VOTERS are being reassured they will still be able to take part in the election after polling cards went missing.

A number of people in Southend have reported they haven't received their polling card for the local election on Thursday.

Town clerk Rob Tinlin said they would still be able to vote and all they had to do was to show up.

He said: "We have had a number of reports of cards not being received. The same happens at every election. We had them all hand delivered over the Easter period. I'm not aware of things being worse than any other election.

"When we hear about it, we issue them with a polling card. But the card is only a reminder, it is not needed for voting. You just need to turn up at the polling station."

Mr Tinlin said not even identification was needed.

However, a woman from Eastwood, who didn't want to be named, said the problem was worse than Mr Tinlin suggested.

She said: "No one in my block has had their card yet.

"I've never had that happen before. A lot of people don't know what to do."