TAXPAYERS are footing the bill for a £630-a-day temp worker who will tell Maldon District Council how to save cash.

The authority has recruited interim director of resources Julie Alderson at a pro-rata rate of £163,800 a year, despite raising council tax and parking charges to save £350,000 in the 2014/2015 financial year.

Ms Alderson began work on August 18 and will earn more than Prime Minister David Cameron.

She made national headlines while working in the same role for Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, when she topped up her pay by claiming an extra £1,000 a month in expenses. This included her rent, council tax, utility bills, parking fees, meals out and one claim of £11.52 for light bulbs – all while cutting 1,700 jobs at the authority.

But the council says that living expenses are not included and her salary is the "market rate" for interim cover at director level.

Councillor for Southminster Adrian Fluker said: "Compared to the average wage in the district, these salaries are high but we have to accept that first-class people with the right credentials come at a high price. I will be endeavouring to ensure that value is delivered, preferred outcomes are achieved and that those outcomes remain sustainable in the future."

The appointment comes as a new planning improvement consultant has been hired at a rate of £400-a-day to deal with the number of major planning applications the district has received due to the Local Development Plan (LDP).

This year, the authority raised charges at council-owned car parks by 10p following a long battle with campaigners representing businesses and residents.

It also raised council tax by 1.85 per cent in February, citing reductions in Government funding and an "increase in demand for some council services".

Leader Bob Boyce said it is "essential" that the council saves £350,000 before the end of the financial year.

Ms Alderson will be responsible for finance, IT, audits, facilities and contracts, legal and democratic services, human resources and policy. She will also take on the role of the "151 officer", which is a statutory position to make arrangements for the proper administration of the council's financial affairs.

A spokesman said: "Julie Alderson took up the role of interim director of resources with effect from Monday and will work a four-day week.

"Ms Alderson will stay with us until we recruit into the new director of resources role on a permanent basis. Ms Alderson will be paid through an agency.

"The agency charges an all-inclusive rate of £630 per day, which is the market rate for interim cover for a director role."

In a time of major change at the council and the LDP under scrutiny from the Planning Inspectorate, head of planning Derek Lawrence has also handed in his notice with his final day on October 19.

Fiona Marshall, chief executive of Maldon District Council, said they have appointed a new planning improvement consultant to "improve performance".

She added: "It is essential that the council manages those applications effectively in the interests of ensuring the developments follow the plans set out in the strategic master plan documents and that the required infrastructure is provided to meet the needs of the development.

"The consultant has worked in a number of authorities and has been successful in improving the performance within their planning service and effectively managing major applications.

"This provides an excellent opportunity for the council to make improvements to our services for the benefits of our residents and our customers."

The Chronicle requested to talk to Ms Alderson but did not receive a reply.

TREVOR SMITH says his delighted with the job Mark Hawkes has done since taking over as manager.

Former Heybridge Swifts boss Hawkes was named manager at Melbourne Park last November, with the club languishing in the Conference South relegation zone.

Hawkes, together with assistant Steve Smith, steered the Clarets to safety with a game to spare last season.

And although City haven't made the best of starts this campaign, securing only a point from their first three games, and without a goal to their name, the Clarets' new chairman is firmly behind his man.

"Mark has done extremely well," said Smith. "He came in last season when we were really up against the wall. He did a fantastic job keeping us up. He's got lots of ambition, together with Steve Smith and Kevin Maher [first team coach].

"They've got some good young players in there and are working very hard to bring the young players through. We've had Joe Ward come through the academy last season. We've got Sam Gregory and one of two others. We've got to build it from the bottom and we'll get these jewels and they'll help take us on.

"I'm absolutely delighted with what Mark has done so far and hopefully he can go a bit further for us and get us up into those play-off positions."

A LOVABLE pub manager, resolute fundraiser and to many, the most charming face in Chelmsford, has died suddenly aged 45.

Andrew Searles, known simply as "Nipper", passed away in Broomfield Hospital on Monday after being admitted into intensive care with a brain infection five days earlier.

The manager of The Anchor pub in Moulsham Street, and former manager of the Bassment night club in Wells Street, raised thousands for the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes.

"It's just a shock, a massive shock really, because he was cruelly taken too soon and now we are trying to come to terms with it as best we can," said heartbroken 48-year-old big brother Robin.

"He will be truly missed by friends and family alike."

