With a Met Office 'sever cold weather action' warning in place until at least Thursday (January 22), the freezing temperatures we are seeing don't look like they are going to go away fast. 

That means many of us are having to de-ice our cars before heading off to work in the morning.

But this doesn't come without dangers as there have been a number of incidents of thefts of cars while the owner is de-icing across the country.

Therefore see below for six tips to make sure you keep your car secure. 

1) Stay with your vehicle

Thefts have taken place when owners have left their cars running and gone back inside their homes. The advice from police is to stay with their cars. 

2) Get help

Thieves will stop at nothing to take your car so if you can drag someone out of bed to help you by standing guard you'll have safety in numbers. 

3) Lock it up

If you do have to go inside, for however short a time, don't take the risk of leaving your car unlocked. Also shut windows and make sure valuables are out of sight. 

4) Use pre-icer 

There are now a number of products on the market that can be used to prevent your windscreen from freezing overnight, removing the problem altogether. 

5) Keep headlights on 

It's harder for a thief to take your car if they is more likely to be spotted approaching it, so keep your lights on to warn them off.

6) Bricks behind the wheels 

Anyone taking your car will need to do it quickly so making sure the wheels can't move and it will make their task a lot harder. 

Arsenal are keeping their options open ahead of any potential defensive cover to come in this month and Valencia defender Nicolas Otamendi has emerged as a potential target.

Winston Reid and Gabriel Paulista have been linked in recent weeks but no deal has yet been struck and with just 13 days left of the window Arsene Wenger has put Otamendi on his wishlist.

The Argentine defender only recently joined Valencia in the last winter window from Porto for €12 million but was immediately loaned to Atletico Mineiro until the summer.

Since making his debut for Valencia in August he has gone on to establish himself in the heart of the defence and has proved his versatility having played centre back and right back.

At 26 years old he still has his best years ahead of him and, with 18 international caps for Argentina, Arsene Wenger may deem him a number one target.

A police investigation is under way after a teenager was attacked by two men in Colchester, after they made a move to grab his friend.

The 15-year-old victim was walking along Affleck Road with a 14-year-old girl at around 9pm on Saturday (January 17).

Essex Police said two men grabbed the girl's arm and threatened her. The boy was then assaulted and was left with a bruised face and grazed hand.

They left the scene in a grey Ford Transit van.

Anyone with information that could help police with their investigation is asked to contact Pc James Pamment at Colchester on Essex Police 101 quoting incident 1017 of January 17.

People can also give information to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via an Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Alex Lynn has announced that not only will he be racing for DAMS Racing in the GP2 for 2015 he will also have a role for a big Formula 1 team.

The 21-year-old was handed his Formula 1 test debut by Lotus back in November after the Abu Dhabi race weekend but Lynn couldn't announce the team with an official announcement imminent tomorrow but Lynn could categorically answer one question.

"It's not with Lotus, it's with a team better than that," said Lynn.

As a part of the Red Bull Junior Driving team he could well follow in the footsteps of Daniil Kvyat and most notably Sebastian Vettel by moving to Toro Rosso as a test driver but an announcement is expected to be made tomorrow.

Police are appealing for the public's help in finding a classic car stolen from the Sainsburys car park in Braintree.

The black Volkswagen Karmann, which is around 50-years-old, was stolen between 6.15pm and 7pm on January 13, when it was parked in the Tofts Walk store's car park.

The owner, from the Braintree area, has fully restored the car and as can be seen in the supplied pictures it is in perfect condition. 

The registration number of the car is CAU 85H.

Anyone with information about the car's whereabouts or who may have taken in is asked to contact police in Braintree on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

A father-of-three has thanked a judge for not sending him to jail after he admitted leading police on a drunken New Year's Eve car chase through Chelmsford.

Ben Jolly, 27, of Hillary Close, Springfield, was handed a nine-month prison sentence at Chelmsford Crown Court today (January 20), 

But it was suspended it for two years, and the relieved but remorseful groundworker reiterated his warning for people not to get behind the wheel drunk.

"I want to say thank you to the judge and I'm not going to ruin things now," said Jolly. "It's important, more than anything, that I'm home with my family.

"This morning when I was about to come to court I actually told my middle child that I was going for a job interview.

"If I went to prison it would have had a big effect on my family.

"As soon as I get out of here I'm going to ring British Gas, who I've applied for an apprenticeship with to be a plumber, to find out what is going on with my application."

Jolly drove his friend home after drinking six or seven pints, of mostly Strongbow cider topped with lemonade, in the Rose and Crown pub in Writtle on New Year's Eve.

Prosecutor Geoffrey Porter told how an officer followed Jolly as he sped 70mph in 30mph zones along Waterhouse Lane at about 12.15am, before a chase along Rainsford Lane, the Robjohns Road industrial estate - where he reversed into a police car - and in Broomfield Road.

The chase came to a halt when Jolly, who has more than 11 previous convictions, jumped through the bushes off Valley Bridge into the River Chelmer.

'I actually thought that was it'

He pleaded guilty to several driving offences at a hearing earlier this month.

"It was the most stupid thing I've ever done," said Jolly, who admits he could have killed someone.

"No one else should do anything like that, especially if they have a family with kids.

"I actually thought that was it, I was going to prison, when the prosecutor read it all out.

"I brought my bag, I was ready to go. I'm so relieved. I just want to go back to see my boys now."

Defending Jolly, Catherine Bradshaw said her client was in an "unfortunate state of affairs", has a "strong work ethic" having worked as a groundworker, gardener, window fitter and mechanic, and had an autistic child to care for.

"Prison will be a backwards step," she said.

"But he realises he should have thought about that driving in the early hours of New Year's Day and one thing he does is bitterly regret that."

Recorder Christopher Chandler also disqualified Jolly from driving for three years, ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work, do a "thinking skills" programme, complete an 18-month supervision order, and handed him a conditional discharge for cannabis possession and told him to pay £300 costs.

Recorder Chandler said Jolly's actions were "extremely dangerous" and that he was "effectively sticking up two fingers to the police car".

