Recyclers abuse staff at New Forest Covid test site

NHS staff at a mobile coronavirus testing site in a Fordingbridge car park have been verbally abused by people trying to use the recycling banks.

New Forest District Council, which owns the site off the A338 slip road in the town, said workers had been subject to abuse as the location is shut for a few days to enable the operation.

It was closed yesterday (Monday) and will reopen on Thursday. Alternative parking is available at NFDC’s Fordingbridge town centre car park.

David Hurd, NFDC car park manager said: “The whole site is closed in order to allow the safe operation of a testing site.

“We understand the temporary inconvenience but ask that residents use another site, or their kerbside home collection black box for glass recycling, if they cannot wait until Thursday.”

He added: “This mobile testing site, which is operational for a few days in the month, is particularly important so our residents in more rural areas, who may not have ready access to public transport, are able to quickly and safely access testing without the need to travel great distances.”

The car park will also be closed and used as a testing site again on 16th, 17th, and 18th March.

The mobile testing station there is by appointment only which can be booked online at www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.

NFDC reminded residents that during the current national lockdown, people should only leave home for essential reasons, which includes getting a Covid-19 test if they are displaying symptoms, however mild.

Testing is free and involves a swab of the nose and back of the throat, and takes less than a minute to complete.