BBC Local Live: Essex

Renovation work to the Clacton helter-skelter could cost more than £100,000, but the pier owner says it's worth every penny. 

BBCCopyright: BBC

Billy Ball says the day in 2013 the helter-skelter was damaged was one of the saddest ever, and that the iconic slide is integral to the success of the pier.

The helter-skelter reopened to the public last weekend. 

The Lakeside Hammers can increase their lead at the top of Speedway's Elite League tonight.

Fresh from a convincing win at Belle Vue last night, they travel to Swindon.

They've named an unchanged side.

Tonight it will be staying fine and dry with long spells of sunshine and light easterly winds. Lows of 6C (43F). Pollen levels will stay high.

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Tomorrow will be another fine and dry day with high temperatures. High level cloud in the afternoon will turn the sunshine hazy later, but a very pleasant afternoon. Highs of 20C (68F). 

The Braintree Town Supporters' Trust fans are now on their way. They have a new coach and are off again to Grimsby. 

"We're relieved that we're on our way. We may just miss the kick-off," said  Andrew Freemantle.  

A minibus has been badly damaged in a fire in Southend. 

The blaze happened in Stanier Close just before 13:00. An electrical fault is being blamed. 

There were no passengers on board the bus at the time. 

The latest headlines:

• A group of Braintree Town fans are stranded in Lincolnshire this afternoon as they make their way to one of the biggest matches in the club's history
• A woman has been charged after an elderly man was robbed of £4 in Harlow
• A minibus has been badly damaged in a fire in Southend

Braintree Town boss Danny Cowley has several decisions to make ahead of their National League play-off semi-final tie at Grimsby tonight.

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Sean Marks, Taylor Miles and Dan Sparkes are among those looking to be recalled to the starting line-up.

The Iron are bidding to reach a Wembley final and a place in the Football League for the first time in their history. There's commentary of the match on BBC Essex Football Extra from 18:30 tonight.

A group of Braintree Town fans are stranded in Lincolnshire this afternoon as they make their way to one of the biggest matches in the club's history.

The Iron are looking to secure a place in the Football League. Tonight, they're playing Grimsby Town in the first leg of their National League play-off semi-final. 

Andrew Freemantle, who's the chairman of the Braintree Town Supporters Trust, said despite the coach problems they are still hoping to get to the ground for kick-off. 

Engineering problems are affecting Greater Anglia trains.  

A dispersal order has been issued in a bid to dissuade a group of car 'cruisers' who police believe were planning to meet at Pitsea retail park this weekend.

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The dispersal order means police officers will be able to move people on if they are causing anti-social behaviour within the area defined by the order.

Colchester United chairman Robbie Cowling admits his player recruitment policy needs to improve.

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"It's not been good enough and it needs to get better," he said.

The U's, who have been relegated to League Two, appointed John McGreal as their new manager yesterday.

The A127 is closed with long delays due to a serious collision involving three vehicles at the A128 for West Horndon.

A diversion is in place via the exit slip roads, around the Halfway House roundabout above, then back down along the entry slip roads. Stay up-to-date here.

Braintree Town manager Danny Cowley says their match at Grimsby tonight is the biggest game of the players' careers.

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The sides meet in the first leg of the National League play-off semi-final, with the winner due to play a Wembley final.

There's commentary of the match on BBC Essex Football Extra from 18:30.

A parenting writer from Chelmsford has told BBC Essex she's concerned new regulations on car seats for children aren't clear enough for emergency journeys.

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The government has confirmed that legislation is coming, but it hasn't yet been finalised. 

Alice Langley, who writes a column in the Southend Echo called 'An Essex Mum', says: "In the new legislation I haven't been able to find anything about what happens picking up an extra child, or if it's an emergency," she said. 

A 17-year-old boy remains in hospital receiving treatment for a serious head injury after a motorbike crash in Grays last month. 

His passenger, who is 16, had surgery on a fractured knee. The crash happened in Wood View Road on 12 April.

There are problems on the A127 at West Hordon near Brentwood this afternoon after a three-vehicle crash. Be careful if you're heading in that direction.

This afternoon will be dry, warm and mostly sunny. Light winds will peg the temperatures back a little in the east.

Weather Watchers: YoucantbecirrusCopyright: Weather Watchers: Youcantbecirrus

Maximum temperature: 18C (64F).

Thanks to BBC Weather Watcher "youcantbecirrus" for sending in this gorgeous picture from South Hanningfield just before lunchtime today.

If you're just joining us, here's the news from the county this afternoon: 

• Braintree Town is preparing for a match that could put them on the road to promotion to the Football League
• Essex Police have rebailed a man and a woman arrested following the death of a young girl on a bouncy castle in Harlow
• A woman has been charged after robbing an elderly man of £4 in Harlow

England test captain Alastair Cook has signed a new two-year contract with Essex.

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Cook has scored 500 runs in the first four matches of the County Championship season, including three centuries.

He's now off to play for England in the forthcoming test series against Sri Lanka.