A NEW coronavirus testing centre will open at Redditch's Trafford Retail Park next week.

Borough MP Rachel Maclean has confirmed that the new test site will be up and running from Monday, October 26.

It's expected to remain in place for at least three months.

The MP told the Advertiser: "The local testing site I secured for our town after working with local Public Health officials and the Department for Health and Social Care will be opening next Monday, October 26.

“A pilot day at the Trescott Road car park testing site will take place on Friday.

"This will help officials to make sure this site is suitable for this facility as it will remain in place for a minimum of three months.

"If all goes well, the site will then go live on Monday.

“It’s important to remember that this is not a drop-in service.

"Anyone who has symptoms and needs a test will still need to book online via the Government’s website. Residents will then be able to select the Redditch testing site.

“This facility, the first of these local testing sites to open in Worcestershire, will help in our fight against coronavirus here in Redditch.

"Residents will be able to access testing much more easily – enabling us to control the spread of this virus.”

The Abbey Stadium was previously announced as the site for the new test centre, however this was later changed after residents raised concerns that this wouldn't be easily accessible by foot.