Coronavirus testing site could move

SLOUGH: A coronavirus testing facility at the former Montem Leisure Centre could be relocated following the approval of plans for the site’s redevelopment.

Over the past six months residents have been able to get tested for COVID-19 at the site with results confirmed by a laboratory.

But the agreement between Slough Borough Council and the Department for Health and Social Care to use the venue is due to expire in March.

Councillors approved plans for more than 200 homes at the Montem Lane site during a planning committee meeting on Wednesday.

Council leader James Swindlehurst asked the council’s outbreak engagement board about the facility’s future during a meeting this week.

Tessa Lindfield, strategic director for Public Health Berkshire, said the borough will still need a large-scale coronavirus testing site beyond March.

She added discussions are under way as to whether PCR tests, confirmed by a laboratory, could be carried out at sites where lateral flow tests are taking place.

■ A new lateral flow testing centre opened at The Centre, Farnham Road, on Wednesday.