Air quality is an increasingly relevant issue as it is evident on a local, national and global scale.

Helping with the mail sorting process at Short Street sorting office and personally delivering post throughout the constituency, I learnt a lot on Friday. I have a greater appreciation for our postal workers and the postal service they provide us daily.

With tourists out in force this week thanks to the nationwide heatwave it is no wonder Southend traders have had a week like no other.

With such great weather now, one would ask why leave Southend?  With the start of school holidays, a lot of families are jetting off to shores far and near.

These can be some of the most enriching experiences. Allowing us to experience new cultures, new foods and new environments.

Last week the Conservative LGBT Action Plan was being discussed in Parliament. The LGBT Action plan was a survey conducted by the Conservative government which received 108,000 responses.

This week we celebrate the 70th birthday of our National Health Service. Since its creation, the National Health Service has saved countless lives, fixed innumerable bones, and made the United Kingdom a happier and healthier place to live.

Small local businesses are the backbone of our economy both locally and nationally. They provide the bespoke services that the much larger corporations simply are unable to offer. 

Talking to residents on the doorstep, it is clear that many people are proud of the natural beauty our town offers. Which is why when we see the pictures of the amount of litter left on our beaches, it brings forward a very emotive response. 

With summer holidays fast approaching it was great to see a new addition to our high-street. I was very happy to meet the team behind Caddies; Essex’s first crazy golf restaurant and bar. 

Southend is recognised as a Dementia-friendly community. Since it is Dementia Action Week, I would like to take the time to talk about how we can do our bit to help those with dementia.