The owner of The Anchor Steve Seager, who recruited Nipper 20 years ago upon seeing him behind the bar in the nearby Black Horse, paid tribute to the former Witham schoolboy who everyone knew.

"He had a lovely personality and no matter how tough things got he would always cheer you up," said Steve, of Longstomps Avenue.

"He was a dearly loved character in this town and didn't have a bad bone in his body.

"If you ever asked him how he felt he would never complain and would say 'I've never felt better'."

The keen cricket and Ipswich Town FC fan would insist on being called by his nickname, first coined because of his height – believed to be about 5ft 6ins.

"His real name has always been a closely guarded secret," added Steve, 55, who will always remember his dear friend as a staunch patriot.

Nipper, who lived above the pub, would hang a giant 40-foot long flag swamping the building's entire façade on St George's Day every year.

Floral tributes now decorate the frontage of The Anchor in its place.

"He was absolutely loveable," added barmaid Charlie Scott. "You couldn't not love him."

Friend and comedian Andy Poole, who has granted Nipper and the Bassment honorary recognition for services to Chelmsford culture at his annual Panic Awards, said: "He was an extremely kind and generous man. It's part of Chelmsford that certainly we won't get back quite sadly."

Nipper, who ran the Bassment for about 17 years until about two years ago, suffered his first real health scare when he was hit by a heart attack on Shrove Tuesday this year.

He collapsed in the pub before a regular ran to his aid and saved his life by administering CPR.

At the time however Nipper was rushed to Basildon Hospital and the pub feared they'd never see him again, but he gradually settled back into part-time shifts.

He was admitted to hospital with a suspected brain infection last week, and while family thought he could be saved with antibiotics, it is thought he may have died of a previously undiscovered brain tumour.

His brother, who survives Nipper along with parents Linda and Joe, added: "We have been inundated with messages and phone calls and I have spent the last week dealing with a much larger circle of friends than I ever realised he had.

"We're been taken aback and we are very thankful to his friends and colleagues who have said so many kind words about him."

Two lorry drivers have appeared in Chelmsford Magistrates' Court connection with the death of a man found in a container at Tilbury Docks.

Stephen McLaughlin, 34, of Rose Park, Limavady, Londonderry and Timothy Murphy, 34, of Elmgrove, Londonderry, appeared in the dock charged with conspiring to facilitate illegal entry into the UK.

They were remanded in custody to appear once again at Basildon Crown Court in the week commencing November 17.

Thirty five stowaways including women and children, reportedly fleeing Afghanistan, were found in a container screaming and yelping in Tilbury last Saturday (August 16).

One man, Meet Singh Kapoor, was found dead inside.

The remainder were taken to hospital, many of them now released, and are in the care of Home Office officials.

A row over junk thrown in a woman's skip has escalated into a police investigation. 

A 55-year-old Springfield Park Road homeowner spotted a man trying to scoop out her throwaways from her front garden skip at about 1.30pm on Friday, August 1. 

Following an argument the man left on sour terms, making a fist gesture to the woman as she stared through her front window.

He is later seen on CCTV however stealing a concrete spreader, a Skoda jack and the five legs for a computer chair. 

The incident is being treated as theft as the woman would receive cheaper rates from skip owners Heard Environmental for the quality of the contents. 

Anyone with information should call PC Yari Forster on 101.

The 81-year-old man who survived the gas explosion which destroyed his mobile home in West Hanningfield has described the seconds after the blast.

The Chronicle reported on Thursday how the explosion, which has ripped the Templeton Park home from its foundations, sent neighbours rushing to his aid.

The man, who was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure following the 11am incident, does not want to be identified.

Yet he said anonymously: "It was just a big bang.

"I didn't suffer any great damages, just a bit of skin was burnt off and I was very burnt.

"I didn't really feel anything, I was just surprised when I turned around and saw what the blast had done - it was a bang and that was it."

The man, who has another home in the Chelmsford area, returned from hospital on Thursday night and is now liaising with insurers.

He had his boiler serviced in the weeks previous privately, which may hold the answer as to why he was struggling to turn his gas on that morning.

He was blasted back when he lit his living room fire, which consequently destroyed his home worth about £54,000.

Either there are some big fans behind the scenes at Stansted Airport or it's just a well timed publicity stunt.

Whether its the latter or the former, travellers at the Essex hub were given a pleasant surprise today when they spotted Dr Who, at 7.50pm, factored into the arrivals board.

