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Coronavirus pandemic
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A coronavirus testing centre in Kent has been closed to make manner for a lorry park for post-Brexit customs checks.
the Native Democracy Reporting Service.
One councillor stated native infrastructure “can not cope” and there can be chaos on the M25.
A Cupboard Workplace spokesman stated no ultimate determination has but been made.
In July the federal government pledged £470m on new border infrastructure, which included, if crucial, constructing extra inland websites throughout the nation the place checks can happen.
The spokesman added: “Remaining choices on inland websites is not going to be made till we now have established the extent of latest infrastructure that will likely be delivered at ports.”
Nevertheless a leaked Kent County Council letter says: “We now have additionally been notified that the Ebbsfleet testing centre has closed, as the positioning is required by HMRC for EU exit.”
Dartford Labour councillor Sacha Gosine stated: “The infrastructure at Ebbsfleet can not address lorries.”
He stated it will be a “logistical nightmare” for officers.
Closed ‘out of the blue’
In September 2019 planning permission was granted to permit use of the Ebbsfleet website briefly for customs clearance till the tip of this 12 months.
Work had began at one of many automobile parks on the station however this was placed on maintain due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Ebbsfleet station was then used as a Covid testing website with a capability for about 2,000 exams a day, however earlier this month testing workers have been informed “out of the blue” that the positioning can be closing.
A brand new coronavirus testing centre has opened in Rochester.
In line with the Cupboard Workplace regional testing websites like Ebbsfleet “have been arrange at nice velocity” however the relocation will permit the community “to proceed working so long as wanted”.
The federal government’s testing system has confronted criticism in current weeks.
The house secretary Priti Patel has defended the system, saying capability was rising.
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