MP John Whittingdale has welcomed the launch of Maldon Nub News.

Mr Whittingdale OBE, who is Media Minister as well as the town's MP, said: "Nub News, which employs professional journalists and where people can know that facts and stories are properly checked, is fulfilling an extremely important function.

"Local journalism has a crucial role in informing people about - and scrutinising - the work of councils, local health services, the police and other community bodies - and where things go wrong, asking questions."

Having fought tirelessly for the cause of good quality, accurate local news reporting, Mr Whittingdale has pioneered key initiatives to preserve local journalism, including the introduction of Local Democracy Reporters across the country, working with the BBC and media organisations. These reporters ensure good coverage of local authority and constituency news and their reports are available for use by local news sites and publications.

He also told Maldon Nub News of his hopes for the town as it emerges from the current pandemic, praising the community for the way it came together in the crisis.

Mr Whittingdale said: "Maldon and District CVS (Community Voluntary Service) had more volunteers than could be used, delivering food to people who were shielding and many other activities. The response was just extraordinary. That spirit will continue to carry the town through this."

He spoke of the unique nature of Maldon's town centre and High Street, with its variety of independent traders and shops offering an individualised service that is hard to find in many other towns.