An assisted living facility in Andover has been placed into “lockdown” following a number of positive Covid cases amongst residents.

Charles Dalton Court, located on Western Road, had been closed to “all non-essential visitors” following an outbreak of Covid-19. Posts on social media allege there have been at least five positive cases of the virus.

The company which owns the facility, Housing 21, says it is doing its best to ensure residents “stay safe and well in their homes.”

Residents affected include relatives. of the former mayor of Test Valley, and borough councillor, Karen Hamilton, with a parent and their partner testing positive for the virus.

She said: “I got an ambulance for my parents as I was severely concerned. They have been in bed for a solid three days, but the symptoms are so obvious that they’re Covid.”

She told the Advertiser that she had asked a representative of Housing 21 to enforce a 10 day self-isolation period on residents, but had been told that the company could “advise but not enforce” the measures.

She said: “I told them to try harder.”

She alleged that residents were not adhering to the rules, saying that they “were in and out this morning when they should be all on 10 day isolation,” adding that she had been “snubbed” by a resident when asking them to remain indoors.

Following the news the facility would be closed to "non-essential visitors", she said: "I am really glad the complex is in lockdown and only open to essential carers, the main priority is that everyone is safe, no one wants more numbers growing. This has already affected up to 50 people who can no longer spend Christmas day with their loved ones."

When contacted by the Advertiser for comment, a spokesperson for Housing 21 said: “We have taken the decision to close Charles Dalton Court, Andover, to all non-essential visitors as a precautionary measure following confirmed cases of COVID-19 at the Retirement Living scheme.

“We have informed Public Health England and are working with them and receiving advice on any additional measures or actions we need to carry out.

“The communal lounge at the scheme has been closed and only Housing 21 staff, cleaners and healthcare professionals will have access to the scheme. We have let residents and family members know and have asked for their support during this difficult time.

“Enhanced cleaning is taking place on high contact areas and residents have been provided with details of organisations in the local area who can also support.

“As always, the health and safety of our residents is our priority and we are doing our best to ensure they stay safe and well in their homes.”