A NEW coronavirus testing centre is opening up in Prestwich from today.

Motorists had previously been warned that the Longfield Centre car park in Prestwich wold shut to make way for the new centre.

The car park will only partially reopen once the testing centre is up an running.

Council bosses say that alternative parking is available at Fairfax Road, Clifton Road and Chapel Street.

The testing centre, run by the Department of Health and Social Care, will add to a number of testing centres available in the borough, which include walk-through, drive-through and bookable appointments.

A further centre is planned for Ramsbottom to open in early November to ensure all parts of the borough are covered.

The Prestwich pop-up centre will be open seven days a week and will be by appointment only, bookable via the national portal: https://www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Health bosses are reminding residents that only people with the symptoms of coronavirus should book a test.

Symptoms are, a high temperature, a new continuous cough, or a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste.

Cllr Andrea Simpson, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “We are working hard to ensure that anyone from Bury that needs a test can get one, at a location close to where they live. We are really pleased to have an additional centre due to open in the south of the borough later in the month and thank local people for their patience as this is set up.

“Please only request a test if you have symptoms and, if you book an appointment that you decide you don’t need, please cancel it to free it up for someone else who needs a test.”