Banbury mother is stumped by the riddle of the missing Covid-19 PCR testing facility - authorities say 'icy conditions' are to blame

Banbury parents were stumped when the Coronavirus testing centre their children were due to attend had disappeared.
By The Newsroom
Published 29th Nov 2021, 16:21 BST
Updated 29th Nov 2021, 16:38 BST
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Authorities have told the Banbury Guardian the facility had not opened today because of 'icy conditions'.

Jacqui Broadbent and many other parents drove to the PCR testing centre at Bodicote House today (Monday) having been given appointments there in an online appointments system.

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But when they got to the district council offices car park, there was no testing operation in sight and they all turned around and left.

Jacqui Broadbent's appointment confirmation for today at Bodicote HouseJacqui Broadbent's appointment confirmation for today at Bodicote House
Jacqui Broadbent's appointment confirmation for today at Bodicote House

Parents of children in Year 9 at Blessed George Napier School had been sent letters to say there had been an outbreak of the virus in that year group and many wanted to have their children tested. Some had positive lateral flow tests and parents wanted confirmation.

Mrs Broadbent told the Banbury Guardian: "Families of pupils at BGN school, and others, have gone to Bodicote House and there was no one there, so we've got to find somewhere else to get the test. We drove in and there was no white tent, no sign posts, no marquee, nothing. We all had to turn around and drive away again.

"I rang NHS Test and Trace and they said they can't do anything about it. I'm told the Bodicote one was in action last week. What are we meant to do? We hear that there is a huge rise in cases in and around the town."

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The Banbury Guardian attempted to make an appointment and the Gov.uk website gives the Oxford Parkway Park and Ride as a drive through testing centre and continues to offered the Bridge Street testing centre, which closed in October 'temporarily'. The Oxfordshire County Council Covid web page lists Bodicote House as a testing centre every day from 9am - 3pm.

The Gov.uk website still shows the Castle Quay, Bridge Street testing centre, which closed on October 12The Gov.uk website still shows the Castle Quay, Bridge Street testing centre, which closed on October 12
The Gov.uk website still shows the Castle Quay, Bridge Street testing centre, which closed on October 12

A spokesman for Cherwell District Council said: "On Monday, November 29 Cherwell District Council was advised that the mobile testing unit would not be available because of icy conditions. We are expecting it back at Bodicote House on 30 November.

"People can book a test or have one delivered to them at home by visiting www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test."

Related topics:BanburyPCR