A WALK-THROUGH Covid-19 centre in Crewe has the capacity to carry out 500 tests a day.

The semi-permanent site, a Local Testing Site (LTS), opened yesterday on Chester Street car park and offers bespoke walk-through appointments.

As infection rates rise in the region testing has increased and the Crewe site is the second largest testing facility to open in the North West, second to facilities in Manchester.

There are 19 testing pods available under a large marquee erected in the car park and the centre is open from 8am until 8pm.

Cheshire East Council says the site offers improved access for the whole community, especially those who do not have access to a car or should not be using public transport because they have symptoms.

All appointments must be booked in advance via the national booking facility and no walk-up appointments will be available. Users will be asked to self-swab when attending for their 30-minute slots.

Dr Matt Tyrer, acting director of public health for Cheshire East Council, said: "The local testing site in Crewe is now fully operational and available for residents to pre-book an appointment online.

"We have worked with the national testing team to secure the best provision for Cheshire East, which is reflected in this new site being the second biggest testing facility in the North West. This is great news for our residents.

"Each appointment is allocated a 30-minute slot and residents swab themselves and their family members in the privacy of their own pod. Staff are on hand throughout the appointment to give clear advice and guidance on what to do and where to go, in an efficient and relaxed environment."

Residents with symptoms of Covid-19 are able to book a test at the Crewe testing site via the national Covid-19 online booking facility which is here.

The centre will be open for several months to ensure that accessible testing is continually available to people within their communities.