A South Essex MP has demanded testing centre chaos is avoided to help stop a lockdown in Southend.

Speaking in the House of Commons Sir David Amess Tory MP for Southend West asked health secretary Matt Hancock about the issue.

Sir David Amess MP said: "I am delighted with £9.7million upgrade to Southend A&E which is entirely appropriate as we head toward city but would my right honourable friend agree with me if Southend is to avoid a lockdown we cannot have a repetition of the scenes at Short Street testing station where apparently someone in management said you could turn up without an appointment."

Earlier this week there was “chaos” at the Government-run coronavirus test centre in Southend as people line up in huge queues hoping to get a test... despite many not having an appointment.

The test centre, in Short Street, has become overwhelmed with people hoping to get a test as many are unaware they need to book ahead of time.