Coronavirus testing will continue at West Bay, despite the car park and play area being set to open.

West Bay Road car park has been used by the military as a mobile testing site since April and councils are keen to carry this on as restrictions are lifted and more facilities are opened.

The car park is going to be opened to stop visitors to the bay parking in ‘unauthorised spaces’ and the play area will also shortly be reopening.

In a letter to residents, Paul Hutton, service manager for parking at Dorset Council said: “In conjunction with Dorset Council and Bridport Town Council, we are keen to continue use of the site for this critical function.

“As from this coming weekend, you may notice that the testing site area changes within the car park to the space nearest the toilet block until further notice.

“There are two main reasons for this, by reopening the main car park area to the public to use, it mitigates against the risk of the West Bay area being overrun with visitors parking in unauthorised spaces should the weather during the summer months see a high increase in visitors arriving by car.

“The children’s play area will shortly be reopening and so it would be nicer not to have children playing directly alongside the area currently designated for testing.

“Thank you for you support and co-operation during this key period of time.”