Work on a new Covid-19 walk-through testing facility is due to get underway this week.

Officials have taken the decision to move the testing centre at Carlisle’s Castle Car Park, in Devonshire Walk, due to the location being prone to flooding.

Construction of the new facility at Cecil Street Car Park, next to Cumbria House, is planned to start tomorrow and it is expected to be in operation by Saturday.

Cumbria County Council said there will be no interruption to the city’s testing capacity, with the Castle Car Park facility remaining open until the new one is ready. The larger, drive-through testing site at Carlisle Airport will also remain open.

The new testing facility will open 8am to 8pm every day and tests must be booked in advance, as soon as symptoms begin.

For more information on testing and to book a test visit northcumbriaccg.nhs.uk/covidtesting