West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has urged the Department for Health and Social Care to review covid testing capacity after the closure of a PCR testing facility in Pershore.

The test centre – sited opposite the civic centre and the community hospital – was installed on a temporary basis to help deal with last year’s peak of Covid-19 cases.

But local residents have been concerned by the ongoing noise caused by the site and the centre has now been earmarked for closure.

However, advanced talks are underway to deliver two new testing sites – one in Evesham and an alternative temporary site in Pershore. People needing a PCR test will still be able to visit the centre at County Hall in Worcester.

Harriett said:

“I have been briefed about the proposed closure of the Pershore testing centre and while I understand the decision, I wanted to make sure that local people aren’t left inconvenienced.

“The County Hall test centre runs very efficiently and anyone who isn’t able to travel is still able to access support through www.worcestershire.gov.uk/here2help.

“I am reassured that testing capacity is under constant review and it is a case of finding sites that are easily accessible and convenient.

“I look forward to hearing more detail from the Department and hope that we end up with better testing capacity as a result of these changes.”