This picture, showing the title of the BBC1 hit programme sandwiched between Seville and Oslo Rygge, has been shared hundreds of times on Twitter.

An airport spokesman told BBC News: "After the success of our low-cost flights we've been looking at new destinations."

Doctor Who is due to return to our screens tonight with former The Thick of It actor Peter Capaldi making his debut as the legendary time-travelling protagonist.

CASES heard by Chelmsford and Colchester magistrates from Tuesday, July 29 and Saturday, August 2.

Sent to prison

NATALIA PODTYNCHENKO, 53, from Estonia, was sent to prison for six months for evading duty on 19,400 cigarettes at Stansted on July 27. 

She was also given four six month concurrent sentences for similar offences committed at Heathrow and Manchester involving a large amount of cigarettes over a long period of time, and evading £19,605.54 of duty.

DANIEL MATTHEW STARLING, 30, of no fixed address, was sent to prison for eight weeks for assaulting a woman by beating her at Felsted on June 1. 

He was given a restraining order not to contact her or attend an address in Dunmow.

STEPHEN WILLIAM EDMUNDS, 57, of Crushton Place, Chelmsford, was sent to prison for 12 weeks. 

He was given four weeks for being drunk in a public place at Chelmsford on July 29 and using threatening, insulting or abusive words and behaviour towards neighbours while an anti social behaviour order made on June 24 was in place. 

He was given eight weeks consecutive for the original offence of being in possession of a knife in New Street, Chelmsford, on December 9; and eight weeks concurrent for failing to comply with the notification requirements of the Sexual Offences Act by providing an address.

KES KAMAL VERMA, 59, of George Street, Chelmsford, was sent to prison for 12 weeks consecutive for drinking alcohol from an open vessel at Chelmsford on July 31. 

He had been prohibited from doing so by an anti social behaviour order made on October 10, 2011. 

It was a serious offence because of previous breaches and previous offending behaviour committed whilst on a community order. 

He was given four weeks for the original offence for which a community order was made on October 17, 2012 for failing to comply and an original offence of theft.

ANDREW DAVID AARONS, 47, of Lyndhurst Rise, Chigwell, was sent to prison for 12 weeks for driving along Chelmsford Road in Great Dunmow on August 1 while disqualified and driving without insurance. 

It was a serious offence because the defendant had previous convictions for similar offences and a history of non compliance with community orders.

Suspended sentences

BEVERLEY HENRY, 44, of Hargrave Road, London, was given an 18 week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for stealing three bank cards of an unknown value from a vulnerable victim at Chelmsford on May 2.

She must carry out 200 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months and pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).

CARL JAMES SMEE, 31, of Wardle Way, Nickleby Road, was given a five month prison sentence, suspended for two years, for assaulting a woman by beating her at Chelmsford on April 16. 

He must participate in (Building Better Relationships) BBR for 27 days, and attend appointments with a responsible officer. 

He was given a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting her and must not go to her home. 

He must pay an £80 victim surcharge and £150 costs to the CPS. 

The defendant also pleaded guilty to assaulting her on June 7 and was given five months concurrent, suspended, and a further month, concurrent, suspended, for damaging a fridge freezer to the value of £50.

GARY ALBERT ATKINS, 30, of Green Lane, Chislehurst, Kent, was given a six week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, for stealing a CCI Toner and Slendertone Face valued at £600 from Boots in Chelmsford on July 30. 

The defendant must carry out 80 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months and pay an £80 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS. No compensation was made as the goods were recovered.

Assault

MATTHEW HENRY DALY, 42, of Cressing Road, Witham, was given a community order for assaulting a woman by beating her at Braintree on June 8. 

The defendant must participate in (Medium Alcohol Requirement Intervention) MARI for 12 days, participate in (Building Better Relationships) BBR for 27 days and attend appointments with a responsible officer. 

He must pay a £60 victim surcharge and £150 costs to the CPS.

GARRY HAMILTON, 43, of Seymour Street, Chelmsford, was given a community order for assaulting two women by beating them at Chelmsford on May 26.

He was ordered to have treatment for alcohol dependency for six months, participate in BBR for 32 days, and attend appointments with a responsible officer.

He was also given a restraining order prohibiting him from going to Camelot Close in Chelmsford and must pay a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Assaulting a Police Constable

LUKE MELVIN REGAN, 28, of Ravensbourne Drive, Chelmsford, was fined £350 for assaulting Special Constable Wilkinson in the execution of his duty at Chelmsford on June 15. He was ordered to pay £150 compensation and £85 costs to the CPS.

