Council workers will swoop on Shotley Beach today to rehearse their response to a series of “potential emergencies” – from chemical spills to flash floods.

The exercise, named Exercise Coinquinatio, will see Babergh District Council (BDC) officers testing their response to hazardous incidents which could threaten the coastline, including flooding or pollution.

The drill aims to ensure that key council services are familiar with BDC’s response plan if pollution or marine debris happened to wash ashore on the Shotley Peninsula.

Residents are advised that the drill has been planned in advance, and that there will be no present danger as part of the exercise.

All footpaths and normal access points to the beach will remain open throughout the day.