South Lakes MP pushes for coronavirus testing centre for local health and social care workers in Cumbria

Local MP Tim Farron has written to the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, urging him to set up a testing centre in Cumbria for the county's health and social care workers.

The Government are setting up a network of up to 50 drive-through regional testing sites this month.

However currently the nearest test centres for health workers in Cumbria are Preston and Gateshead.

Tim said: "Testing is absolutely critical for those who are putting their lives at risk on the front-line.

"The fact that to get to our nearest testing centres would involve making up to a 200-mile round trip for some in our county is a scandal.

"To add further insult to injury, you can only be tested if you are showing symptoms. So, our health and care workers on the front line would have to make these lengthy journeys whilst very ill.

"We urgently need a testing centre here in Cumbria so that we can keep our amazing health and social care workers, and those they care for, safe."