Mr Chandler added: "But what is really important in my view is you learn to be able to conduct yourself responsibly in the community."

A 15million rail upgrade on the mainline from Norwich to London will cause the weekend cancellation of services via Essex for two months.

Engineering work will start on Saturday, January 31, and Sunday February 1, and continue for eight weekends until Sunday, March 22.

Abellio Greater Anglia will run a bus service while the work takes place.

Network Rail route managing director, Richard Schofield, said: "This investment is absolutely vital to help us deliver a better service for passengers.

We know that people want to travel by train and not a bus, but the line from London Liverpool Street to Norwich carries a huge amount of traffic and desperately needs this boost.

"The project will deliver a more consistent and reliable service for passengers who travel on this line. We would like to thank passengers in advance for bearing with us over these weekends as it will mean some changes to their travel plans."

Work will be carried out at the following locations:

Colchester: More than two kilometres of track will be installed on this 30 years old stretch of the route.

Witham: Network Rail is installing new track and points at Witham. Points allow trains to move from one part of the track to another.

Chelmsford: Engineers continue to upgrade the overhead lines to improve reliability along the Great Eastern Main Line.

Marks Tey: Network Rail is installing new points at Marks Tey, which allows trains to travel from the main line to Sudbury.

Changes

• Main line services will not run between Manningtree and Shenfield. 
• Replacement bus services will run between Ipswich, Manningtree, Colchester Town, Colchester and Billericay, where passengers can connect with Southend Victoria services to and from London Liverpool Street.
• Buses will also replace trains between Witham and Braintree, and between Marks Tey and Sudbury.
• A revised train service will operate between Colchester Town and Clacton-on-Sea; Thorpe-le-Soken and Walton-on-Naze; Manningtree and Harwich Town; Manningtree and Ipswich/Norwich.
• Liverpool Street to Southend Victoria services will run to an increased frequency of four trains per hour. Wickford to Southminster services will run hourly.

Greater Anglia managing director Jamie Burles said: "Although there is never a good time for such engineering works, this investment by Network Rail will help in our joint objective to deliver more consistent train service performance on our mainline.

"We will be doing all we can to minimise inconvenience to passengers during the course of these works. 

"In addition to Network Rail's investment in the infrastructure, we are also investing over £30m in the current short franchise to improve customer service, train cleaning and rolling stock, including £9m in the project now underway to upgrade our intercity Mark III carriages."

The food sellers and eateries in Essex with the worst Food Standards Agency ratings have been published.

A total of 23 businesses in the county were given a zero rating by inspectors from its local authority, meaning they require 'urgent improvement'.

Outlets are scored from one to five after being judged and inspected based on three categories - food safety and hygiene - as in how the food is handled - the layout and condition of the premises, and how it manages and records how food is kept safe.

It is not a guide to food quality.

The full list of businesses with scores of one and zero is listed below

The information is correct as of January 20, 2015, however when venues are reinspected the Food Standards Agency does not update its website until the end of each month.

Full details are on theFood Standards Agency website, information is frequently updated.

Zero stars

• The Coriander, Cross Keys, Bishops Stortford Road, Roxwell, Chelmsford, CM1 4LP (date of inspection: May 6 2014)
• The Black Horse, 165 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LD (date of Inspection: February 20 2014)
• Canton Chef, 6 Hylands Parade, Wood Street Chelmsford Essex, CM2 8BW (Date of Inspection: 31 March 2014)
• Bargain Booze, 1 - 5 Golf Green Road Jaywick Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO15 2RG (Date of Inspection: 26 March 2014)
• Flamingo Restaurant, Kings Parade, Holland-on-Sea, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 5JD (Date of Inspection: 4 September 2014)
• Leigh Fishermans Co-Op (Retail), Victoria Wharf High Street, Leigh-On-Sea, Essex, SS9 2EN (Date of Inspection: 16 October 2013)
• Leigh's Finest Cheese And Pies, 13 Lynderswood Farm Lynderswood Lane Black Notley, Essex, CM77 8QN (Date of inspection: 28 August 2014)
• OK Kebabs, 10 Broadway Jaywick, Clacton On Sea, Essex, CO15 2EG (date of inspection: 30 April 2014
• Enjoy Cafe, 34 Purdeys Way, Rochford, Essex, SS4 1NE (date of inspection: 5 November 2014)
• Anika, 59 Furtherwick Road, Canvey Island, Essex, SS8 7AG (Date of Inspection: 29 August 2014)
• Adelfia Restaurant, 188 Queens Road, Buckhurst Hill, Essex, IG9 5BD (Date of Inspection: 23 April 2014)
• Balti Spice, 55 High Street, Dunmow, Essex, CM6 1AE (Date of Inspection: 29 October 2014)
• Belash Tandoori, 89 The Stow, Harlow Essex, CM20 3AP (Date of Inspection: 15 September 2014)
• Big Bite Cafe, 215 Hamstel Road, Southend, Essex, SS2 4LB (Date of Inspection: 6 January 2014)
• Essex Fast Food, 3A Collingwood Road Witham Essex, CM8 2DY (Date of Inspection: 10 September 2014)
• Golden Sand, 15 Dryden Close, Maldon, Essex, CM9 6DG (Date of Inspection: 31 March 2014)
• Hold The Anchovies, 68 Newland Street, Witham Essex, CM8 1AH, Date of Inspection: 15 October 2014*
• Pizza GoGo, 13 Broadway, Grays Essex, RM17 6EW (Date of Inspection: 6 June 2014)
• Polski Sklep Pyza, 28 Newland Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2AQ (Date of Inspection: 26 June 2014)
• The Akash Indian Restaurant Ltd, 28 Newgate Street, Walton, Essex, CO14 8AL (Date of Inspection: 2 September 2014)
• The Lunch Box, 505B - 505D, London Road, Westcliff, Essex, SS0 9LG (Date of Inspection: 12 March 2014)
• Marathon, 36 Britannia Court, Basildon, Essex, SS13 1EU (Date of Inspection: 30 January 2014)