BEN OLIVE, 29, of Springfield Road, Chelmsford, was fined £233 for assaulting Police Constable Darren Smith in the execution of his duty at Chelmsford on June 28. He must pay £50 compensation, a £23 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Criminal damage

CALLUM MEAD, 31, of West Avenue, Chelmsford, was given a community order for damaging a chest of drawers and perfume bottles to the value of £200 belonging to Lisa Bolton at Chelmsford on June 13.

The defendant must not go to North Avenue, Chelmsford, for 18 months. 

He must participate in Medium Alcohol Requirement Intervention (MARI) for 12 days, attend appointments with a responsible officer and carry out 80 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months. 

He must pay £200 compensation plus a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS. 

He also pleaded guilty to assaulting Lisa by beating her.

Drugs - possession

ALEXANDER NICHOLAS ISHMAEL WILLIAMS-KING, 18, of no fixed address, was given a community order for possessing three grammes of cannabis, a controlled class B drug, at Braintree on July 17. 

He was subject to a 12 month conditional discharge order imposed on February 19 for an offence of criminal damage. 

The defendant must carry out 100 hours of unpaid, supervised work within the next 12 months and pay a £60 victim surcharge.

Drunk and disorderly

BARRY ROBERT THOMPSON, 35, of no fixed address, was fined £67 for being drunk and disorderly in Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, on July 31. 

He must pay £73 compensation for damaging a holding cell to the value of £73.50 at Chelmsford Police Station on August 1 and had committed the offences while subject to a 12 month conditional discharge imposed on April 11. 

He must also pay a £20 victim surcharge and £80 costs to the CPS.

Failed to comply

BONNIE ANDERSON, 18, of The Chase, Great Baddow, was ordered to participate in the Bridge Project for ten days, in addition to the original requirements of a community order made on September 24. 

She had failed to comply with the order by not attending two appointments in June, and must pay £50 costs.

ORAN CHRISTOPHER LOVELL, 19, of Fortinbras Way, Chelmsford, was fined £50 after failing to attend three appointments in June and July, according to a community order made on May 28. 

The date for completion of the order was extended to February 27 next year. He must also pay £50 costs.

Fraud

MYLES DUNCAN ALEXANDER GIBSON, 44, of Inchbonnie Road, South Woodham Ferrers, was given a community order for committing fraud. 

While occupying a position as manager of Argos at Rayleigh, between November 18 and June 25, he committed fraud by dishonestly abusing that position, intending to make a gain of £10,252.57. 

He was placed under a curfew for three months, with electronic tagging, and was ordered to pay £10,252.57 compensation plus a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Harassment

MARK JOHN THURGOOD, 49, of Pryors Road, Galleywood, was fined £500 for speaking to Elaine Pinner at Galleywood on June 24, in breach of a restraining order imposed on April 23. He must also pay a £50 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS.

Theft – other

JULIE MCCARTHY, 52, of Twin Oaks Caravan Site, Braintree, was ordered to pay £525 compensation after stealing £500 of cash belonging to Mrs Betty Passfield at Braintree on February 19. She must also pay £85 costs to the CPS.

MYLES ANTHONY JOHN COLLINS, 25, of Grange Court, Chelmsford, was given a community order for making off without paying £59.03 for unleaded petrol at Basildon on April 29. 

The defendant must attend appointments with a responsible officer, pay £59.03 compensation in addition to paying a £60 victim surcharge and £85 costs to the CPS and was given a six month driving ban. 

He must also pay £52.79 and £54.95 compensation for similar offences at Basildon on May 12 and 21.

Threatening behaviour

CHRISTINE BARNES, 71, of Brookland, Tiptree, was given a conditional discharge for 12 months for using threatening or abusive words or disorderly behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress at Tiptree on February 11. 

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

The defendant had pursued a course of conduct which amounted to the harassment of Allan Holland by throwing rubbish and cat faeces over the fence onto Mr Holland's driveway between January 1, 2011 and February 27, 2014 at Tiptree.

Driving offences - not stopping

MICHAEL WANLESS, 24, of Main Road, Broomfield, was given three penalty points for crossing the stop line of a red traffic light on the A1321, Broadmayne at Basildon on December 7. 

He was fined £200 and must pay a £20 victim surcharge and £90 costs.

