A walk-through coronavirus testing facility has opened at Harper Adams University, as part of the Government’s UK-wide drive to improve the accessibility of coronavirus testing for communities.

Students, staff and local residents with coronavirus symptoms, however mild, can get a free swab test that takes less than a minute. Tests should be booked or ordered as soon as symptoms begin at nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119 and people can expect their results the next day.

Harper Adams University said it was keen to get the site up and running ahead of its new academic year starting this week.

University Secretary Dr Catherine Baxter said: “We are conscious of the need to do everything we can to protect our university community and the wider community surrounding our campus.

“We are confident in the measures we have put in place to make Harper Adams a COVID secure work and learning environment, but also need to be prepared so anyone who has symptoms can be tested and in the event of a positive case, we can work with the Telford and Wrekin Council to take appropriate actions to minimise the risk of transmission. The Telford and Wrekin Health Protection Hub team have been very helpful in helping us to put in measures for the new academic year.

“Having the testing centre on campus will allow us to act quickly to ensure anyone displaying symptoms is tested and, in the event of a positive result, their contacts traced and isolated as quickly as possible.”