One star

• Golden Pearl Restaurant Main Road, Bicknacre, Chelmsford,CM3 4EX (Date of Inspection: 19 March 2014)
• Take Away (Nur Kebab)-Vehicle, Kebab Van Ferrers Road South Woodham Ferrers Chelmsford, CM3 5 (Date of Inspection: 3 June 2014)
• Eurest - Chambers Cafe, Crown Court New Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1EL (Date of Inspection: 16 April 2014)
• Omar Tandoori, The Street, Hatfield Peverel, Chelmsford, Essex, CM3 2EA (Date of Inspection: 20 March 2014)
• Rosa's, The Munch Box, 185 Moulsham Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 0LG (Date of Inspection: 29 April 2014)
• The Ale House, 26 The Arches, Viaduct Road Chelmsford, CM1 1TS (Date of Inspection: 6 March 2014)
• The Bengal, The Arches, Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1TS (Date of Inspection: 15 March 2014)
• Ace Peri Peri, 50 Duke Street, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1JA (Date of Inspection: 17 July 2014)
• Bombay Fusion, 64 Trent Road, Chelmsford,  Essex, CM1 2LQ (Date of Inspection: 31 May 2012)
• Chengs Brother Take Away, 102 Kings Road Chelmsford CM1 2BB (Date of Inspection: 31 January 2012)
• DFC, 29 Duke Street Chelmsford Essex CM1 1HY (Date of Inspection: 15 March 2014)
• Empire Palace Restaurant, 147 - 149 Springfield Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6JW (Date of Inspection: 5 June 2013)
• Farm Pizza, 33 Duke Street Chelmsford Essex, CM1 1HY (Date of Inspection: 4 July 2014)
• Johns Ices, 63 Shelley Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6ES (Date of Inspection: 6 July 2011)
• Kings Convenience Store, Kings Road, Chelmsford Essex, CM1 4HP (Date of Inspection: 30 May 2014)
• South Lodge Hotel, 196 New London Road Chelmsford Essex, CM2 0AR (Date of Inspection: 7 July 2014)
• Billericay Tandoori, Meadow Rise, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2DN (Date of Inspection: 29 July 2014)
• Bush Fair Food Centre, Bush House, Bush Fair, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6NS (Date of Inspection: 24 November 2014)
• Dada, Station Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 4HA (Date of Inspection: 23 April 2014)
• Favorite Chicken & Ribs, 184 High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4AQ (Date of Inspection: 23 October 2014)
• Kansas and Papa Joe's, Cecil Court, Pegrams Road, Harlow, Essex, CM18 7QR (Date of Inspection: 17 February 2014)
• Lezzet, Forest Indian Cuisine Ltd, 13 Forest Drive, Theydon Bois, Epping, CM16 7EX (Date of Inspection: 7 March 2014)
• Mouchack, High Street, Epping, Essex, CM16 4BA (Date of Inspection: 5 August 2014)
• SK News, Sumners Hatch, Broadley Road, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5RD (Date of Inspection: 23 May 2013)
• Afro Carribean Supermarket, Service Industry Bays, The Stow, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3AB (Date of Inspection: 18 February 2012)
• Bargain Booze, The Stow, Harlow, Essex, CM20 3AH (Date of Inspection: 7 July 2014)
• Lams Take Away, Station Road Stansted Essex, CM24 8BE (Date of Inspection: 28 August 2014)
• Newswell Off Licence, Terminus Street, Harlow, Essex, CM20 1ES (Date of Inspection: 2 May 2013)
• The Dog And Duck, Gower Street Stansted Essex, CM24 8LR (Date of Inspection: 29 May 2014)
• The Four Ashes, Brewers End Dunmow Road Takeley, CM22 6SH (Date of Inspection: 13 August 2013)
• The Gallery Tea Rooms, Riverside Antiques The Maltings Station Road Sheering, CM21 9JX (Date of Inspection: 30 July 2013)
• The Water Cafe, Water Circle Green Street Elsenham, CM22 6DR (Date of Inspection: 18 September 2014)
• Blackwater Bar And Bistro, Blackwater Marina, Esplanade, Mayland, CM3 6AL (Date of Inspection: 30 September 2013)
• Upsons Farm Sales, Ivy Barns Ulting Road Hatfield Peverel Chelmsford, CM3 2JH (Date of Inspection: 14 December 2012)
• Bear P H, 16 The Square Stock Ingatestone, CM4 9LH (Date of Inspection: 3 October 2014)
• Galvins Family Butchers, High Street Ingatestone Essex CM4 9DU (Date of Inspection: 30 July 2014)
• Stars and Stripes, High Street Ongar Essex, CM5 9JJ (Date of Inspection: 1 September 2014)
• The Forresters Arms, PH The Street High Ongar Ongar, CM5 9NH (Date of Inspection: 8 April 2014)
• The Green Man, School Road Stanford Rivers Ongar, CM5 9SD (Date of Inspection: 19 March 2014)
• Sweetlands Butchers, Stortford Road Dunmow Essex, CM6 1DA (Date of Inspection: 14 October 2014)
• The Razza Temple Buildings Braintree Road, Felsted, CM6 3DL (Date of Inspection: 29 October 2014)
• Appleby, Braintree Market Braintree Essex, CM7 3HJ (Date of Inspection: 22 January 2014)
• Blossom Flower And Cakes, Bus Park, Victoria Street Braintree Essex, CM7 3HN (Date of Inspection: 10 September 2014)
• Cafe Alba, East Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3JJ (Date of Inspection: 18 March 2014)
• Cressing1Stop, Cressing Service Station, Braintree Road, Cressing, Essex, CM7 8JE (Date of Inspection: 14 May 2014)
• Deano's, New Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1ES (Date of Inspection: 5 October 2012)
• Humphrey's, Bank Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1UR (Date of Inspection: 14 August 2014)
• Maharajah, 18A Fairfield Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HF (Date of Inspection: 20 October 2014)
• Queens Head PH, 140 Rayne Road Braintree Essex, CM7 7QR (Date of Inspection: 30 July 2014)
• Rice And Spice, 82 Manor Street, Braintree Essex, CM7 3HR (Date of Inspection: 18 September 2014)
• Saffron Indian Restaurant & Takeaway, 24 Coggeshall Road, Braintree Essex, CM7 9BY (Date of Inspection: 02 May 2014)
• Siam, 14 Coggeshall Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 9BY (Date of Inspection: 30 May 2014)
• Sioux Ceramics, Victoria Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3HN (Date of Inspection: 10 September 2014)
• Smith And Jones, 3 Rayne Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 2QA (Date of Inspection: 14 February 2014)
• Stubbs Lane Stores, 47 Stubbs Lane Braintree Essex, CM7 3NR (Date of Inspection: 07 January 2013)
• The New Fountain House, 130 High Street, Braintree, Essex, CM7 1JZ (Date of Inspection: 04 April 2014)
• The Red Lion, Church Hill, Finchingfield, Braintree, Essex, CM7 4NN (Date of Inspection: 15 January 2014)
• The Sportsman, Unit 5, Lakes Road, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3RU (Inspection: 14 November 2013)
