Fresh calls for vaccination site in the Horncastle area

Health Service bosses are coming under increasing pressure to provide a vaccine centre in the Horncastle News area.
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To date, there are 15 ‘regional’ centres in Lincolnshire but none within 10 miles of Horncastle and surrounding villages including Woodhall Spa.

No-one should have to travel more than ten miles for a vaccine - a target the Government has set for the end of the month.

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Most residents in the area are having to attend appointments at Louth Hospital.

However, there are concerns that poor public transport - and bad weather - is making it difficult.

East Lindsey District Council leader Coun Craig Leyland has joined those calling for a local centre.

In a Facebook message last night, he said: “I know many residents are asking about the location of vaccination centres especially given the PM’s recent announcement that residents should not have to travel more than 10 miles to access one.

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“I have asked the question directly of the NHS if Woodhall Spa , Horncastle and Wragby will be having vaccination sites.

“At present we have sites in Louth and Spilsby, with sites in Skegness and Mablethorpe soon to be operational.

“In response to my question I was assured that the location of sites would be under review.

“The priority was to vaccinate the most vulnerable and the initial travel parameters were met. (ie within a 45 minute travel radius).

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“I will keep pressing the matter given that we have an older average age demographic and our rurality means transport is a challenge.

“I am pleased to hear that our MP Victoria Atkins is raising the matter too with the local NHS.”

Horncastle Mayor Fiona Martin questioned why there was no local centre in the Horncastle News this week.

She stressed it was potentially dangerous asking people aged over 80 to travel on public transport.

Sources have told the News that Stanhope Hall in Horncastle was initially identified as a site but was later removed from the list.

• The News has approached the health services bosses for a comment.