CREWE is to trial a dual use Covid-19 testing site, which will be the first of its kind in the country.

From next Tuesday (April 6) the existing walk-through Covid-19 testing site in Chester Street will allow residents to use a pre-booked service for both asymptomatic and symptomatic testing at different times during the day.

The site, run by Cheshire East Council, will be open from 8am to 1pm for asymptomatic, lateral flow testing, which are tests administered to people who have no symptoms of coronavirus.

Lateral flow tests (LFT) are rapid tests that are done on site and allow results to be received within the hour.

Then from 2 to 8pm the Crewe site will undertake symptomatic tests for those who have symptoms of Covid. These PCR tests are sent to local labs, with those taking them required to self-isolate until they receive their results which should arrive in a few days.

The Crewe site is the second largest testing facility to open in the North West, second to testing facilities in Manchester.

There are 19 testing pods available and the site can carry out 500 tests a day. The trial of the dual use site will run for two weeks from April 6 to 19.

Testing sessions for LFT and PCR tests are split during the day therefore there is no risk of asymptomatic and symptomatic residents mixing.

Appointments for both asymptomatic and symptomatic tests must be booked in advance. Asymptomatic, lateral flow tests are booked via the website of Cheshire East Council.

Symptomatic, PCR tests are booked via the national booking facility.

Health chiefs stress that there will be no walk-up appointments and users will be asked to self-swab when attending.

Director of Public Health for Cheshire East Council Dr Matt Tyrer said: "It's an honour that our testing site in Crewe has been chosen to pilot this trial.

"The results of the trial will help to shape future testing facilities for local councils.

"We have worked closely with the national testing team to secure the best provision for Cheshire East and through dedicated and innovative working, we have been given the responsibility of trying a new, flexible approach to testing.

"Staff will be on hand throughout the appointment to give clear advice and guidance on what to do and where to go."

Residents are able to book a test at the Crewe testing site via the national Covid-19 online booking facility from Tuesday, April 6.