Careless driving

ANDREW RAINBIRD, 41, of Woolards Way, South Woodham Ferrers, was given six points on his licence for driving along The Green at Stanford-le-Hope on April 28 without due care and attention. 

He had failed to react to a left hand bend and crossed on to the opposite side of the road, colliding with a vehicle travelling towards him. 

The second vehicle received extensive offside damage and the driver sustained injuries. He was fined £300 plus a £30 victim surcharge and £90 costs.

Drink-driving

CLARA LOUISE COLE, 28, of Churchfield, Harlow, was given an 18 month driving ban for driving along the A138, Chelmer Road in Chelmsford, on July 16 after she had been drinking. 

The alcohol measured 64 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, more than one and a half times the limit. She was fined £110 plus a £20 victim surcharge and must pay £85 costs to the CPS.

Speeding

IAN STEWART FLETCHER, 75, of Craiston Way, Chelmsford, was banned from driving for six months due to repeat offending. He had driven along Thremhall Avenue at Takeley on November 1 at 67mph, in excess of the 50mph speed limit. He was fined £387 and must pay a £39 victim surcharge and £90 costs.

Appeal

WAYNE BINCALAR, 38, of Park Avenue, Chelmsford, is appealing a 14-week prison sentence suspended for two years for allegedly assaulting Hayley Bincalar by beating her at Chelmsford on March 7. 

Bincalar pleaded not guilty but was found guilty on August 1. He was also made to pay £730 and carry out 200 hours' community service. He was given a restraining order forbidding him to directly contact Hayley.

He also must have court ordered child contact in order to attend a particular address on Coval Avenue. Bincalar still denies the offence.

TWO security guards who got a national award for saving a man's life have been reunited with him thanks to a Chronicle appeal.

Meadows workers Danny Pitt, 26, and John Rutland, 55, who we spoke to last week about their Royal Humane Society resuscitation certificates, were disappointed that they never learned the identity of the man – or what happened to him after they helped save his life.

But this week, Philip Remon, 61, from North Springfield, got in touch to say thank you to the heroic pair, after our story finally revealed who saved him after he had a heart attack near Riverside Leisure Centre in Chelmsford last November.

"When I was in hospital loads of people came to see me and I didn't even know they had been there, then when I went to have a check-up last Thursday, one of the nurses gave me a bunch of cards – and theirs was in there," Mr Remon said.

"These two guys, what can you say to someone who has saved your life other than thank you? I spent some time in the forces, and was in Thailand when the Tsunami hit, so I have been on the other side of it, but to be saved is humbling.

"If this had happened in my house, that would have been the end of it. The doctor told me someone was really looking out for me, and now my heart has completely repaired."

Mr Rutland said the pair were pleased to know that Mr Ramon had recovered, and were hoping to meet him soon.

INTERNATIONAL pop star Olly Murs visited a centre for disabled children where he signed autographs, posed for pictures and heard the inspiring stories of the families that go there.

The X Factor runner-up spent two-and-a-half hours sitting with the children who have conditions such as Down's syndrome, cerebral palsy and delays in their development at the Brainwave centre in Witham last Wednesday (August 13) .

The 31-year-old is a patron of the charity based in Newland Street and holds collections at all his gigs and TV fundraisers for the charity.

One family was overjoyed to meet the star with six-year-old Georgia giving Olly a loom band and card she had made herself.

"Olly was really interested and so down to earth, he had so much time for everyone and sat chatting to all the kids, and Olly was really impressed with Georgia's effort and the amount of money she raised," said mum Donna Elwell, 36, of Great Notley.

"Georgia spent all summer making hundreds of bands and did it completely off her own back."

Georgia's younger brother Harry has mitochondrial disease and goes to Brainwave for regular therapy sessions.

She raised £40 for the charity by selling her homemade bands to friends, relatives and other parents waiting to meet Olly.

"He was absolutely lovely, I have met him before when Harry was 15 months old and we had been told Harry would not be able to walk or sit unaided," added Donna.

"Harry had just started going to Brainwave then and now he can have a good level of communication, he can take out a hand to lead us to where he wants to go.

"Olly remembered him and this time Harry was able to get up and walk across the room. Olly was amazed."

The last time Olly saw Harry his condition was undiagnosed but since appearing on BBC1 with the singer as part of the Lifeline fundraiser in 2011, Donna discovered her son has the life-limiting illness.