• U Szymusia, 9 New Street Braintree Essex CM7 1ES (Inspection: 06 October 2014)
• The Welsh Princess, 21 The Street, Rayne, Braintree, Essex, CM77 6RW (Inspection: 06 August 2014)
• White Court Stores, 12A Ellen Way, Great Notley Braintree Essex, CM77 7UU, (Inspection: 5 November 2014)
• Bikash Takeaway, Maldon Road Witham Essex, CM8 2AB (Inspection: 19 November 2014)
• Fat Boys, 2 Enterprise Court Eastways Witham Essex, CM8 2TJ (Inspection: 21 August 2014)
• Oak Stores, 9 Church Road, Rivenhall, Witham Essex, CM8 3PQ (Inspection: 07 August 2014)
• The White Horse PH, Church Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2JL (Inspection: 09 May 2014)
• The Woolpack, Church Street, Witham, Essex, CM8 2JP (Inspection: 15 October 2014)
• Today's Express, Braintree Road Filling Station Braintree Road Witham Essex, CM8 2BY (Inspection: 11 June 2014)
• Western Arms, Western Road Silver End Witham Essex, CM8 3SD (Inspection: 17 June 2014)
• China Garden, 28 The Street Heybridge Maldon Essex, CM9 4NB (Inspection: 02 June 2014)
• Swan Inn, 73 High Street, Maldon, Essex, CM9 5EP (Inspection: 07 August 2013)
• The Blue Boar Hotel Silver Street Maldon Essex, CM9 4QE (Inspection: 18 November 2013)
• Angela's Coffee Shop, 44-45 Moorside Business Park Moorside Colchester, CO1 2ZF (Inspection: 04 September 2013)
• Ashiana Tandoories, 181 Magdalen Street, Colchester, CO1 2JX (Inspection: 30 October 2014)
• FA Charcoal Grill, 34 North Station Road Colchester, CO1 1RB (Inspection: 16 October 2014)
• Riley's, 1st Floor, 17-33 Long Wyre Street Colchester, CO1 1LJ (Inspection: 01 September 2014)
• St Botolphs Waiting Room, Queen Street, Colchester, CO1 2PQ (Inspection: 13 February 2014
• The Castle Inn Public House. 92 High Street Colchester, CO1 1TH (Inspection: 09 December 2013)
• Viet Kitchen, First Floor, 25 Head Street Colchester, CO1 1NH (Inspection: 22 January 2014)
• Artishack, 59 Connaught Avenue, Frinton On Sea, Essex, CO13 9PP (Inspection: 15 August 2013)
• Brookfield, Hayes Road Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 1TX (Inspection: 08 September 2014)
• Buffaloes Café, 14 Station Road, Clacton, Essex, CO15 1SX (Inspection: 08 October 2013)
• Charlie Changs, 12 Pier Avenue, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, CO15 1QA (Inspection: 12 July 2013)
• Clacton Zoo, Martello Tower F Marine Parade West Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 1LS (Inspection: 20 June 2014)
• De Koff's, 14 Connaught Avenue Frinton On Sea Essex, CO13 9PW (Inspection: 18 February 2014)
• Dial A Pizza, 159 Old Road Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 3AU (Inspection: 06 March 2014)
• Essex Kebabs, 34 St Osyth Road Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 3BW (Inspection: 18 December 2013)
• Five Bells, The Green, Cavendish Suffolk, CO10 8BA (Inspection: 05 June 2014)
• GG's Snack Bar, Europa Way Ramsey Essex, CO12 4PT (Inspection: 11 June 2014)
• Golden Curry Tandoori, 110 Pier Avenue Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 1NJ (Inspection: 19 March 2014)
• Granma Lilley's Tearoom, 34 - 36 Frinton Road Holland-on-Sea Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO15 5UL (Inspection: 21 November 2013)
• Guv'nors, 196 Burrs Road Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 4LN (Inspection: 13 June 2013)
• Horseshoe Guest House, 111 Rosemary Road West Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 1EZ (Inspection: 07 July 2014)
• John's Fish And Chips, 23 Rosemary Road Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO15 1PA (Inspection: 12 August 2014)
• Mr Chips, 8 Wick Lane Dovercourt Essex, CO12 3TA (Inspection: 30 October 2014)
• Muppets, 286 High Street Harwich Essex, CO12 3PD (Inspection: 10 March 2014)
• New Yung's Chinese Takeaway, 32 Newgate Street Walton On Naze Essex, CO14 8AL (Inspection: 20 March 2014)
• Oriental Cuisine, The Oriental Restaurant Cattawade Street Brantham Manningtree, CO11 1RH (Inspection: 25 July 2014)
• Peking Chinese Restaurant, 192 High Street Harwich Essex, CO12 3AJ (Inspection: 05 September 2012)
• Point Clear Post Office, 18 Beacon Way St Osyth Clacton-On-Sea Essex, CO16 8JN (Inspection: 30 July 2014)
• Saffron, 51 Church Street Harwich Essex, CO12 3DS (Inspection: 11 December 2013)
• Self's Bakery, 52 The Street Weeley Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO16 9JD (Inspection: 30 July 2013)
• Skinners Arms, Station Road Lawford Essex, CO11 1DX (Inspection: 22 July 2014)
• Stores, 9 Broadway Jaywick Essex, CO15 2EB (Inspection: 17 February 2014)
• Strangers Home, The Street Bradfield Manningtree Essex. CO11 2US (Inspection: 26 November 2013)
• Sun Tong, 79 - 81 Old Road Clacton-on-Sea Essex, CO15 1HN (Inspection: 19 December 2013)
• Suncrust Bakery, 220 High Street, Harwich Essex, CO12 3AJ (Inspection: 26 November 2013)**
• Taste of Bengal, 358 Old Road Clacton Essex, CO15 3RN (Inspection: 07 February 2013)
• The Carlton Hotel, Rosemary Road Clacton Essex, CO15 1TE (Inspection: 18 March 2014)
• The Haven Residential Care Home Ltd, 27 Penfold Road Clacton, Essex, CO15 1JN (Inspection: 17 September 2014
• United Services Club, Barrack Lane, Harwich Essex, CO12 3NS (Inspection: 25 February 2014)
• Upper Dovercourt Methodist Church, Main Road, Harwich Essex, CO12 4LS (Inspection: 29 January 2013)
• The Victory, Suffolk Street, Walton-on-the-Naze Essex, CO14 8AR (Inspection: 09 December 2013)
• Zorba's Kebab House, 285 Old Road Clacton On Sea Essex, CO15 3NR (Inspection: 19 March 2014)
• ABAC Leisure Limited, The Arena Circular Road East Colchester, CO2 7SZ (Inspection: 8 January 2014)
• Asia Delight, 9 The Parade Queen Elizabeth Way Colchester, CO2 8LY (Inspection: 30 June 2014)
• Birch Grove Golf Club, Layer Road Kingsford Colchester, CO2 0HS (Inspection: 6 May 2014)
• China City, 2A Bourne Road Colchester, CO2 7LQ (Inspection: 12 May 2014)
• Fai's Noodle Bar, 26A-27 St Botolph's Street Colchester, CO2 7EA (Inspection: 24 January 2014)
• Fashion Cafe Bar, 2 St. Botolphs Street Colchester. CO2 7DX (Inspection: 26 June 2014)
• Southern Fried Chicken, 37A St. Botolphs Street, Colchester, CO2 7EA (Inspection: 14 July 2014)
• Zaal, 48 St Botolphs Street Colchester, CO2 7EB, (Inspection: 7 October 2014)
• Bella Pizza, 5 Crouch Street Colchester CO3 3EN (Inspection: 27 June 2014)
