A CORONAVIRUS testing centre has been set up in Ellesmere Port.

The drive-through, mobile testing facility is based on the Wellington Road car park and will be in operation until Sunday.

Tests are by appointment only and take place between 10.30am and 3.30pm.

Mobile testing units, operated by the Armed Forces, are currently travelling to sites around the UK to increase access to coronavirus testing.

These mobile testing units are temporary and travel to test frontline workers and the most vulnerable at sites including care homes, police stations and prisons.

Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Public Health, Cllr Val Armstrong said: “Wellington Road North car park in Ellesmere Port is being used today by the Army on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care for a mobile COVID-19 testing facility.

“The setting up of mobile facilities may happen at short notice and may cause some short-term local disruption. The temporary mobile testing unit will be in operation between 10:30am to approximately 3:30pm on Friday 1 May to Sunday 3 May. 

“The Council is supporting the Army, where it can, to minimise any local disruption. The testing unit is by appointment only and people are unable to just turn up on the day and expect a test.

"They will be turned away.  This service is only available to eligible people who have booked an appointment in advance, after referral from their employer.

“We are continuing to work with key partners to make more COVID-19 testing facilities available in the borough for key workers and enable them to safely return to work as soon as possible.”

Ellesmere Port and Neston MP Justin Madders posted on social media: "As you may have seen there is now a mobile testing centre for Covid-19 on the Wellington Road car park in Ellesmere Port. I understand it will be there until Sunday and tests are by appointment only."

Mobile facilities can be set up in under 20 minutes, allowing the testing of hundreds of people each day and are now travelling to those most in need and hard to reach.

Specially trained Armed Forces personnel will collect swabs at the mobile sites, before they are sent to mega-labs for processing. Those tested will receive results within 48 hours.