THE location for the new coronavirus testing centre in Redditch has changed, according to the Redditch MP.
The Abbey Stadium was previously announced as the site for the test centre, however it will now be set up at the car park at the Trafford Retail Park.
MP Rachel Maclean said: “I was initially told by local Public Health officials that the walk-in Covid-19 testing facility I had successfully lobbied for would be located at the Abbey Stadium.
“I’m now told the car park at the Trafford Retail Park, where you’ll find Aldi & Pets at Home, has been chosen as the location for the testing site.
"The reason for this is to avoid confusion with the mobile testing unit at the Abbey Stadium which residents may have used and seen.
“Following the previous announcement, a number of constituents rightly pointed out that the Abbey Stadium was not easily accessible by foot – making Trafford Retail Park a much better location.
The new facility is expected to be up and running in October.
Mrs Maclean added: "The opening date is at the hands of the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC).
"Therefore, I’m in close contact with the DHSC about this testing site as we need to see it up and running as soon as possible. As soon as local Public Health officials and DHSC have confirmed a starting date for the walk-in facility I will of course share this with residents.
“In the meantime, whilst we wait for the walk-in site at the Trafford Retail Park to become operational next month, the mobile testing unit will be back at the Abbey Stadium in October to ensure residents can still easily access testing.
“As it’s mobile, it moves around the County and spends a week at a time at different locations.
“This is why it’s great we’re getting a more permanent walk-in site because this facility will remain in place for a minimum of three months.
“Cases remain low in Redditch and there is currently only one person in hospital at the Alex with Covid-19. Let’s keep it this way by continuing to follow the rules.
“We’re clearly being given the tools we need here in Redditch to control coronavirus and to enable us to live our lives as close to normal as possible.”
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