Bridgnorth Covid-19 test centre moved due to underuse
A Covid-19 test centre in Bridgnorth has been closed due to being underused.
The facility at Low Town Community Hall, available on a walk-in basis for residents in the area showing no coronavirus symptoms, was shut by Shropshire Council at the end of last week.
From Monday, health workers moved the centre to The Old Police Station in Shifnal, where it will remain under review with its usage recorded.
Numerous appeals had been made by community organisations in Bridgnorth – including the tourism campaign Love Bridgnorth – for local people to make use of the mobile site, which has been travelling the county based on its take-up.
Official guidance encourages adults to get tested twice a week. In Bridgnorth, tests can be collected from pharmacies and the library.
The test centre in Low Town was not available for people showing signs of Covid-19, with residents describing it as "such a great help".
Another said the facility moving was a "great loss to our community". Bridgnorth Town Council will now prepare the building for its return to community use, once restrictions allow.
Adults urged to test
Rachel Robinson, Shropshire's director of public health, said: "The Bridgnorth mobile site is a pop-up site that is moved round the county based on need and availability of testing sites and collection points.
"People in Bridgnorth can still obtain tests for free, at a number of locations in the town. This includes pharmacies and the local library.
"If you're unable to collect a kit in person, you can order them for home delivery. We urge all adults in Shropshire to test at least twice a week as many people carry the virus while showing no symptoms.
"The town council will now be able to prepare the community centre for normal activities as we come out of lockdown.
"We would like to thank the town council for working with us in setting up the mobile site in their community centre to help us reduce the spread of coronavirus."
For more information on getting a Covid test in Shropshire visit shropshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/rapid-testing-in-shropshire
