Decision to close Himley Park for coronavirus testing site under fire
A decision to turn Himley Park into a coronavirus testing site has been criticised by locals – who say the green space is a 'lifeline' for many people who live nearby.
Dudley Council closed the popular park to the general public on Wednesday evening so the test centre could be set up – chiefs say they hope it will reopen next week if safe to do so.
It will be used as a drive-through coronavirus testing site for three weeks, in a bid to reach more people in the local area.
But residents have slammed the move, and have questioned why an empty car park or church could not be used instead.
Dudley Council bosses have apologised for the inconvenience but said the site was chosen with the Government.
Measures have been put in place to keep the testing centre seperate from the park, so people can still visit during the three weeks.
Heather Hyde, who lives near the park, said: “What is Dudley Council thinking about? There are empty car parks in Dudley, churches that can’t operate.
"The park is a lifeline for many people as it’s the only place to meet in lockdown so why on earth are they taking this away.
“All well and good if it is just for a few days. Let’s hope this is the case. But I’m sure there has to be an alternative site. We must save lives but we mustn’t take the only privileges we have away either.”
The main gates at Himley were locked today with a security guard telling visitors to check the website for when the site will next be open.
Alan Marsh, 78, from Lower Gornal, said the news it was being used as a testing station came as a total surprise.
“I just came down here for a walk, I’ve been coming down here for 45 years,” he said. “I will go and have a walk down the common now, instead.”
Sam Chapman, also a resident, added: “So I’m guessing this will now mean more people will go to Baggeridge Park over the weekend as Himley won’t be an option. More crowds. Surely there are alternative places available to have these tests done.”
Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care at Dudley Council, said: “Clearly we are facing unprecedented health challenges and we must all do our bit to join the national fight against this global pandemic.
“We were notified yesterday that Himley Park had been chosen with the government for a mobile testing centre, which was considered the most suitable site given the high number of cases in the borough and the wide open space it provides for a drive-through test centre to be set up quickly.
"The site will be in place for three weeks and will be drive-through only so those being tested will not be leaving their cars. The facilities at Himley Hall will be kept completely separate and there will be strict controls on how people visit the site for testing.
“Unfortunately, we have had to close Himley from today and over the weekend as heavy machinery will be moving around while the test site is set up.
"We are in regular contact with government to try to open up Himley next week, as long as it is safe for us to do so.
"We apologise for any inconvenience but would also urge people to work with us during these tough times, protecting the public and saving lives."
