Fears drive-through testing is leaving Hartlepool residents without cars 'falling through the cracks'

Mike Hill says he is acting on concerns raised by constituents that pop up test centres at the National Museum of the Royal Navy and former Jackson’s Landing have been refusing tests to people who don’t arrive in cars.

He said: “Pop up testing at the Royal Navy Museum and Jackson’s Landing is obviously a welcome and regular feature in the town’s battle against Covid-19, but it is a vehicle-only access testing facility.

"This is no reflection whatsoever on the Army and others who are doing their absolute best to test as many people as possible at these venues, but there is clearly a gap which needs filling.

"It stands to reason that in Hartlepool, where we have a disproportionate number of people living in poverty, that not everyone has access to a car. Even worse some constituents are reporting that even taxi visits to the test centres are not permissible.”

The drive-through testing site first set up in the car park of the National Museum of the Royal Navy for two days in mid May and has returned several times.

Mr Hill said for people who arrive on foot or bike to be turned away was frustrating and ‘a joke', adding: "If they’ve bothered to turn up it’s for a very good reason; they might suspect they have the virus or need a check for work or accommodation reasons.

"Either way being turned away could be devastating for their current health or their situation and the current testing regime is simply not up to it.”

The Department for Health & Social Care said the Government has created the largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history.

It added: “Home testing enables anyone who can’t get to a testing site to take a test in their own home.

"We are continuously improving the testing service so that testing is accessible to all.”

Apply for a test online on GOV.UK or call 119 if you have problems using the internet.

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