A fast testing centre for people without Covid symptoms in Colchester will cease to offer appointments from tomorrow.

The testing centre at Colchester Leisure World in Cowdray Avenue opened in January.

The lateral flow tests were only for people who did not have symptoms and give results in around 30 minutes.

But as part of new plans Essex County Council is begining to wind down the use of rapid test sites across the county. 

Instead libraries have become collection points for self-test kits. 

More than 20 libraries were already offering the service with 14 more library collection sites added this week.

It means every district will have three sites where tests can be collected.

Read more >>> The 11 places in Essex which will stop offering rapid Covid tests

As a result sites which offered lateral flow, or rapid tests, will stop offering appointments and will not be open for walk-ins.

Dr Mike Gogarty, Essex County Council's director of public health, said: “We understand that not everyone has the means or time to visit a testing centre on a regular basis but testing really is vital in stopping the spread of the virus.

"That is why we have introduced self-testing collection points, making it easier than ever for residents to introduce testing into their weekly routine.

"We know that residents are eager to take part in self-testing and by setting up convenient collection points within local communities, we can ensure they have regular access to testing kits to complete twice a week.

“As restrictions ease and people start to meet up with others outdoors, the need for people who aren’t showing symptoms to take part in regular testing is more vital than ever.

“If regular testing is not something you have considered previously and you are not already accessing self-tests in another way, I urge you to pick up test kits from your nearest community collection point, complete them regularly and help to keep your friends and family safe.”