THE community coronavirus test centre at Blackburn's Corporation Park has closed and a similar site on Centenary Way in Burnley will shut on Sunday.

The changes are part of a shake-up of Covid-19 testing across Lancashire.

The Burnley site will reopen as part of the national test and trace system on an appointments only basis next week.

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Cllr Mohammed Khan said: “We have been informed that we will be losing our mobile testing unit at Corporation Park. Thursday was its last day on site.

"Whilst we understand the need to re-prioritise resources to other areas struggling with capacity, this is disappointing and I am seeking more clarity into why this decision has been made.

"Our local testing provision now includes the permanent site outside Royal Blackburn Hospital and the two walk-in testing sites at Railway Road in Darwen and at Blackburn College."

A Burnley Council spokesman said: “The current community testing station in Centenary Way (opposite the bus station) will cease operation at 3.30pm on Sunday .

"A new testing station, operating extended hours, will take its place. It will run on an appointment only basis. Further details on where it will be and its opening hours will be announced shortly.

"In the interim people can still be tested at a mobile testing station at Turf Moor football ground. This is by appointment only.

"The new testing station at Centenary Way will be for people showing symptoms and will be operated as part of the Government's national system."