"He could have months or it could be years, we just have to continue pursuing the development side with Brainwave and keep trying to find his potential." added Donna.

"Georgia is old enough to know who Olly Murs is so she was excited when I told her who was coming and it was nice for her to feel involved and part of it too."

Pictures and album covers of the singer, who's single Troublemaker has been nominated for an Ivor Novello Award, adorn the walls of Brainwave, next to artwork made by the children.

Olly says he intends to hold a special fundraiser for Brainwave that may take the form of a gig in his home town of Witham.

He told the Chronicle: "It's always a pleasure to visit a local charity, especially one that's in the town where I grew up.

"I have such a great relationship with Brainwave.

"Ever since I walked through the door I fell in love with the place and I was just blown away by it.

"It's been amazing to see how the kids have developed since the last time I came here and I like that positivity.

"I really want to do more for this wonderful charity, I want to do something big in the future – that might be a gig here in Witham or something else like a football tournament, we'll just have to see.

"There are so many amazing charities out there that get a lot of love from celebrities, but Brainwave is local and they all do such amazing jobs. It's like a family here and that's another reason why I like it so much."

As a thank you to Olly, staff and volunteers presented him with a certificate, a card and a signed fake bottom to commemorate his recent award for male rear of the year.

"It's a serious charity but they also know how to have fun and that's why I fell in love with them, it's very funny and shows their personality," Olly added.

Aviation authorities are closely watching for developments in Iceland after a volcanic eruption under Europe's largest glacier.

The UK's air traffic control organisation NATS says it will be ready to act if Bardarbunga volcano, which was still erupting yesterday (August 23), emits ash clouds which could endanger planes.

Continued exposure to concentrated levels of volcanic ash can lead to the total failure of aircraft engines.

Yesterday, a Virgin Atlantic flight from London Heathrow to San Francisco was diverted away from the volcano as a precaution.

A spokesman for the Met Office, which is working with NATS, said: "We are in close contact with the Icelandic Met Office, but currently they tell us that the eruptions are sub-glacial, so no ash has made it to the surface.

"If ash does make it to the surface, we will run our model which will indicate where any ash would go, and we will inform the CAA and NATS.

"They will then make the decision on how that will affect any air flights."

An eruption of the Eyjafjallajokull volcano in southern Iceland four years ago produced an ash cloud that led to a week of aviation chaos.

More than 100,000 flights were cancelled.

An alleged drunken joyrider has been charged after a bus was stolen from a Colchester depot.

Ashley Barrell, 19, of Charles Pell Road, Colchester, has been charged with aggravated vehicle taking, drink-driving, not have insurance and not have a driving licence.

He was bailed to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, September 9.

Essex Police say they were called shortly before 4am on Saturday (August 23) to reports a single-decker bus had been driven out of the Magdalen Street depot.

They say they stopped the First Essex bus in Avon Way about two miles away 20 minutes later.

A car was left burning in the centre of the A12 today following a two-car crash near Chelmsford.

Emergency services rushed to the northbound carriageway of the road between the junction with the A130 down to Southend, and the Stock Road junction with Galleywood, at about midday.

A grey Fiat Punto, pictured in flames, and a red Ford Fiesta had collided on the road, otherwise known as the Baddow bypass stretch.

Three fire engines attended after a call at 11.33am. When they arrived, they said all occupants were out of their vehicles.

A fire services spokesman said the incident was dealt with by 11.57am.

A police spokesman said it was called at 11.30am to find two people with slight injuries following the crash between the grey Fiut Punto and a red Ford Fiesta.

The northbound carriageway was closed until about 1.15pm for recovery and repairs work, leaving traffic queuing back to, reportedly, at least as far as Hatfield Peverel.

A 77-year-old Chelmsford man was rescued from his bedroom this morning following a kitchen fire.

The fire spread after the pensioner's frying pan caught ablaze shortly before 9.15am, quickly lighting the extractor hood and the rest of his kitchen in Seventh Avenue, off Broomfield Road.

Fortunately a neighbour raised the alarm after spotting smoke, allowing firefighters to lead him out of his bungalow and extinguish the blaze by 9.30pm.

Chelmsford station officer Graeme Williams said: "Crews were called to the detached bungalow when a neighbour raised the alarm after they noticed smoke coming from the property.

"The fire had started in the kitchen when a frying pan had caught fire which then quickly caught light to the extractor hood and the rest of the kitchen.

