A dedicated walk-through Covid-19 testing site in Macclesfield is now open for pre-booked appointments.

The semi-permanent site, known as a Local Testing Site (LTS) is located on Commercial Road and offers bespoke walk-through appointments.

There are eight testing pods available and the site has the capacity to carry out 288 tests a day.

Open seven days a week, from 8am until 8pm, the site offers improved access for the whole community, especially those who do not have access to a car or should not be using public transport because they have symptoms.

Appointments must be booked in advance via the online national booking facility, no walk-up appointments will be available. Users will be asked to self-swab when attending.

Over the festive period the site will offer a reduced service from 9am – 3pm on Christmas day, 28 December and 1 January. All other days will have an 8am-8pm service as usual.

Dr Matt Tyrer, director of public health for Cheshire East Council, said: "The local testing site in Macclesfield is our second large testing facility in Cheshire East, our first site in Crewe opened in early October. Having two local sites is great news for our residents, giving them greater access to testing should they have any Covid-19 symptoms.

"Appointments need to be pre-book online, each having a 30-minute slot allocation. Residents swab themselves and their family members in the privacy of their own pod. Staff are on hand throughout the appointment to give clear advice and guidance on what to do and where to go, in an efficient and relaxed environment."

Cllr Jill Rhodes, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for public health said "I am delighted that we have been able to secure this second local testing site facility so our residents and workers will have even greater, more convenient access to testing.

"We are encouraging people to be cautious between 23 – 27 December when forming Christmas bubbles, whilst many of us are keen to see more of our families it is still important to protect ourselves and others.

"It's still vitally important that we book a test if we develop any symptoms of Covid-19. Our LTS's are open throughout Christmas and New Year.

"The thought of self-isolating during the festive period and staying away from loved ones isn't a nice thought, but we must all continue to do what is right for each other and not put vulnerable family members or friends at risk."

Residents with symptoms of Covid-19 are able to book a test at the Macclesfield testing site via the national Covid-19 online booking facility.

The LTS will be open for several months to ensure that accessible testing is continually available to people within their communities. The site is one of a number of such sites being set up across Cheshire and Merseyside.