Main headlines for Wednesday, 4 November 2015
An Essex chip shop owner has lost a Supreme Court battle over parking charges
A number of venomous snakes are found by police during the dismantling of a cannabis factory in Basildon
An underground fire closes a road in Brentwood and causes 24 homes to lose power
We'll be back with more news, travel, sport and weather from 08:00 on Thursday
Laura Safe
BBC Essex
Essex Police, external has told us no-one was injured in a crash involving three cars this morning on the A176.
Image source, GoogleThey were contacted just before 05:40 to reports of a collision between a Ford Focus, a Ford Transit van and a Volvo S40 at the A13 junction.
The road was closed until 06:25 while the scene was cleared.
BBC Essex
Earlier this week we told you about Stephen Newman and Sophie Muller (pictured), who paid £800 in cash to a Southend baby shop as a deposit for a double buggy.
After Zebedee on Alexandra Street went into liquidation they lost the money and had to pay for another pushchair.
However since hearing the couple's story a charity called Wipe Away Those Tears, external has now offered to cover the costs, something Ms Muller called "amazing".
It will slowly become drier and brighter from the west during this afternoon with sunny spells developing.
Maximum Temperature: 14C (57F).
Glenn Speller
BBC Essex Sport
Waltham Abbey-based Fiona Pennie has had her place at the Rio 2016 Olympics confirmed for Great Britain.
Image source, Getty ImagesShe'll compete in the K1 Canoe Slalom event.
Pennie secured the spot by winning an Olympic trial event in Lee Valley last weekend.
You can check for further updates on the BBC Travel site for Essex.
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The story of Barry Beavis losing his Supreme Court parking battle is making national headlines.
The Huffington Post described, external how campaigners said the decision would encourage "cowboy parking firms" to impose a greater number of large fines.
Meanwhile the Mail Online headlined, external the ruling as a "blow" for UK motorists.
A main road had to be closed by firefighters after a car exploded, external outside a school.
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
How cool is this? If you thought Minions were just a computer-animated character from a children's movie you'd be wrong!
This farm in Beaumont-cum-Moze has brought the yellow creature to life, by transforming a giant hay bale...
Image source, Twitter/@PCSOSueGroves
Jodie Smith
BBC News
News siteEverything Epping Forest, externalhas sent us this image of flooding near Ongar. Take care if you're driving in the area.
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Nick Alliker
BBC Essex
Here are your top stories for Essex this lunchtime:
BBC Travel
The A1169 Third Avenue in Harlow is blocked due to an accident involving a dustcart and a car.
Traffic is slow in the area.
Speaking after losing today's Supreme Court case, Barry Beavis said it was the end of the road legally, but still hoped the government would "intervene":
Quote MessageThere's no legal recourse to go to the European Court of Justice, but I think the government needs to introduce a single code of practice for private parking firms."
Barry Beavis
Has Barry Beavis's story left you wondering how you can challenge a private parking fine?
BBC Watchdog's Prof Margaret Griffiths has put together a video taking you through the steps you can take.
Image source, Getty ImagesJack Warren
BBC Local Live
Essex chip shop owner, Barry Beavis, has just told me today's Supreme Court ruling is "very dangerous".
Speaking to me just after he left court, Mr Beavis said: "The court has decided these charges are allowed because they're not excessive, so what's excessive, £250?"
"The Supreme Court has today given permission for parking companies to rip down their £85 parking charge signs and fine what they like", Mr Beavis added.
Commenting on the news that Barry Beavis has lost his Supreme Court case against ParkingEye Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said:
Image source, RAC FoundationQuote MessageThis opens the door for parking companies to increase their penalty demands and leaves the onus on motorists to fight sky-high charges on a case by case basis."
Steve Gooding, Director of the RAC Foundation
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
Barry Beavis was fined £85 for overstaying the allotted two hoursof free parking at the Riverside Retail car park in Chelmsford in April 2013, so how did we get to where we are today?
Jack Warren
BBC Local Live
I've just tried calling Barry Beavis to find out what he makes of the Supreme Court's ruling today.
I was unable to get through, but we'll let you know how he's feeling as soon as we're able to get hold of him.
An Essex chip shop owner has lost a Supreme Court battle over parking charges.
Image source, PABarry Beavis, 47, who owns The Happy Haddock in Billericay, launched legal action against private car park operators after he was charged £85 for overstaying a two hour free parking limit.
He previously had his challenge dismissed at a county court and the Court of Appeal, but today suffered a further defeat at the Supreme Court.
An Essex chip shop owner has lost an appeal at the UK's highest court over parking charges.
More details to follow.
A young woman says she was left distraught after claiming she was locked in a cab, external because she was 20p short of her fare.