"The bungalow had become smoke logged and when the crews arrived the resident of the property, a 77-year-old man, was in the bedroom.

"Firefighters in breathing apparatus entered the bungalow and extinguished the fire in the kitchen and located the man and led him out of the property to safety."

A fire service spokesman said the man did not sustain any serious injuries, but the Red Cross Fire and Emergency Service attended.

Chinese nuclear power giants are reportedly zoning in on Bradwell as the site for a new atomic plant.

The Sunday Times reports today that the area on the Dengie coast, currently home to the decommissioned Magnox nuclear power station, has been picked as a favourite.

China General Nuclear Power Corporation and China National Nuclear Corporation agreed to help finance Britain's first new atomic power plant, for nearly 20 years, about two years ago.

Bosses shortlisted other sites in Lancashire, Hartlepool, Wales and Gloucestershire – but the national newspaper says Essex is the preferred option following talks this month.

A SOCIAL group which aims to help bereaved people, widows, and widowers move on is celebrating after winning a special accolade at the Chronicle's Heart of Essex awards.

Moving-On was created in 2011 especially for bereaved people in Essex to meet new friends and now boasts a busy social calendar that includes fortnightly meetings for Sunday lunches, live music and trips to London theatres.

Moving-On won the Essex Chronicle Media Group's special award and founder Julie Nicholson, 66, added this to a list of achievements, which have included being highly commended as community champions at the Pride of Essex awards in December 2013.

Julie is a retired bereavement counsellor who spent many years at Farleigh Hospice. She spotted the need for a new group to help people to meet others in the same situation and contacted BBC Essex's Dave Monk show, which attracted new interest in her idea.

And now three-and-a half years later, with more than 220 members, Julie, from Chelmsford, feels the group has flourished because of the relaxed and informal environment it has created.

"It's a place where people can get together with no pressure – it's not a singles group – it's a place to meet friends and we have a lot of people here who have made lasting friendships," she said.

"People can suffer depression after the loss of a loved one. They lose their social groups sometimes and can feel nervous about meeting new people. We try to take that away.

"We are happy to meet you before you walk to a meeting if you don't feel comfortable and it's nice to know that there are like-minded people out there.

"We don't dwell on their loss, we want people to leave feeling a lot better than when they arrived and take them away from their loss and help them to carry on alone."

The group now has regular meets on the third Saturday of every month with Sunday lunches twice a month, quizzes and trips to the theatre all with 40 or more members signing up.

It began in Chelmsford and in September 2013 a new Braintree hub attracted even more members, though the hard work has not deterred Julie.

"It's hard work and it keeps me out of trouble, I suppose," added Julie.

"The people that come for the meetings are very appreciative and they understand that this is a volunteer service and it's worth the effort because of the good feedback that we all receive."

A small team of unpaid volunteers help Julie run Moving-On including Mary Temperley, Jim Warrington, Pauline Werrell, Bill Chewter, Chas Baldry, Carole Seaton, Richard Rawling and David Chilvers.

With the £500 cash prize from the Chronicle award, Julie hopes to start a new website for the group and is appealing to anyone that may be able to help with its production.

She also hopes to start a singles group for people on their own and who want to meet someone new.

In September, Moving-On will be visiting the Chilterns, France, and to watch Michael Flatley's Lord Of The Dance along with regular Sunday lunches and Saturday group meet-ups.

For more information visit www.movingongroup.net or call 01245 258848.

A FARMER has vowed to fight Chelmsford's controversial flood alleviation scheme (FAS) until the "bitter end".

Environment Agency (EA) bosses claim the success of the £12 million project rests upon building a 465-metre long, 3-metre high embankment, sluice gates and a control building on the 100-acre Little Tressells Farm in Margaretting Tye beside the River Wid.

Farm owners Gary and Julie Sharp have challenged the project in the High Court to no avail, but say they will block any further attempts to begin work on the project, which experts say could stop 500 million gallons of water cascading down the Wid and into the River Can, which runs through Central Park and Chelmsford.

"Why should I roll over? It's my land at the end of the day," said 52-year-old father-of-two Mr Sharp, who says Chelmsford City Council is pushing for the "unnecessary" flood scheme so more lucrative property developments, like the Essex County Cricket Club redevelopment, can go ahead.

"They might have a lot of money and a lot of power, but they don't have all the money. I will fight this all the way and take it to the bitter end," he said. "I will not lie down."

