Coronavirus testing is taking place in Biddulph next week, and residents without symptoms are being encouraged to attend.

The testing is being provided by Staffordshire County Council, but was helped to be organised by Biddulph town and district Cllr Nigel Yates.

Testing will take place from Monday 18th to Sunday 24th January at Biddulph Leisure Centre from 10am – 4pm.

People who would like to attend will need to book a place in advance. You can book a test by visiting Staffordshire County Council's website here.

People who do have Coronavirus symptoms should not attend, and should instead book a test through the national portal or by calling 119.

Councillor Sybil Ralphs, Leader of the District Council, said: "We're delighted to be able to open up a testing facility at the leisure centre - testing is one of the key ways we can help to control the spread of the virus so it's great news that this facility is now available in Biddulph.

"These precautionary tests are available to people who are not displaying symptoms which is important because one in three people can be infected without knowing it and then unwittingly spread the virus to loved ones.

"Whilst we're all staying at home as much as possible there are people who do need to go out for work or other essentials and I would urge them to take the opportunity to get tested so they can take the appropriate steps to self-isolate if they receive a positive result.

"Our individual actions count and it is only by working together, and displaying our collective determination, that we will start to see the number of people infected drop and our path back to the things we love and the people will miss will become clearer."

Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said: "We know that one in three people who have the virus don't display any symptoms so this testing is aimed at identifying more people who may knowingly have the virus which will help us break the chain of infection.

"So if you really do need to be out and about during lockdown then please do get tested. It is quick, easy and free and might just protect someone you care for."

Councillor Ralphs added: "This is a really great use of these public facilities which are unable to operate as normal at the moment due to the lockdown and a real example of the strong partnership working in the Moorlands which will enable us to get on top of the coronavirus.

"I'd like to thank all those involved in setting up and delivering this service but particularly the leisure centre staff who continue to display their commitment to supporting community health and wellbeing whether that's through normal leisure centre operations or involvement in the local and national efforts to get on top of Covid.

"This testing centre is a real benefit to the local community and I look forward to seeing the difference it will help to make in the infection rates in due course."