A DRIVE has been launched for a dedicated coronavirus testing centre in Largs.

At present, anybody seeking a Covid-19 diagnosis has to go travel to Inverclyde, Crosshouse Hospital in Kilmarnock, Ailsa Hospital in Ayr or a drive through facility at Prestwick Airport.

Now a push is under way for a dedicated facility within the town serving locals and those from Millport and surrounding villages.

The matter was raised at the North Ayrshire Council full meeting this week.

Labour councillor Alex Gallagher says there is a lack of provision locally.

He added: "We should have at least one or two Covid test centres as it is a long way for people potentially unwell to travel.

"Largs would be a good place to have one. The World Health Organisation said in March - test, test and test - and in order to do that we need more access locally."

During the meeting, Cllr. Jim Montgomerie called for more central locations for testing facilities.

He said: "It seems odd to me that we do we not have any Covid-19 testing facilities within North Ayrshire?"

Council leader Joe Cullinane told the News he has contacted NHS to push for more localised testing centres in the district.

He explained that the reason the two hospitals had been selected was because they were deemed appropriate because of their close proximity to emergency health departments if deemed necessary.

Cllr Cullinane said: "We initially asked the NHS for a testing centre in North Ayrshire for North Ayrshire, but it was not supported.

"Given spikes in some local areas, we have asked again and discussed the possibility of having walk-in facilities in more accessible areas closer to denser populations, such as Largs town centre.

"It is now under review."

Home testing kits are also available, delivered and collected by Amazon and Royal Mail.