Residents are being asked to “not be alarmed” over a series of road closures which will see an increase emergency service presence.

Training exercises held by Essex Fire Service at the University of Essex’s Southend Campus will mean drivers are being asked to follow a diversion taking them round a section of London Road which will be closed to the public.  

With the training taking place between 11am and 1pm today residents will have go around University square via Gordon Road, Queens Road and College Way which take vehicles to the roundabout back on London Road.

The exercises are part of the joint exercise between firefighters and Southend Council.  

A spokesman for the fire service said: “We'll be holding a training exercise with Southend City Council tomorrow between 11am and 1pm at the University of Essex - Southend Campus on London Road Southend.

“Please don't be alarmed if you see lots of fire engines in the area.”

Meanwhile a council spokesman added: “To support an Essex Fire service exercise today, a number of road closures are in place around the University building.

“Please don't be alarmed with increased emergency activity in the area.”

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