

On the trains the 7.39am from Gidea Park to Liverpool Street and 8.38am from Ilford to Liverpool Street will both be cancelled due to overhead wire problems.

And from 10:50pm until the end of service, Monday to Thursday buses will replace trains between Liverpool Street and Chingford

WHEELER-DEALERS trading cars, people picking flowers, and a driver who thought the 'Fire' notification on their dashboard display meant their car was ablaze, instead of the name of the Adele track playing on the stereo.

These are just some of the reasons Highways Agency Traffic Officers were given by drivers who had stopped illegally on the hard shoulder of motorways.

It is illegal to stop on a hard shoulder if there is no emergency.

Highways Agency data shows that between July and September last year 334 drivers in the East region stopped on the hard shoulder when there was no emergency. It is also illegal to drive under a red X sign which is displayed when the lane ahead is closed.

Ten of the most inappropriate reasons

- One motorist pulled over because they saw "fire" on their dashboard display, it later turned out it was the name of the Adele track they were listening to.
- One motorist parked up and fell asleep on the M6.
- People stopping to read a map or check their sat-navs.
- Traffic officers stopped with two cars on the hard shoulder – the owners were half way through the selling and buying process for one of the cars.
- One driver realised their car insurance policy was up for renewal – they were ringing around for quotes to renew.
- A group of motorcyclists parked on the hard shoulder on the M1 to review their route and have a drink.
- Taxi drivers waiting on the hard shoulder around Heathrow airport for their client's flights to arrive.
- A mobile phone operator, stopping at regular intervals in their private car carrying out signal tests on the hard shoulder.
- A driver who stopped to pick flowers.
- Have you broken down Sir? No, came the reply, we are taking pictures of our new born grandchild (in their open top sports car) as it is a lovely day.

Some of the most common recorded reasons for breakdowns are tyre related, electrical or mechanical fault, fuel related, overheating and loss of power.

Jamie Hassall, Highways Agency national enforcement co-ordinator, said: "Every day, millions of people use our motorways. Most of them use the hard shoulder correctly and don't ignore red X's, but we are appealing to the few who put themselves, other road users, and those working on motorways at risk.

"Where the hard shoulder is used as an additional traffic lane at peak times, you can only drive on it if there is a speed limit over it. When a red X is displayed over any lane, it's simple – don't drive on it."

The government is investing record amounts in roads, which includes making motorways 'smarter' by upgrading the most congested sections.

A smart motorway is a section of motorway with additional technology to actively manage traffic to improve journeys.

Smart motorways tell drivers what speed to drive at, when the hard shoulder is open to traffic and when lanes are closed by showing a red X.

The police have warned drivers that they could face a fine and points on their licence, as driving on the hard shoulder is illegal and unsafe.

The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM), as part of this summer's 'Motorway Month', echoes these calls and is encouraging drivers to be prepared before they head out this summer.

IAM's top advanced driver, Peter Rodger, said: "Taking some steps to prepare yourself and your vehicle before setting off on your much-deserved summer break will mean you'll have a far more enjoyable time getting there.