COVID infections in Ledbury are in the official "suppressed" category, according to a new interactive colour-coded map, put out by the Government.

This means large parts of the Ledbury area were officially Covid clear for one week when the experimental map was last updated, on October 19.

But a neighbouring rural section including Coddington and Bosbury were showing a rise in cases, with four cases shown recorded in the seven days up to October 14, which is a climb of 33 per cent over seven days.

And it was the same rise of 33 per cent for the nearby Bromyard and Bishop's Frome area, also up to October 14, when another four more cases were recorded.

The neighbouring market town of Newent was also in the suppressed category for Covid, but not so the bordering zone of Dymock, Hartpury and Huntley, where there were 21 cases in the seven days up to October 14.

But there is still no room for complacency in Ledbury itself, because information provided by Herefordshire Council revealed three new cases of Covid in the town for the period October 3 to October 9.

However, even though Ledbury people have to travel to Hereford to be tested for coronavirus, or await a postal test, there is a degree of consensus among residents and the county council alike that the system is working very well, with same day tests possible, and apparently no back log, unlike elsewhere in the country.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said: "Our understanding is that there isn’t currently a back log of tests and that residents have been able to access testing through the national portal on the same day.

"It is important that people do not travel to testing sites by public transport. If someone is unable to drive themselves to a testing site, they can request a postal test or ask if someone in their household or support bubble to drive them."

Ledbury resident, Fiona Allin said: "I had a great experience in Hereford. It was really well set up and explained well. I, fortunately have a car and could drive. So I can’t pass comment on getting there by public transport."

Karen Thomas added: "If people can't get to Hereford they can get a home test through the post. It shouldn't be a problem not having transport."

And Terry Wilkins said: "I had to take my wife, as instructed by Hereford County Hospital, to 3 Elms Industrial Estate which is situated on the far side of Hereford.Having a car made it easy but would be difficult for those having to rely on public transport."

A main testing area for the county is the Merton Meadow car park in Hereford.

Not every Ledbury resident has had a glitch-free experience, when trying to book a test.

Justine Clayton told the Reporter: "My daughter spent hours on the website and phone trying to get test for her daughter, there's a time limit from the first signs of infection in order for the test for to be accurate. She doesn't drive so that was out of the question because as soon as you might need a test you're supposed to isolate. Eventually the school managed to get hold of some and I picked it up for them."