Latest news with #Chelmsford
BBC News
9 hours ago
- BBC News
Chelmsford PCSO has no plans to retire aged 79
A man who is about to enter his 50th year working for a police force has said he has no plans to Barley was issued with a cape and had to cycle 16 miles to work when he first joined Essex Police in force believes Mr Barley, who is now a police community support officer, is the oldest PCSO in 79-year-old works as part of the Chelmsford neighbourhood policing team and says one of his favourite parts of the job is chatting to the public. "I'm on the town all the time and you get to know people – you're even on first name terms with the bad guys and that's very useful," he said."Regardless of what you might read, there are more good than bad people out there. "People love to see the police, they chat away and they thank you for what you're doing." Things have changed considerably since Mr Barley saw a newspaper advert for the Metropolitan Police 50 years featured an officer pulling off a high-speed skid in a patrol car."At that time, I was living in Stifford [in Thurrock, Essex] and I was posted to Basildon but I didn't have a clue where that was. I had to look it up on a map!"I then had to borrow a push bike and cycle the 16 miles down the old A13, getting up at 03:45 for the early shift."Mr Barley said his early days on the beat were "brilliant"."We'd walk the town centre checking doors – these are Dixon of Dock Green stories – and it was freezing cold sometimes but that's what the job was."I've still got the cape I was issued." Essex Police said Mr Barley - who worked as an officer for 30 years before becoming a PCSO - plans to carry on for as long as Barley said the use of drugs had become more widespread, but that his interactions with the public had not changed."I like to talk, and your mouth is still your best bit of equipment."Times change, but you still have to solve problems and appease people. It's about knowing your audience." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
9 hours ago
- Business
- BBC News
Chelmsford council disappointed by closures of two night clubs
A city council said it was disappointed after the quickfire announcements that two night-time venues would bar Walkabout, which opened in Chelmsford in 2016, and nearby nightclub Popworld which opened in 2018, will shut this venues in the city's Backnang Square are owned by Stonegate Group, which thanked customers "for their loyalty and support over the years"."It is very disappointing to hear that two established, hard-working and popular venues will soon be closing," said a Chelmsford City Council spokesperson. "Both businesses will be missed by many residents and visitors, and their colleagues in Chelmsford's night-time economy. " The two closures were announced in the space of two days."I think it will be a really big hole in the city's night-time economy," said Marie Goldman, the Liberal Democrat MP for Chelmsford."Bars and restaurants, they come and go, but this has been a feature of the centre of Chelmsford for quite some time now and it seems to have really come out of the blue as well."Goldman said there were still plenty of bars, restaurants and independent venues in the area, and suggested that businesses struggling to turn over a profit was countrywide problem.A Stonegate Group spokesperson said Walkabout would shut on 13 July and Popworld on 2 August."We'd like to thank all our guests for their loyalty and support over the years - it's been a pleasure to welcome you through our doors," they said. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
Major supermarket chain at risk of closing 34 stores after ‘struggling financially' in major blow to shoppers
A POPULAR supermarket chain could be shuttering 34 stores after "struggling financially". Shoppers were devastated to hear a significant number of Co-op branches are at risk of closing. 1 There are also nine Co-op funeral homes that could be forced to pull the shutters down. The string of closures would hit Essex highstreets, if a merger is not approved imminently. A spokesperson from Chelmsford Star Co-op confirmed the news, as reported by Essex Live. Locations at risk would include stores in Braintree, Chelmsford, Basildon, Thurrock and Southend among other locations, as well as two travel agencies. The society also operates branches in George Yard Shopping Centre in Braintree and Moulsham Street in Chelmsford. Chelmsford Star Co-op said it is "struggling financially" and needs to merge with the larger Central Co-op society. They claimed their issues have been "exacerbated" by increases in National Insurance contributions and the living wage. It comes as the two Quadrant stores are set to shutter in October later this year, with bosses blaming "long-term and increasing financial loss". Neither site has fetched a profit since 2008. Plans or a merger should be decided at meetings on July 16 and August 5. However, one member of Chelmsford Star Co-op, feared a merger would still see smaller store closures in villages and housing estates. They said: "I believe that there are other options, including the disposal of department