Tomorrow's visit by the Queen and Prince Philip has proved a huge logistical challenge for Southend police as they tighten up security in the area.

Leave has been cancelled, roads are being closed off and extra officers - and traffic cones - are being drafted in from across Essex to cope with the historic visit.

The 160 additional cones will mainly be used to line the route around Temple Farm Industrial Estate where Prince Philip will visit KeyMed.

A police spokesman said cones were being shipped in from stations across Essex.

He said: "A few years ago we used to keep a lot, but because our stock has gone down, we will be bringing them in from other divisions.

"But we have not got that great an area to warrant coning - we won't need them on the front because Marine Parade will be closed. They will be put out on the industrial estate."

Security will be tightened up for the visit to Southend and Basildon, with Marine Parade and Carnarvon Road being closed to traffic in Southend.

All police leave within Southend division has been cancelled, and between 80 and 100 extra officers will be brought in to cover the visit.

A number of roads will be closed on the day - Marine Parade will be closed from 9am, and Carnarvon and Crowborough Road will both be closed from 7am.

People will still be able to park in the Carnarvon Road car park, although vans will not be allowed in. Well wishers travelling to Marine Parade have been advised to park in the Seaway car park for free - and bring an umbrella as rain has been forecast.

A police spokesman said it was impossible to predict the size of crowds, but advised people to allow plenty of time for parking.

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