Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Mobile COVID-19 Testing Units move to Lache and Hoole

Free walk-in PCR Tests for people with COVID-19 symptoms are available from Cheshire West and Chester Council’s own Mobile COVID-19 Testing Units which will be located in Lache and Hoole from next week

As of 5 July, the mobile testing units will be located at:

• Lache Community Centre, Hawthorne Road, Lache, CH4 8HX
• Coronation Park, (car park at the top of Panton Road), Hoole, Chester, CH2 3JT

PCR testing has been brought into the areas because of rising numbers of positive COVID-19 cases. Residents in Hoole and Lache are urged to get tested if they have symptoms.

Alternatively PCR tests can be booked at:

www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

or by calling: 119.

PCR test appointments can also be booked at the Local Testing Sites in Little Roodee, Sealand Road Park and Ride and at the Council’s testing site at Chester Cathedral.

It is also possible to visit the test site at Chester Cathedral without an appointment.

Early in 2021 the Council started to develop plans for its own mobile facility for COVID-19 testing that could be deployed in areas of need at short notice because of increasing cases of COVID-19 in specific and hard to reach areas. 

Two former Council owned community transport buses have now been refurbished, modified and converted into mobile testing clinics - one of which has the ability to convert into a vaccination clinic.

Both units travel with gazebos, chairs, necessary PPE and equipment and Cheshire West and Chester Council signage.

The first mobile unit was converted in just five days and became operational on 7 June, undertaking walk-up PCR tests in Northwich. The second mobile unit has just entered service. 

The conversions were as a result of a concerted and unified effort from departments within the Council including Fleet Management, Estates and Property Services and Corporate Communications.

Cllr Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “I’m proud of the combined efforts made by Council Officers to create our own testing units. They are a great asset and give us the flexibility and speed of response that we need.

“If you live in Hoole or Lache, please get a test if you show symptoms.  Either go up to the bus or book a test.  It’s a walk-in clinic and absolutely free. The PCR test is an accurate test that can help us isolate and control the spread of the virus.

“Remember the guidance – Hands, Face, Space and fresh air. Please get a vaccine when you can, get tested and keep safe.”

For more information about testing in the borough visit:

http://www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/c19testing