Vandals force Hertfordshire Covid testing centre to shut

Protesters targeted the Fairlands Valley Showground test centre in Stevenage yesterday (December 30), damaging the site and forcing Stevenage Borough Council to shut until additional security can be brought in.

There have been many other demonstrations targeting Covid-related sites in the past few days, including a swarm of protesters raiding an NHS test and trace centre in Milton Keynes on Wednesday, and a group of Covid deniers storming a Covid ward at the University Hospital Aintree in Liverpool and accusing NHS staff of “aiding genocide”.

Following many reports of recent targeted protests including the Hertfordshire vandalisation, Watford’s mayor has shared a message that workers at such sites should be able to continue their work without harassment or fear.

Anti-vaccine protesters in Milton Keynes Theatre Photo: PA

Mayor Peter Taylor said: “Everyone should be able to do their job without harassment or fearing criminal damage.

“Vaccinations and testing are vital parts of the response to Covid.

“I have huge admiration and gratitude to all of those supporting this locally. We know it has made a difference and saved lives”.

While the Stevenage demonstration is not the first time a Hertfordshire Covid site has been targeted by protesters, it is the most recent in a wave of sudden attacks happening across England.

Read more: 'Unacceptable' anti-vax protesters targeting Herts schools, says councillor

Sharon Taylor, the Labour leader of Stevenage Borough Council, described the damage as “shocking” and said it was a “mindless” act.

She said: "For people to try and undermine that (efforts to tackle the pandemic) is just the stupidest action I can think of at this time."