A sober fest

A QUIRK in licensing laws means revellers at the Southend German market will only be able to drink beer for four days.

Putting a brake on cruising

AFTER years of torment endured by Basildon and Canvey residents, crunch time has finally arrived for the weekend cruisers.

We should not panic over flood report

THE Government-sponsored Pitt report says bluntly "only those who live on the side of a mountain" can afford to ignore the risk of flood.

Cheers!

GOOD luck to the resourceful group of South Fambridge villagers who raised £5,000 to buy and run their local, the Mews Bar, after it went out of business.

Straight talk on schools

EDUCATION Secretary Ed Balls attracted fierce criticism from Belfairs headteacher John Duprey when he apparently threatened "failure" schools - schools whose results fell below the level required by the new National Challenge scheme - with closure.

Service’s own 999 for fuel

FUEL price rises have been causing widespread problems for some time, but the knock-on effects have only just begun to impact on normal life.

She’s a brick

SINCE time immemorial, exasperated mums have told their husbands and children: "Talking to you is like talking to a brick wall."

Black letter day for the Post

THE announcement of more post office closures in Southend, Castle Point and Thurrock will no doubt see petitions being raised and protest groups launched.

Palace hotel plan must not falter

THE latest plans put forward for Southend's Palace Hotel offer the best opportunity yet of restoring the landmark to its former glory.

Vote for Katie

KATIE Amess, daughter of Southend MP David, could become the UK's entry to the Miss Earth beauty pageant.

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