As Covid cases rise in Ledbury, the mobile COVID-19 test centre has returned to neighbouring Ross-on-Wye, after helping out with testing for the South African variant, elsewhere in the UK.

There is no indication as to when, if ever, Ledbury will get its own test centre. In fact, Ledbury has never had a test centre, from the first lockdown to the third; and while the idea of one coming to the market town has not been ruled out, neither has it been ruled in for the immediate future.

Herefordshire Council say it is all a question of need, which is under constant review.

Currently, however, cases are on the climb in Ledbury, with 13 recorded in the seven days to February 16, which is a rise of eight on the previous week.

A spokesman said: about unit deployment: "The testing capacity for people with COVID-19 symptoms is under regular review, and testing units are located where they are most needed, as determined by the most up to date information available. There is a fixed testing site at Leominster and currently mobile units in Hereford and Ross, which can be deployed to other parts of the county to meet any increase in demand as it may arise.”

The Ross unit has been re-established on Wilton Road Car Park in Ross-on-Wye, and is open from 9am to 3pm every day.

Acting director of Public Health in Herefordshire Dr Rebecca Howell-Jones said: “I am really pleased a testing unit for people with COVID-19 symptoms has returned to Ross as it makes it much easier for local people to get a test near to home when they need it. Although the number of COVID-19 cases in Herefordshire has dropped significantly, the virus is still circulating."

Figures for the week ending February 5, show another 20 county residents died where Covid-19 was mentioned on the death certificate.