As part of proposed work on Mr Sharp's land, a temporary fence would be built cutting through Little Tressells, across the entrance to two of his barns currently under construction, and restricting grazing land for his 800 cattle.

Mr Sharp also manages 350 ewes, half-a-dozen goats and 20 pigs stretching into his neighbouring farm, Fristling Hall, which he has owned since 2002.

He claims the proposed works could leave Fristling Hall and Ingatestone village at risk of flooding.

"If they put the sluice gates in and it floods back to Ingatestone they would flood all of Fristling and up to Little Tressells," he said. "You try and move 800 cattle then. Where are they going to go? There is only so much high ground."

The EA this week said it was hoping to start on the scheme, first mooted more than a decade ago, by this autumn and complete it by September 2015.

The plan has been the subject of ongoing legal wrangling and in February 2013 received planning permission from Chelmsford city councillors.

Mr Sharp, however, submitted a judicial review of the verdict and in December his lawyer Martin Edwards told High Court judge Mr Justice Duncan Ouseley the project invaded his property rights contrary to Section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998.

"The FAS will have a severely detrimental impact," said Mr Edwards. "This case involves the gravest of infringements of a citizen's property rights by the state."

While Mr Justice Ouseley rejected their attempt, ordering them to pay a £10,000 contribution to Chelmsford City Council's legal costs, he criticised the EA's approach and refused to award them costs.

The EA claims it can now enter Mr Sharp's land under the Water Resources Act 1991, yet his solicitor sent them a six-page letter disputing that argument in January. The two say they are still awaiting a reply.

They will reject any notices from engineers planning to come onto the land and so could end up in magistrates' court, or once again, in the High Court.

The EA argues the project will eradicate the flood risk to Chelmsford, save £30.8 million in flood damage over 100 years and alleviate 548 homes and 235 businesses from a potential risk.

"It's absolute nonsense, total nonsense," said Mr Sharp.

"This is nothing to do with saving anyone. This is solely for profit for the council by opening up property development.

"Why don't they put the scheme on the council's own land, why not on Hylands Park, why have they chosen the green belt – obviously because it's cheaper – or why not on brownfield sites – because it's down to money again. They would have to purchase it."

Mr Sharp suggests any risk of flooding can be combated by dredging.

"I have done it before and will do it again. What's on my land I will do myself, free of charge," he said.

Ryman League Division One North

Brightlingsea Regent 0 

Heybridge Swifts 2

HEYBRIDGE gave their manager Keith Wilson his first league win of the season thanks to a goal in each half.

Brightlingsea were fresh from a 5-1 drubbing on Tuesday night whilst Heybridge had also suffered a thrashing so all was to play for with both sides at the wrong end of the table.

Brightlingsea were close to netting first when Phil Kelly was put through by Russell Malton only to be denied by the legs of Danny Sambridge after just three minutes. Kelly was the Regent danger man for most of the game, another effort on seven minutes was placed wide after Ricky Griggs' corner.

The game saw a number of familiar faces in the Regent team with former Heybridge players out in force with Malton and TJ Amass the most recent Swifts players but also further back Griggs who was part of Swifts' time as a Ryman Premier team.

Kelly had his third chance to score for Regent inside 11 minutes when he headed over a Griggs free kick.

Both sides had a goal ruled out in the first half for offside, Alex Andrews for Heybridge and Kelly for Regent and just when it looked like the teams would go to the break level, Neil Richmond pounced to volley home after Brightlingsea had failed to clear an Andrews cross five minutes from half-time.

Kelly wasn't getting any luck for the hosts either in the second half, a deflected shot went wide for a corner on 49 minutes and a then 22-yard strike went wide after a long kick down the pitch by keeper Luke Avenell on 51 minutes whilst a minute later Kelly deflected a shot off new Heybridge winger Danny Lopes for another corner.

Heybridge were living a little dangerously and for all the games where lady luck had deserted them, she was evident at North Road as they survived an almighty scare on 69 minutes as Josh Gould sent the ball into the area. Jake Holman headed against the bar and in the scramble that ensued Malton was crowded out but Matt Cripps found room for a snapshot from 12 yards that smacked the post. Griggs sent a shot wide from close range in what was certainly the best chance of the game for Brightlingsea.

Such goalmouth drama was the spur Heybridge needed to finally bag three points after Jake Gould handled outside his box leaving Liam Springett to turn home a 25-yard free-kick into the top corner to secure the victory