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Residents are being urged to continue coming forward for NHS care during five days of strike action by resident doctors, with life-saving services maintained and GP practices remaining open as flu season places additional pressure on hospitals.

Residents across parts of Essex are reporting weeks-long delays to postal deliveries, with some forced to collect mail from sorting offices. Concerns have been raised over staffing shortages and the impact on urgent correspondence, amid Royal Mail’s recent change in ownership.

The local NHS is urging residents to use the right healthcare services and get vaccinated as an early surge in flu cases increases winter pressure across Mid and South Essex.

Southend East and Rochford MP Bayo Alaba visited the Shoeburyness National Coastwatch Institution station, meeting volunteers and presenting a Certificate of Competence to new recruit Bethan Mason. The station plays a vital role in supporting coastal safety alongside the Coastguard and RNLI.

Southend has launched a new Culture Small Grants Scheme offering £250–£1,500 to support creative, cultural and community-led activities. Applications are open until 31 January 2026 for residents and local groups with projects taking place in Southend-on-Sea.

Southend United’s trip to Rochdale came to an early halt on Saturday afternoon after persistent heavy rain rendered the Crown Oil Arena pitch unplayable, leading the referee to abandon the fixture in the 77th minute. At the time, Southend trailed 2–1 despite having made a strong start.

Southend-on-Sea is set to receive £8.5 million in bus funding over the next three years, supporting improved reliability, new routes, extended late-night services and better connections across the city.

Mayoral elections planned for 2026 have been pushed back to 2028, though Southend and wider Essex are still expected to receive early devolution of funding and powers before the mayoral model is introduced.

Southend-on-Sea City Council and Anglian Water have launched a £90m, 10-year programme to eliminate sewer spills, reduce flooding and create greener public spaces, including new rain gardens and the Marine Parade Green Oasis.

Southend is overflowing with festive cheer this year, offering families, friends, and visitors an incredible variety of Christmas experiences across…