• Crouch Street Newsagents, 75 Crouch Street Colchester, CO3 3EZ (Inspection: 11 June 2014)
• House of China, 19-21 Crouch Street, East Colchester, CO3 3EN (Inspection: 29 May 2014)
• Qube, 8 Crouch Street Colchester, CO3 3ES (Inspection: 16 May 2014)
• Lotus Kitchen, 31 Kingsland Road West Mersea Colchester, CO5 8RA (Inspection: 20 November 2014)
• The Bell Inn, The Street Feering Colchester Essex, CO5 9QQ (Inspection: 22 August 2014)
• Coggeshall Town Football Club, West Street Coggeshall Colchester Essex, CO6 1NT (Inspection: 8 March 2014)
• Jubilee Cafe, Old Ipswich Road Ardleigh Colchester Essex, CO7 7QJ (Inspection: 28 February 2014)
• Snooty Fox, Frating Road Great Bromley Colchester Essex, CO7 7JW (Inspection: 11 March 2013)
• T Stobbs Ltd, 14 High Street, Brightlingsea Colchester Essex, CO7 0AE (Inspection: 8 October 2014)
• The Cherry Tree, 29 Church Road, Brightlingsea, Colchester, Essex, CO7 0JF (Inspection: 29 September 2014)
• Dickens Restaurant, The Causeway Halstead Essex, CO9 1ET (Inspection: 3 September 2014)
• Mels Munch Cafe, Unit 19-20 Hunnable Industrial Estate Toppesfield Road Great Yeldham, CO9 4PP (Inspection: 1 August 2014)
• Piccadilly Sweet Shop, 20 Trinity Street Halstead Essex, CO9 1JA (Inspection: 19 March 2014)
• Post Office Stores, High Street Great Yeldham Halstead Essex, CO9 4ER (Inspection: 17 June 2013)
• Rose And Crown Inn, Crown Hill, Bartlow Road Ashdon, CB10 2HA (Inspection: 23 October 2014)
• The Plough, High Street Great Chesterford Saffron Walden Essex, CB10 1PL (Inspection: 23 July 2014)
• The Spice, 11 Market Row Saffron Walden Essex, CB10 1HB (Inspection: 18 November 2014)
• Classics News, Newsagent 54 Cromwell Road Saffron Walden Essex, CB11 4BE (Inspection: 30 April 2014)
• Deja Vu, 73 Rowntree Way Saffron Walden Essex, CB11 4BY (Inspection: 23 May 2014)
• Lakeside Karting, Arterial Road North Stifford Grays Essex, RM19 1EA (Inspection: 19 February 2014)
• Bobby Of Southend, 50 Marine Parade Southend, Essex, SS1 2EN (Inspection: 15 April 2014)
• Percys Cafe, 1583 London Road Leigh-On-Sea Southend, SS9 3NQ (Inspection: 23 January 2014)
• Winns, 1374 London Road Leigh-On-Sea Southend, (Inspection: 6 March 2013)
• Ambleside Social Club, Ambleside Drive Southend, Essex, SS1 2UP (Inspection: 4 September 2013)
• Asian Station,10 Earls Hall Parade SouthendEssex, SS2 6NW (Inspection: 22 March 2013)
• Baileys Fry Inn, 5 Eastern Esplanade Southend Essex, SS1 2ER (Inspection: 19 June 2014)
• Bakery Birdwood, The Victoria Shopping Centre Talza Way (Plaza Centre) Southend Essex, SS2 5SG (Inspection: 6 February 2014)
• Blossom Garden, 504 Sutton Road Southend, Essex, SS2 5PN (Inspection: 9 June 2014)
• Chicken Delight, 127 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2NW (Inspection: 25 March 2014)
• Curry Night, 11 The Renown Constable Way Shoeburyness Southend, SS3 9UU (Inspection: 28 February 2014)
• East Coast Social, 9 - 11 The Broadway London Road Southend, Essex, SS1 1NZ (Inspection: 1 October 2014)
• Elizabeth Guest House, 1 - 3 Herbert Grove Southend, Essex, SS1 2AT (Inspection: 20 January 2014)
• Euro Bite, 258 Southchurch Road, Southend, Essex, SS1 2NP (Inspection: 6 March 2014)
• Food Star, 73 Queens Road Southend, Essex, SS1 1NL (Inspection: 3 June 2014)
• Four Seasons, 95 Ness Road Shoeburyness Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS3 9DA, Inspection: 21 August 2014
• Frankels, 216 London Road Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS1 1PJ, Inspection: 28 November 2013
• Hari Food And Wine, 174A London Road Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS1 1PH (Inspection: 4 June 2014)
• Indian Tandoori, 130 London Road, Southend, Essex, SS1 1PQ (Inspection: 5 June 2014)
• Jays Supermarket, Ground Floor Shop 72 Bournemouth Park Road Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS2 5LP, 09 May 2014
• KC's International, 65 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2NL (Inspection: 29 June 2014)
• Kim Quang, 50 York Road Southend Essex, SS1 2BD, (Inspection: 31 March 2014)
• Nicks Convenience Store, 74 Southchurch Avenue Southend-On-Sea, SS1 2RR, Inspection: 9 July 2014
• Reshma, 500 Sutton Road Southend,Essex,  SS2 5PN (Inspection: 28 August 2014)
• Route 66, 12 London Road Southend, Essex, SS1 1NT (Inspection: 16 April 2014)
• Royal Grill, 63 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2NL (Inspection: 13 November 2014)
• Royal Hotel, 1 High Street Southend, SS1 1JE, (Inspection: 11 June 2014)
• SFC, 26 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2ND (Inspection: 20 May 2014)
• Sonics Burger Bar Nightclub, Lucy Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2AU (Inspection: 29 March 2014)
• Southchurch Convenience Premier, 829 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2PP (Inspection: 2 September 2014)
• Southend Food And Wine, 72 - 74 London Road Southend, SS1 1PG, Inspection: 11 March 2013
• Southend Rugby Football Club, Sumpters Way Southend, Essex, SS2 5RR, Inspection: 28 February 2014
• Spar, 93 - 95 West Road Shoeburyness Southend, SS3 9DT (Inspection: 19 August 2014)
• Spring 14, 69 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2NL (Inspection: 28 August 2014)
• Sunflower Eaterie, 75 Queens Road Southend, SS1 1NL, Inspection: 11 June 2014
• Supreme Halal Meat, 7A West Street Southend, Essex, SS2 6HH (Inspection: 12 December 2012)
• Sutton Mini Market Ltd, 492 Sutton Road Southend, Essex, SS2 5PN, Inspection: 24 February 2014
• Tasty Chicken, 86 London Road Southend, Essex, SS1 1PG (Inspection: 9 June 2014)
• The Pizza Man, 345 Victoria Avenue, Southend, SS2 6NH (Inspection: 04 April 2014)
• Victoria Cafe, 323 Chartwell North (Plaza Centre) Southend, SS2 5SR (Inspection: 9 September 2014)
• View Bar Bistro, Pierre's Cafe Bar, 12 Clifftown Parade Southend, SS1 1DP (Inspection: 9 June 2014)
• Wakering Convenience Store, 130 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend, Essex, SS3 0ET, (Inspection: 21 January 2013)
• White Hart Inn, 81 High Street, Great Wakering, Southend, SS3 0ED (Inspection: 17 July 2013)
• Wongs Takeaway, 57 Ness Road, Shoeburyness, Southend, Essex, SS3 9DB (Inspection: 1 April 2014)
• Yoga Dharma, 129 Southchurch Road Southend, Essex, SS1 2NW (Inspection: 15 May 2014)
• Yummy Chinese Takeaway, 179 Hamstel Road Southend-On-Sea Essex, SS2 4LA (Inspection: 3 April 2014)