stores, the sale of the quadrant department stores building in Chelmsford and the use of that to reinvest in the business." Chelmsford Star Co-op said there are no confirmed plans in place. A spokesman said: "As with any business integration, there will be a period of transition where the combined Society will review how best to organise itself to meet the needs of its members and communities. "While no decisions have been made at this early stage, we can confirm there are no planned closures of Chelmsford Star food stores, funeral homes or travel agencies as part of the proposed transfer. "Some support functions may evolve over time to ensure the organisation is fit for purpose and sustainable long-term, but this would be done with care, transparency and engagement with colleagues, members and unions. Importantly, the focus of both Societies is to safeguard as many roles and services as possible." Meanwhile Chelmsford Star execs dubbed a potential merger an "incredibly exciting moment". Chief executives of Chelmsford Star and Central Co-ops, Barry Wood and Debbie Robinson, said: "This is an incredibly exciting moment for co-operation. During the UN International Year of Co-operatives, we have a shared vision to be a leading force in the co-operative movement, realising the transformative impact that co-operatives have on economies, communities and individuals. "In an increasingly competitive marketplace, we believe that by harnessing our shared values, we will build a stronger and more secure society. "We welcome the proposed transfer and invite members to support this important moment which will deliver a future that continues to put members, colleagues and communities at the heart of everything we do.' Tony Price and Elaine Dean, presidents of Chelmsford Star and Central Co-op, added: 'Central Co-op and Chelmsford Star Co-operative are committed to putting the interests of our members first and supporting the communities where we trade. "The transfer will ensure that all members continue to have an important voice as part of a stronger, more secure Society - ready to serve them for many more years to come. "Both Boards are supportive of this transfer of engagements and the exciting opportunities that it presents.' OTHER CO-OP NEWS This comes as Co-op is rolling out a major change to stores across the country. The supermarket giant is replacing paper product tags with electronic labels throughout its whole estate over the coming months. The retailer has already made the change in 340 branches but will roll out the tags more widely. The chain said 1,500 stores will have the labels by the end of the year and will be rolled out across all its nearly 2,400 by the end of 2026. We have asked Co-op if all labels will be replaced with electronic ones in stores and will update this story when we've heard back. The electronic labels are designed and created by VusionGroup, which also works with Asda. Steven Logue, Co-op's head of operations, said: 'With convenience at the heart of everything we do Co-op is committed to continually exploring innovative technology that can improve how we operate." Co-op said the new electronic labels will show allergen and nutritional information and products' country of origin, as well as deals and savings. And, Co-op was one of a number of retailers hit by a cyber attack recently which saw supermarket stock and customer data affected. However, by May 14, the supermarket chain confirmed it was in a "recovery phase" and ready to turn online orders back on. Customers had been complaining of shortages of fresh produce, ready meals, yoghurts and confectionery since the incident began at the end of April. The attack also pushed contactless card payments offline in nearly one in 10 stores, forcing customers to pay with cash or enter their PINs at the till. The retailer also confirmed customers' private details were stolen during the attack after its IT systems were compromised. Some customers' names, contact information and dates of birth were exposed, however passwords, credit card details and transaction information were not. How to save money on your supermarket shop THERE are plenty of ways to save on your grocery shop. You can look out for yellow or red stickers on products, which show when they've been reduced. If the food is fresh, you'll have to eat it quickly or freeze it for another time. Making a list should also save you money, as you'll be less likely to make any rash purchases when you get to the supermarket. Going own brand can be one easy way to save hundreds of pounds a year on your food bills too. This means ditching "finest" or "luxury" products and instead going for "own" or value" type of lines. Plenty of supermarkets run wonky veg and fruit schemes where you can get cheap prices if they're misshapen or imperfect. For example, Lidl runs its Waste Not scheme, offering boxes of 5kg of fruit and vegetables for just £1.50. If you're on a low income and a parent, you may be able to get up to £442 a year in Healthy Start vouchers to use at the supermarket too. Plus, many councils offer supermarket vouchers as part of the Household Support Fund.
