A new walk-in coronavirus testing centre has opened in Whitefield.
It comes as the rate of new infections in Bury continues to rise, reaching 125 cases for every 100,000 people in the town in the week ending September 17.
The new centre at Whitefield Library, on Pinfold Lane, will be the third to open in the borough, with two other facilities at Chesham Fold Community Centre and Mosses Community Centre.
In just one week, almost 1,800 tests have been carried out at the other two centres but there have been long queues and frustration for visitors because so many people are trying to get tested.
Coun Andrea Simpson, Bury Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said this new testing site is likely to be the first of many.
“Our staff and partners have worked incredibly hard to get these centres up and running, and help meet the huge demand for tests due to people’s difficulties – and often inability – to get a test through the national system," she said.
“We were keen to open a centre for residents in the south of the borough, and we have plans to open more in the coming weeks.”
She added: “Our walk-in centres, however, have proved so popular that people are often having to wait in long queues.
"That’s why we are urging people to only turn up for a test if they have symptoms – if you don’t have symptoms, please do not come for a test.”
Walk-in testing centres are available for anyone who experiences symptoms of the virus.
The sites in Bury are open 10am-3pm from Monday to Friday.
There is also a drive-through centre at Waterfold Business Park, in Bury, but visitors must book a test in advance at www.bury.gov.uk/coronavirus-testing.
