A NEW local testing site for those with Covid-19 symptoms is being constructed in a Basingstoke car park to replace The Anvil testing site.

As previously reported, The Anvil testing site is set to close at the end of the day tomorrow (Tuesday April 6) and prior to now no information has been given regarding a replacement site.

The Gazette has tried to obtain information from both the Department for Health and Social Care and Hampshire County Council regarding where people can get a Covid-19 test if they have symptoms, and where they can collect free rapid lateral flow tests.

We were told that information would be given “in the coming days”.

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has now confirmed that a new local testing site for those with Covid symptoms is being constructed in Churchill Way Long Stay Car Park.

The location was confirmed following a multi-agency site visit this week.

The construction of the modular unit, which will sit in its own compound with a separate entrance and exit to allow a one-way flow, is scheduled to take place at the end of this week.

It will be ready to start testing from the weekend. Car parking in Churchill Way long stay will still be available but at a reduced capacity.

A mobile testing unit will be sited at The Malls car park from Wednesday, April 7 to Friday, April 9 to provide symptomatic testing while the new testing site is prepared.

It is not known whether the new unit will be giving out free rapid lateral flow Covid tests, as were available at The Anvil.

However, it is understood that these are currently available from South Ham Library for those in need of these this week.

Further details about where to obtain free lateral flow tests after the government announced today that everyone will be able to use these twice a week from Friday, is set to be given later this week.