A BOROUGH has introduced two new coronavirus 'surge' testing sites.

The extra mobile units have been introduced in on Colne's Cross Skelton Street car park and in Barnoldswick at the Rainhall Road car park.

They will operate from 10am until 3pm daily.

Covid-19 tests must be booked on the national online booking portal or by calling the NHS on 119.

People in the borough do not need to have symptoms to get tested.

Pendle Council’s Leader Cllr Nadeem Ahmed said: “This surge testing is a precautionary measure due to the increase in the rate of infection in neighbouring Burnley and the rise in the variant from India in parts of Lancashire.

“We are also urging our residents who are eligible for the vaccine to please take it up as it will help to protect them and people in our community.

“Anyone who didn’t take up their invitation due to Ramadan have not missed out – it’s not too late to book a vaccination.

“With the lifting of more restrictions and the increase of cases in Lancashire, we are asking people to keep taking care.

“Please keep following the government advice about hands, face, space, fresh air and get vaccinated."

Pendle's Liberal Democrat leader, Councillor David Whipp said: "Given the persistent virus transmission within the borough, lower rates of vaccination and the spread of the new variant across the region, it's crucial that access to getting a jab is as easy as possible."