Falmouth residents have been speaking out after not being able to claim a coronavirus test.

In recent days, much talk has taken place about people all over the UK having to drive miles for a test, despite having a test centre close to them.

Residents in Falmouth and Penryn have been speaking out about the Rugby Club mobile test centre.

Robin Markland, a key worker and Falmouth resident, has spoken to Nub News about his experience:

"I decided to try and book a test to see how easy, or not so easy it was.

"The gov website repeatedly states that there are no slots available due to high demand.

"When I have gone past the local testing station they are always really quiet, yet I know many people who have been desperately trying to book a test."

Many residents have shared this experience and claimed to see the mobile centre 'empty'.

Rugby Club's mobile testing unit returned on the 1st September to support University students coming back into the town.

Some residents have visited the mobile centre directly but have been turned away.

Cornwall Council have recently stated that 'urgent changes' need to be made to the county's testing system.

Cornwall Council portfolio holder for children, wellbeing and public health, Sally Hawken, said:

"Quick and easily available testing is an absolutely vital weapon in our fight against Covid-19, but there have been some well-documented issues with the government's testing programme and I'm deeply concerned that not everyone who needs a test can access one.

"We've heard cases of people being asked to travel miles out of Cornwall for a test, or having to wait more than a week for the results – neither of which is remotely acceptable.

"It's clear to me that if we're to curb the spread of Covid-19 in Cornwall, we need an efficient, easily accessible testing system. At the moment I'm not convinced we have that.

"That's why we'd like to hear from anyone who has struggled with the testing system about their experiences. If we understand what the problems are here in Cornwall we can put the case to government that urgent changes need to be made."

You can contact the council with your complaints by messaging them directly on Facebook or via email at [email protected].

Falmouth and Penryn is currently getting used to the respect the new 'rule of six'.

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