Connah’s Quay to get Civic Hall back next month, 480 days after it became a Covid testing centre

The keys to Connah’s Quay Civic Hall are to be handed back to the town council next month nearly 16 months after it was commandeered by the health board and converted into a walk-in Covid testing centre.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Flintshire Council took over the Civic in December 2020 as there was a need for a smaller testing facility targeted towards local residents.

The current license for use as a Covid testing centre ends on 31 March, Connah’s Quay Town Council will then assume full responsibility for the hall from April 2022.

The health board has said low testing take-up is one reason why the site will be decommissioned at the end of March.

A large scale drive-through facility established on Deeside Industrial Estate at the start of the pandemic is to remain operational for the time being.

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health said: “We have taken part in engagement with a number of key stakeholders around the decision to decommission the testing facility in Connah’s Quay.”

“Low take-up and the capacity of nearby testing facilities were key factors in that decision.”

“We would like to thank Connah’s Quay Town Council and its officers who gave up the Civic Hall for such an extended period, as well as the local community for their ongoing support and appreciation of testing staff, who have worked tirelessly in unprecedented circumstances.”

Teresa Owen added: “The majority of COVID-19 testing for the general public across north Wales is delivered by private contractors on behalf of the UK Government’s Health Security Agency (UKHSA).”

“The Regional Testing Site at Deeside Industrial Estate falls into this category.”

“We are not aware of any current plans to decommission this site, but this may change in line with the UK Government’s COVID-19 testing strategy.”

A Connah’s Quay Town Council spokesperson said:

“Connah’s Quay Town Council are extremely proud to have been able to provide the use of the Civic Hall as a COVID-19 Local Testing Site and play a small part in helping the local community through what has been an incredibly difficult period.”

“We are pleased that the Hall will be returned to us after nearly 18 months and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Hall later this year.”

• Guidance on who is eligible for testing and how to get a test.