Several hours of Covid-19 testing lost in Luton after U-turn over 'weather'

The decision was made early on Saturday morning, but it prompted a backlash on social media.

One Twitter user branded it a "lazy and insulting decision" while another described the day as "only a bit slushy".

The testing centres are typically open from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

By 1.30pm, rapid testing at Lewsey Community Centre had resumed, and the testing stations at Luton Central Library and Farley Community Centre reopened at 2pm.

A Luton Borough Council spokesman said: "The original decision was made at 6.30am when it was snowing, for the safety of staff and residents.

"Sorry for the inconvenience caused."

> While the town centre has been largely unaffected by inclement weather on Saturday, flooding was reported in other parts of the town on Thursday, including Wardown Park, Moor Park and Hatters Way after the River Lea burst its banks. Flooding was also reported at the Vale Cemetery on Sunday.