HEXHAM’S MP has raised concerns with the NHS after a coronavirus test centre was set up in Haltwhistle.

The test centre was opened at the town’s Hadrian Enterprise Park last week, but poor signage led to drivers looking for the test centre in the town centre and asking residents for directions.

Local councillor Ian Hutchinson was angered that residents may have been put at risk, and alleged that the county council had not been informed of the test centre before it was set up.

Guy Opperman MP said he had since contacted NHS England over the signage to the site.

He said: “I have raised the concerns of local people about the signage for the new Covid-19 test centre at Haltwhistle with NHS England.

“In these very challenging times, I believe all the agencies involved are working really hard to get the system working as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”

Northumberland County Council has now said the authority was aware of test centres in the county.

A spokesman for the county council said: “We are aware that the Department for Health and Social Care has set up mobile testing sites across Northumberland, supported by the military.” The council is not involved in the set-up of the sites.

A second test centre has now been set up at Wentworth Leisure Centre car park in Hexham.