AN OLDBURY chemical company will carry out an annual test of its alarm this week.

Solvay, which is based in Trinity Street, will test its alarm on Friday (October 9) at midday with the noise designed to be heard from a kilometre away.

The loud siren will last for approximately one minute and may be heard by drivers on the M5 as the firm is to the east of Junction 2.

Sandwell Police are telling people that if they hear the siren not to be concerned.

A spokesman said: "On Friday (9 Oct) 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 approx 60 seconds.

"It is designed to be heard 1km 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."

The site manufactures a variety of phosphorus based chemicals including pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, water treatment chemicals, agriculture and flame retardants.

The site was established in 1851 by Arthur Albright and became part of the Solvay Group in 2011.

Oldbury is the oldest Solvay site worldwide.

Firefighters and medics were called to a small chemical spill at the site in August this year.