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Guardian
County cricket: balls bring bore draws and Blast needs a boost
The County Championship returned for its first fortnight of high-summer matches (there's another in a month's time) and it was much welcomed, as always, at grounds and online. Less welcome was the return of the Kookaburra ball, which is being used to help England players prepare to play with it overseas. It's a good idea on paper – not so good on grass. There were four draws in Division One. Call them nailed on or hard-earned if you like, I'm calling them boring. Perhaps batters need to be more positive: Essex scored 654 runs at Chelmsford at three an over and Hampshire weren't much better at the other end, compiling 453 at 3.27. Perhaps captains need to be bolder: did stand-in skipper Craig Overton need to set Warwickshire 377 (in 69 overs), a chase understandably declined? If the four-day game is using the five-day ball, perhaps an injection of five-day attitudes to the draw might be worth a trial too? It was no surprise that the one positive result in the top flight came at New Road, where champions Surrey steamrollered basement dwellers Worcestershire with five sessions or so in hand. Rory Burns can call on six international bowlers, supplemented by the very consistent Jordan Clark and the pace of Tom Lawes, in for Dan Worrall. They're not all going to have an off-day are they? It was Clark and Matt Fisher who led the way in bowling out the hosts for 214 in their first dig and Fisher (again) and Nathan Smith who hogged the wickets second time round, Worcestershire mustering just 125. Surrey are now two points behind leaders Nottinghamshire, who drew against Yorkshire, just 20 wickets falling to bowlers across four days at Trent Bridge. Slightly against history, there was much more enterprise shown in Division Two, especially at Bristol, where emotions were still very raw after the untimely death of David 'Syd' Lawrence, an icon of Gloucestershire cricket – and beyond the West Country too. With a daddy hundred of his own and another from Graeme van Buuren, Cameron Bancroft declared well past 500, setting Derbyshire 316. The visitors, tucked in behind runaway leaders Leicestershire, need wins if they want to secure the second promotion slot and they went off like a Brunel express train. An opening stand of 177 in 31.3 overs set up the victory chance, but Harry Came and Caleb Jewell fell in swift succession and van Buuren was back to torment them, this time with the ball and Derbyshire fell 19 runs short, eight wickets down. A fine match, a worthy draw. After two first innings, each of 400+ characterised by late middle-order runs, Toby Roland-Jones declared at Wantage Road to set Northamptonshire 311 for the win, Middlesex with 73 overs to take the 10 wickets. But he ran into a perfect storm of two centurions (Luke Procter and James Sales) and drops where the catches that win matches should have been. Both sides needed to put together a run of wins to grab what looks like one available promotion slot, so a declaration that opened up the game made perfect sense. In the past, Roland-Jones would have been castigated for losing after a declaration, but I hope we live in more enlightened times. I hope too that should the same circumstance arise in Middlesex's next match, he does the same thing. Sometimes the winners win much more than the losers lose. In the T20 Blast North Group, despite two consecutive defeats, Northamptonshire still enjoy a four-point lead at the top, with Lancashire, Leicestershire and Durham occupying the other qualification spots. Only Derbyshire and Yorkshire look out of it as the competition pauses for some high-summer red-ball cricket. It's a similar picture down south, with Somerset leading Surrey, Sussex and Kent, with Essex tailed off and reigning champions Gloucestershire, despite two wins on the bounce, needing snookers. I'd like to suggest making this break more meaningful, more natural, perhaps splitting into Trophy and Shield competitions, but it seems that it's all changing again soon. Can't The Problem Of The English Domestic Cricket Season be given to some bright MBA students as a case study and then make their pitches public for us to have a squint? Their ideas would surely be better than the miasma of compromise the suits usually come up with and foist on us for five years, before deciding that they need even more money and rip it up again. It would be easy to say that England has so much history that it can be complacent about it, ignoring its potential. But India is hardly short of history either, and the IPL has done much more to create a sense of heritage for what was once an upstart tournament. You can't open Cricinfo or social media without seeing stories such as 'Which teenager has the best strike rate in death overs in IPL history?' or 'Which batter has hit a six and a four off consecutive deliveries and been out next ball most often for the Bangalore Balladeers?' As shown by the Ploughman's lunch – both the meal and the film – history can be conjured from thin air and then used as a powerful marketing tool. English cricket should trade more off the oldest professional T20 tournament and less off a format ignored by the rest of the world (and plenty at home too). Starting now, every Cricinfo question about the IPL, every morsel of inconsequential IPL clickbait on social media, every meme marking MS Dhoni's 50th leg-side stumping of a left-hander, should be mirrored by whoever runs that operation for the T20 Blast. It shouldn't be that hard to do. This article is from The 99.94 Cricket Blog
