People are being urged to consider their health needs ahead of next week’s Tour de France.

West Essex Clinical Commissioning Group are advising locals to check appropriate over the counter medication is available and those who take medicines regularly to ensure they have enough to cover them until after July 7.

While patients will still have access to GP services they are also invited to check the availability of their GP surgery as those affected by the route may be running an amended schedule of clinics.

Dr Rob Gerlis, chairman of West Essex CCG, said: “People are being given lots of information ahead of this exciting event so our message is simply to consider your medication needs ahead of Monday July 7.

“We’d also like to echo the advice to plan your journey ahead of the day as road closures may affect access to your local GP surgery and pharmacy.”