THE MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd has said there is a "crucial need" to set up testing centres for people living in the area who have symptoms of Covid-19.

Liz Saville Roberts, who represents Bala, raised concern that her constituents have to travel long distances to their nearest testing centres in Bangor, Aberystwyth and Llandudno.

She called on Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) to set up community testing units in Gwynedd, as well as at Ysbyty Alltwen in Tremadog.

"Given the crucial need for wider testing, surely now is the time to look at establishing dedicated community testing centres to provide the wider population of Gwynedd with accessible, local facilities to get tested,’ she said.

"With cases on the increase and a challenging winter very likely, people living in my large, rural constituency deserve assurances that should they become unwell and require a test, then they would have ready access to one as close to their home as possible.

"Many people seeking tests will already be unwell, and the additional journey otherwise imposed on them seems lacking in compassion as well as unnecessary."

Teresa Owen, executive director of Public Health for BCUHB, said: “We are currently working on a proposal which will allow members of the public, with symptoms of COVID-19, to access a test at any of our four Community Testing Centres across North Wales in the near future.

“Where possible, we have been testing members of the public at Ysbyty Alltwen where there is evidence that they have struggled to access a test elsewhere.”