*Hold the Anchovies have asked us to point out their rating was affected by floods in September 2014, which destroyed their paperwork. They are now awaiting a new rating

*Suncrust Bakery have asked us to point out they were given a 'three star' rating in December 2014. They are awaiting publication of the new rating.

*Feed Me Clacton, Unit 38, Clacton Factory Shopping Village, Stephenson Road, Clacton On Sea, CO15 4TL, were reinspected on January 7 and received a four star rating.

A MAN convicted of drugs smuggling in the Czech Republic, despite protesting his innocence, is fighting the latest attempts to extradite him there.

Daniel Macdonald was arrested at an address in South Woodham Ferrers last week last Tuesday (January 13) after failing to meet police at Heathrow Airport last May.

Brought before Westminster Magistrates' Court the next day, he was given conditional bail and seven days to appeal against his extradition.

The 31-year-old, of Tree Beard Copse, South Woodham Ferrers, said: "We are going through the appeal process, which could take up to six months.

"We're awaiting a new date for my appeal. I'm innocent of the charges and I have proof of that.

"This has been an incredibly stressful time for me and my family.

"The case has already been made void over there and they want me for a retrial."

The former sales manager was arrested in Prague in November 2009 on suspicion of importing 10.84kg of cannabis from Lebanon and given a six-and-a-half year sentence in his absence.

