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Police warn residents about annual alarm test in Oldbury

Police are warning residents in Oldbury that a chemical company will be carrying out the annual test of its alarm – which can be heard one kilometre away from the site.

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The Solvay building in Oldbury. Photo: Google Street View

The off-site alarm will be tested on Friday, October 9, at around midday.

Officers say the alarm, which is located on the Solvay building, near the M5, is a loud siren and will last for approximately one minute.

But police have moved to reassure residents to not worry when they hear the alarm – as it can be heard from one kilometre away from the building.

A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "On Friday at midday, a chemical company in the Oldbury area will be carrying out an annual test of their off-site alarm.

"This alarm from the Solvay building which is to the east of Junction 2 off the M5 is a loud siren and will last for approximately 60 seconds.

"It is designed to be heard one kilometre away from the site, so please don’t be worried when you hear it.

"This test is a requirement of the health and safety regulations and hopefully it shouldn’t cause too much inconvenience for drivers or residents and businesses in the area."