RICHMOND Council chiefs have responded to reports of shortages of covid-19 lateral flow tests by making clear supplies are still available from many of the borough's libraries.

The emergence of the Omicron strain of the virus has triggered a rise in demand for the tests and long queues for booster vaccinations.

There are reports from across the country of pharmacies and others running short on the lateral flow tests.

However, the council has said the tests are available at the following libraries:

- Hampton Library, TW12 2AB

- Twickenham Library, TW1 3JT

- Whitton Library, TW2 7BB

- East Sheen Library, SW14 8LP

Details of new walk-in vaccination clinics for Richmond borough are expected to be revealed this week.

Clinics near the borough offering walk-in clinics are now open at West Middlesex Hospital in Isleworth and Hawks Road Clinic in Kingston.

Demand is high however and queues of over 3 hours were reported at Hawks Road yesterday.

Below are details of the location of the clinics and when they are open.

West Middlesex Hospital

Location: Percy House Portacabin, West Middlesex Hospital, Twickenham Road, TW7 6AF

16 + Pfizer walk – in clinics:

1. 30am to 6pm, Monday 13th to Friday 17th December 2021
2. 30am to 3.30pm, Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th December 2021

Hawks Road Clinic

Location: Hawks Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 3EW

Opening hours: 12-15 year olds Pfizer walk – in clinics

1. 30pm to 7.30pm,Monday 13th December and Friday 17th December 2021

16 + Pfizer walk – in clinics,

1. 30am to 7pm, Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th and Thursday 16th to Sunday 19th December 2021
2. 30am to 6.30pm, Wednesday 15th December 2021

Booster jabs can also be booked on the NHS website HERE although a queueing system is now in place as demand is high.