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Moment Kirstie Allsopp is left reeling as she receives VERY savage verdict on Location Location Location
Kirstie Allsopp was left reeling as she was given a very savage review after showing a couple around a property on Location, Location, Location. On last night's episode of the Channel 4 show, the property guru, 53, and her co-host Phil Spencer revisited a couple who had been hunting for their dream home in Chelmsford, back in 2016. Charlene and Jay had been living in Romford, Essex, with their one-year-old son, Kai - but wanted to upsize and improve their commutes. But after a year of searching - and with a budget of £425,000 for a four-bedroom home - the couple had no luck, and enlisted the help of Kirstie and Phil. It was soon easy to see why Charlene and Jay had been struggling, as they gave the first property they viewed in Chelmer Village a very savage verdict. Even before going inside, Jay said he 'wasn't keen on the brickwork' and, despite being near good schools, having 'excellent' transport links and only being a mile and a half outside of Chelmsford, they were even less impressed by the interior. On the market for a guide price of between £425,000 and £440,000, the property was almost double the size of their current home. But when the couple gave Kirstie their feedback, she was shocked by their brutal honesty and felt like she'd been 'harshly judged'. With a well-equipped kitchen, open plan kitchen and diner, generously sized garden and four good sized bedrooms, Kirstie thought it would be an easy win. After touring the upstairs, Charlene said it seemed 'too small' and Jay even ranked it a 'D minus'. Kirstie could only gasp: 'Oh my god! Flashback to school days!' Charlene tried to reassure her - but her feedback wasn't much better. 'I wasn't as harsh. It's a C minus upstairs, so now it's probably like a B minus,' she said, giving her review of the property. Kirstie said: 'Maybe the answer is nobody buys a B minus house. And they certainly don't buy a D minus house! I feel judged - I feel harshly judged.' The second property Kirstie showed the couple - this time taking them to Great Baddow - received an equally harsh review. The £425,000 Chalet-style home was detached and big enough for family life, with a large family bathroom. But Charlene was still less than enthusiastic and was put off by a large 'beam' running through it, and even said she thought it might be 'too sensible'. In the end, it was third time lucky for Kirstie after they paid a visit to the suburb of Moulsham. Though the 1920s property only had three bedrooms, it was much closer to town, making their commutes walkable. Charlene called it 'really nice and lovely' and said it was a 'definite contender' after only one viewing. In the end of the 2016 episode, after hitting it off with the vendors, Jay even managed to bag the property for £415,000 instead of the guide price of £425,000. And when Phil Spencer returned to see how the couple were getting on seven years later, he was left speechless. The property looked almost unrecognisable as the old rear extension had been replaced by a kitchen diner - with the estimated new value of the property standing at a huge £700,000. Totally impressed, Phil gushed: 'You've moved! This is not the same house! I'm struggling for words, it feels like a totally. totally different house.' Last time, Location, Location, Location viewers were left baffled by a young couple who dubbed spacious homes in leafy Surrey a 'compromise'. Kirstie and Phil had hoped to find Elise, Elliot and their three young children the perfect home. Having already sold their three-bedroom property, the couple had a healthy budget of £650,000 for four bedrooms and an open-plan downstairs. But, heavily emphasising that they weren't willing to compromise, Elise and Elliot were struggling to meet all their needs with the money available. As a result, they'd viewed countless properties and, despite having moved back in with Elliot's parents, were refusing to settle for something less than perfect. With Kirstie taking them round several properties, the couple either weren't 'sure' about the area, said the homes were 'too small', and even just 'didn't feel the love' for what they were seeing. Their indecision soon left viewers of the show baffled - as they failed to see anything wrong with the sought-after postcodes and spacious properties. People said: 'They are worried about the area?? Mate, you're in Epsom.' Location, Location, Location is available to watch now on Channel 4.
