New pop-up coronavirus testing centre in Ruthin set to be relocated after just one day

A new walk-in Covid testing centre set up in Ruthin on Tuesday morning is being moved to a new site on Wednesday amid concerns from residents.

The new temporary facility on the Crispin Yard car park, known as Cae Ddol locally, opened on Tuesday, but the siting of the unit, which is right next to a children’s play and skate park, was criticised by locals.

It is a popular destination for people in the town getting their daily exercise and for children using the play areas, and people had voiced disquiet about using such a popular area.

Some residential properties also open directly onto the car park, which led to some complaints about the position of the test site.

It was chosen because there are toilets on the car park that could be used by staff manning the centre throughout the day.

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: “It is great we are going to have a testing centre in Ruthin, but personally I believe it should be not be on a visitor attraction.

“I just feel the council could have put this on other council property and supplied a portable toilet.”

A resolution to the problem has now been found, according to Denbighshire county councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts.

He revealed the centre will move to a more suitable site on Wednesday, with added provision for drive-in testing.

He said: “I have been in meetings with stakeholders all morning and we have come to the positive conclusion that the location for the testing centre would be better for residents in County Hall car park.

“The current location would have allowed for walk-ins only. By having the location at County Hall, it will allow us to have a drive-in and walk-in testing centre and no appointments will be needed.

“We have given due consideration to the location and public footfall.”

A statement on social media from Betsi Cadwaldr confirmed the testing centre would reopen on Wednesday.

It said: “New testing centre open in Ruthin. A walk-in and drive-through testing centre will open tomorrow in Ruthin to make it easier for people in the area to get a COVID-19 test closer to home.

“No appointment is needed – anybody needing a test is invited to attend.

“The testing centre will be located at County Hall car park for three weeks, opening from 9.30am until 4.30pm.”

By Jez Hemming – Local Democracy Reporter