MP and local councillors ask for mass testing in Sedbergh after COVID outbreak in school

South Lakes MP Tim Farron and local Liberal Democrat councillors Nick Cotton, Suzie Pye and Ian Mitchell are asking for COVID-19 testing to be offered to everyone in Sedbergh after an outbreak at Sedbergh School.

At the weekend, Sedbergh School reported that a 'significant' number of their pupils have received a positive test.

The whole school is being tested this week via a Mobile Testing Unit led by the UK armed forces.

Local district councillor Suzie Pye has been in contact with the school to ask that the Mobile Testing Unit is made available to the whole town.

Suzie said: "This is a worrying development and it's really important that testing of staff and pupils is prioritised.

"I want to pay tribute to how the school has responded to this situation and the measures they've taken to help isolate any pupil that receives a positive test and therefore helping to protect our community.

"Sedbergh School is a massive part of the town and many people employed there live in our community, so there is a very strong case in offering a test to any local resident who would like one.

"We must act quickly to protect local people and get this under control."