Travellers set up camp at Watford coronavirus testing centre

There has been a coronavirus drive-thru testing centre in Watford Leisure Centre for several weeks on Thursdays and Sundays.

But after travellers moved in last night, organisers have had to set up a temporary base elsewhere.

Anyone who had booked a test in Watford will now have to be tested in Apsley.

Watford Borough Council says it has started legal proceedings following the encampment.

There are at least four caravans in the unauthorised encampment. Photo: Watford Observer

Mayor of Watford Peter Taylor said: "We are aware of an illegal encampment near Watford Central Leisure Centre.

"We are working with the police and have initiated legal proceedings to clear this site as soon as is possible. We do not tolerate illegal encampments in our town."

Travellers have settled at a testing centre. Photo: PA

Hertfordshire Constabulary says it started to receive a number of reports of the encampment at around 9pm last night.

The county's police force said:"A number of caravans moved on to a car park in Hempstead Road on Wednesday 10 June. 

"The landowner, Watford Borough Council, is aware and liaising with local officers, who are monitoring the situation."

In a statement, Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group said: "Yesterday evening, a group of travellers arrived on the site that was designated for the mobile testing unit for today (Thursday).

"This means that we have had to change arrangements and for today and Sunday, testing will be carried out on the Apsley site in Hemel Hempstead. The public are being informed and being redirected. The landowner is aware."

The car park, which the travellers are currently in, is next to Watford Town Hall which is home to Watford Borough Council.

The mobile testing centre is for people who have symptoms of coronavirus and want to find out if they have the disease.

The full address of the temporary testing centre in Apsley is Hertfordshire County Council Offices, Apsley Campus, Brindley Way, HP3 9BF.