But Macdonald has always protested his innocence, claiming he was the victim of an elaborate honey trap scam after falling in love with a Lebanese girl who planted drugs on him.

He also says that he should not be extradited due to ongoing mental health issues.

The former sales manager was due to be extradited after he lost a second appeal at Westminster Magistrates' Court last March.

In April, the 31-year-old mounted an advertising stand in central London in a desperate one-man protest against his extradition and expressing his innocence of any crimes.

He displayed a pink banner asking for help to find an unnamed CID officer who he says he met at Edmonton Police Station in 2011 and made him sign papers guaranteeing that Czech police will not prosecute.

After being talked down from the advertising stand by police officers, they agreed to help him find the officer involved who, he says, has confirmed his story.

"I found the police officer and the letter which makes the process void. I have never been convicted of drug smuggling and the whole thing makes me feel terrible," said Macdonald.

"I hate the thought that people would think I have smuggled drugs."

But his arrest last week may have changed the situation.

A FAILED businessman has denied knowingly gambling thousands of pounds in drug money into financial markets during the "worst year of his life".

Paul Hooper, 39, took to the dock in Chelmsford Crown Court last week to vehemently deny a single count of conspiring to launder money.

The father-of-three is one of seven people standing trial accused of their parts in a "sophisticated" drugs and money laundering operation centred around a South Hanningfield country house and a cannabis factory in Margaretting Tye.

While Hooper distanced himself from the alleged setup, he told jurors he invested £14,500 from two friends, now his co-defendants, into the IG Index.

He was also forced into detailing how he lost tens of thousands of pounds of his family's money.

"It was a complete mess," said Hooper.

"I didn't have any money to pay them back – there wasn't a penny to hand back.

"I don't talk to my family because of it. I have lost my friends, I don't talk to them anymore. It was a really crappy time.

"It was the worst year, or worst 18 months, of my life. I was lying to everyone.

"Everyone had their money invested with me and I was gambling it away. It was a really horrible time."

Hooper told jurors he got involved in the IG Group in August 2010, a financial spread betting firm, when an old friend showed him he could make thousands.

Hooper said he recruited six investors to plunge upwards of £45,000 into an account, some of the money coming from profits from his firm Essex Teeth Whitening and some from his uncle and nephew.

'Pressure'

Crucially one investor was allegedly co-accused Perry Higley, an ex-neighbour from 15 years ago, and Acorn Developments construction firm owner Wayne Mixture, who Higley introduced him to in 2011.

"But the losses became unsustainable," said Hooper, describing how he turned to the commodity market to rescue lost funds.

Higley and his girlfriend Rachel Croudace demanded money back to pay rent, but with the money tied up, Hooper allegedly ended up paying their gas, rent and Sky broadband bills out of his own pocket.

"I can't really express how badly this IG account went. The pressure was on me," he said.

"I had thousands and thousands of people's money and when they asked to withdraw it I couldn't and I was making up cock and bull stories."

In summer 2012 he said he terminated the IG account and paid back Higley's £4,500 but only £7,000 of Mixture's £10,000.

Hooper, now an IT contractor, paid nothing back to family and friends.

When asked by his barrister Graeme Wilson if he had any idea he could be laundering drug money he said "No, none at all."

The operation, allegedly spearheaded by Higley, was supposedly rumbled when police found an industrial-sized cannabis factory, 17kgs in cocaine mixing agent benzocaine, a revolver, machete and CS gas canister in an outbuilding at Van Dyke Farm in Margaretting Tye in February 2013.

Upon raiding Higley's former home Hamilton House, in South Hanningfield, police say they found a hydraulic press for cutting cocaine blocks, £11,000 cash and cocaine mixing agent caffeine.

Perry Higley, 52, is charged with conspiring to supply cocaine and to launder cash between September 1, 2011, and April 24, 2013.

Higley is also charged with possessing a flick knife, a folding pocket knife, two knuckle dusters and four shotgun cartridges without lawful authority at Hamilton House on February 11, 2013.

James Whiteman, 35, and Stephen Waite, 44, are charged with conspiring to supply cocaine during the same period.

Rachel Croudace, 27, William Sorrell, 19, Wayne Mixture, 44, and Hooper, 39, are charged with money laundering.

All deny the charges.

The jury, however, has been told Higley, Whiteman and Waite will plead guilty to conspiring to produce cannabis between September and February 12, 2013.

Sorrell is also charged with conspiring to produce cannabis but has pleaded not guilty.

The trial, which involves as many as 100 witnesses, two prosecution lawyers and seven defence lawyers, is expected to conclude in early February.

The Chronicle cannot identify the defendants by address or print their pictures due to reporting restrictions imposed by Judge Patricia Lynch.

An overturned lorry has forced the closure of the London-bound A12 between Howe Green and Galleywood.

Police say that two lorries collided shortly before 6.20am near junction 17 (Howe Green), but that there are no injuries. 

The road is set to be closed for around two hours while the vehicles are recovered. 

There are long queues in the area, stretching back to the Witham at junction 21.

What better way to relax than going to the cinema?

Well, now you can see the old Odeon picturehouse on Baddow Road thanks to a YouTube video.

The historical video talks of the appearance of the cinema, which used to be called The Ritz until 1947, such as a glass column, the green and gold foyer and the 'most outstanding system of illumination'.

And who remembers the jade green seating and silver curtains?

The video finally shows the cinema in 1988, standing derelict, a shadow of its former self. 

Essex is bracing itself for the onset of wintry weather as snow begins to fall across parts of the county this morning.

Forecasters predict most of the sleet and snow hitting Chelmsford will be light, with negligible amounts expected. Winds are also predicted to be light and temperatures are not expected to reach higher than 3C.

Driving conditions could potentially be difficult, and large parts of the county will see temperatures drop to 1C.

If you're affected by the weather conditions, get in touch with us via newsdesk@essexchronicle.co.uk, our Facebook page, or on Twitter @EssexChronicle.

