THE main Covid testing facility for the conurbation will remain on its site in Poole until March next year.

The park and ride site in Creekmoor has operated as a test site since the first few months of the pandemic.

It has now been confirmed that it will continue to run throughout the winter months allowing residents to obtain a PCR test locally, should they need to.

The extended use of the site for Covid testing means the location will not operate at a Christmas park and ride service, BCP Council has confirmed.

Councillor Nicola Greene, BCP Council portfolio holder for the Covid response, said: “I am pleased we have extended the licence arrangement in place with the Department for Health and Social Care to enable this vital service to be run from the Creekmoor Park and Ride site in Poole. We know many thousands of people have used the facility and it makes sense for it to continue as we approach the colder weather. My thanks to the ward councillors who have been fully supportive of the plans.”

Rachel Partridge, assistant director of public health at Public Health Dorset, added: “We welcome the news that this testing facility will remain in place for local people to use as we continue to live with Covid-19.

"It is important that anyone who has symptoms of Covid-19 self-isolates and gets tested, so please do book a test online or by calling 119 if you need one.”