Our regional drive-in testing centre for Covid-19 is closing.

The facility at Twickenham Stadium is closing at the end of the month, Richmond Council said.

The council's leader said his administration was "working hard to try and find additional testing sites in the borough".

Residents can get tested every three days at a mobile site in Old Deer Park car park, but dates beyond September have not yet been announced.

It is understood that the Twickenham test centre is closing due to the return of rugby fans to the stadium.

Up to 20,000 fans are set to return to the stadium on Sunday, October 25 to watch England vs Barbarians.

Concerns have been raised about a shortage of coronavirus testing nationally, with Richmond Park MP saying it was a "very dangerous state of affairs".

Richmond Council said the government needs to "sort out" the testing programme to ensure that residents can easily access a test, and not have to travel hundreds of miles.

There have been reports across the country, including in Richmond, that the current demand in testing outweighing supply following an increase in numbers of people getting tested for the first time.

Council leader Gareth Roberts said: "We know there have been some challenges with regards to people getting a test.

"If they call then they are on hold for hours, or if they go online, they either can't get a test, or they are offered tests in absurd locations. I know one resident was offered a test in Aberdeen!

"This whole thing has led to a lot of concern in the community and risks undoing all the hard work that we've done to engage local people and encourage them to follow the rules and if they show symptoms, self-isolate and get a test.

"We are working hard to try and find additional testing sites in the borough, but the government moves so slowly. If we stand any chance of ridding this country of coronavirus, the government needs to step up. They promised us a 'world beating' testing regime, whereas what we've been given would struggle to progress beyond the regional heats."

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has said that problems with testing capacity might take a few weeks to resolve.

Yesterday the council issued new guidance on whether people should book in for a test.

"As the NHS manages this period of high demand, it is especially important that if individuals DO NOT have symptoms and have not specifically been advised to take a test, do not apply as they could be taking a test away from someone who really needs it," the council said.

Cllr Roberts added: "There is concern that people have been going to get tested who haven't got symptoms, it might be because they are anxious, trying to avoid a post-holiday quarantine and they know there are testing centres close by.

"We need to think about everyone here, our neighbours in surrounding boroughs too, the virus doesn't stop at the end of the street.

"People should only book a test if they have coronavirus symptoms which are - a new, continuous cough, high fever or loss of taste or smell.

"Of course, we don't want to put people off getting a test, I see it as a civic duty, but it is important that we work as a collective to get access to tests.

"We want Richmond upon Thames to thrive, but we just need to make sure it is done in a safe way."

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