A train on the Norwich to Liverpool Street line has come to a standstill at Witham after a passenger was taken ill on board.

The 11am train stopped at about 12.40 after the passenger became ill.

An ambulance is now at the scene at Witham station, with mainline trains being diverted around the blockage.

A spokesman for the East of England Ambulance said: "Two ambulances and paramedic car plus the air ambulance went to the scene.

"The casualty is on their way to Broomfield Hospital at the moment by land ambulance and one of our critical care team are travelling with them treating the patient."

The nature of the person's condition is not known yet.

Passengers can expect delays of up to five minutes on the London-bound line whilst the service recovers.

The 11:30am Norwich to Liverpool Street and the 12:05am Clacton-On-Sea to Liverpool Street trains are delayed due to this incident.

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after 18-year-old woman was assaulted following a night out in Chelmsford.

She had been to Evoke with her friends celebrating New Year's Eve. 

On their way home they were walking in Tindal Street at around 2.30am when there was a large disturbance. 

She was assaulted and ended up receiving serious facial injuries which required hospital treatment.

Investigating Officer, Pc Chris Abbott, said: "The victim has lost one tooth and will need extensive dental work to save others that have been loosened and moved in the attack. 

"She also suffered a bruised and cut lip which needed four stitches as well sustaining bruises to her face, arm and back."

The victim, who lives in Rayleigh, did not see the suspect and neither did her friends. 

It is believed they may have been part of a mixed group of about seven white men and women who were in their late teens or early 20s.

Anybody who witnessed the incident, or anyone who has any information, is asked to contact Pc Chris Abbott at Chelmsford CID on Essex Police 101.

MUSLIM faith leaders have labelled a senior government minister's letter to them as "patronising" and "unfair" after it asked them to do more to tackle extremism.

The 677-word text was sent to over 1,000 clerics and leaders by Communities Secretary, Eric Pickles, on Monday (January 19), in response to the murder of 12 people on French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo on January 7.

The letter details how the Government believes, "British values are Muslim values" and "together we have an opportunity to demonstrate the true nature of British Islam today".

Ayman Syed, general secretary of Chelmsford Muslim Society, said: "Although patronising the letter means well and ends well, but it is a knee jerk reaction and the speed of which it's been released, for me, shows some tell-tale signs of the Government's view of Islam in the UK.

"The letter says every Muslim in the UK needs to be going around reassuring the public that we aren't like that and not to worry; it's ridiculous."

Kashif Ahmad, Imam of the Braintree mosque, said: "What I disagree with is the way the letter is written.

"I feel it's a bit condescending and seems to suggest all those terrorists are being taught in the mosques and that we are being blamed, which is patronising and unfair."

CRITICS have branded the two-month cancellation of weekend trains in Essex to make way for a £15 million rail upgrade as a "disgrace" and a "blockade".

Buses will replace all trains between Colchester and Shenfield on the Abellio Greater Anglia line between Saturday, January 31, and Sunday, March 22 – doubling journey times in the process.

The Network Rail announcement on Tuesday has stoked fears of engineering works creeping into the Monday rush hour.

"It's going to be a terrible inconvenience," said Essex Rail Users Federation chairman Derek Monnery.

"There is no alternative rail route from London all the way up to Norwich apart from going via Cambridge, and so they have just thrown everybody on busses, which are uncomfortable and jerk and shudder.

"It just doesn't seem right at all.

"I think for certain people travelling to football matches, whether it's to Ipswich, Colchester, Norwich or to London, it will be a major inconvenience."

Weekend travellers in Colchester and Chelmsford will have to take a bus, which will run four times per hour on Saturday and twice per hour on Sundays, to Billericay where they can catch the train.

Downtrodden commuters in Braintree will suffer worst, having to catch a bus purely to take them to Witham, where they will pick up the Colchester to Billericay bus.

Passengers make an estimated 90,000 journeys on the London to Norwich line through the weekend and 115,000 per weekday.

 Catastrophic

"The decision was made with minimal consultation and I think the rail users have come well down the pecking order," added Mr Monnery.

"If the engineering works overran into Monday it would be pretty catastrophic."

Chairman of the Braintree and Witham Rail Users' Association David Bigg said: "We are calling this the blockade. We are very concerned that we are going to have Monday morning chaos.

"Based on past performance it is likely the work could overrun into Mondays and disrupt the morning commute.

"I do hope the planning is robust and we'll get our train service back in time on Monday morning.

"At the moment it doesn't look good, I hope the pain does give us real gain."

Chelmsford MP and Essex Representative of the Transport Taskforce Simon Burns said: "Of course it's a bore for those people wanting to travel by train at the weekend but the line needs to be upgraded as part of the ongoing investment to improve the service over the longer term it provides to passengers and this is the least inconvenient time available to do it.

"It will be unforgivable if there are disruptions to the regular service from 5.20am on the Monday morning because they have got their planning out of sync.

"All hell would break out because it would be unacceptable and I would pester and badger Network Rail so they are even more bored with me than I think they already are."

Frustrating for racing

Andy Waitt, clerk of the new Chelmsford City Racecourse course, said he was frustrated the course was not told about the disruption further in advance.

The course in Great Leighs will host its first fixture to the general public on Sunday, February 1, one day into the disruption schedule.

Mr Waitt said: "This is potentially very frustrating if it affects our crowd numbers and it will be a hurdle for people who want to come here for racing by train.

"It is something we would have liked to have known about."

An Abellio Greater Anglia spokesperson said: "Network Rail has robust plans in place as part of the forward planning for these works and is doing everything possible to avoid any overruns.

"We will be working closely with Network Rail throughout the period of these engineering works to help ensure that the progression of the work programme is monitored closely each weekend."

A Network Rail spokesperson said: "Handing the railway back on time is absolutely crucial and is a major part of planning for these works.

"We can reassure passengers that every engineer is aware of how important it is to return the railway to use on time.

"It is only by investing in improving our infrastructure that we can deliver the safe and reliable railway that many people rely on."