A MOBILE testing van will be set up in two parks on Saturday as part of a Covid-19 pilot testing programme.

Visitors will be able to visit Mesnes Park in Newton-le-Willows on Saturday and Taylor Park on Sunday between 10am and 3pm for a lateral flow test.

Residents can either get a supervised test at the testing van or take home a free rapid test kit for later use.

Sue Forster, director of public health at St Helens Borough Council, said: “If you’re out in these parks this weekend please consider visiting the mobile testing van.

“A negative test can give you peace of mind that you’re not unknowingly contributing to the spread.

“And now that symptom-free testing is open to everyone please make use of the free testing options we have and get tested twice a week to protect our communities.”

If you do not have Covid-19 symptoms you can walk in to one of the free testing sites at:

• St Mary’s Indoor Market, town centre

• Chester Lane Community Centre, Sutton Manor

• Grange Valley Youth Centre, Haydock

• Torus Housing Office, Newton Road, Parr

• Perth Community Centre, Thatto Heath

at the following times:

• Monday to Friday, 8.30am–6pm

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am–3pm

• Torus Housing Office is open 1pm–6pm, Monday to Friday and 10am–3pm on Saturdays and Sundays

• Perth Community Centre is open 1pm–6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays

You can also walk in to collect a Covid-19 home testing kit from any of the above sites, as well as the following sites (subject to availability):

• Fairclough Street Car Park, Earlestown (Monday to Friday, 2.30pm–8pm)

• Haydock Park Racecourse, Newton-le-Willows (Monday to Friday, 2.30pm–8pm)

You can find out more about testing at www.sthelens.gov.uk/letsgettested.