Transport to vaccine hub to be arranged for residents in Rothbury area

Local councillor Steven Bridgett is helping to make arrangements for those unable to find another way of getting there.

He said: “Alnwick Cricket Club has been announced as the location where most of us will be able to receive our Covid-19 vaccinations.

“I understand that transport links between our area and Alnwick are not the greatest and this can become even more difficult for some of the elderly and vulnerable residents who will be the first to be vaccinated.

“This will be exacerbated further by the fact that in some instance's residents may get the call/notification to attend their vaccination at short notice.

"If there are residents who cannot make their own way there and cannot call upon the assistance of family, friends, neighbours, public transport or taxi services, then I ask that they call 07812 472 456 or email: [email protected]

“I will arrange transport for those residents."

The transport will be a mixture of local volunteers and potentially utilising some of the council school transport providers.

In the instance of volunteers using their own vehicles, Cllr Bridgett has been given permission to use his budget to cover the fuel costs. Anyone available to volunteer should email him.

“The transport service will cover anyone who is unable to make their own way to Alnwick Cricket Club and cannot get any family, friends, neighbours, public transport or taxi services to transport them,” he explained

“This service is not to be used as a first port of call and should only be accessed once residents have explored all other options.

“You should only attempt to access this service once you have been contacted by your GP Practice to inform you of when your appointment is.”

This service is available to residents of the following parishes: Alnham, Whittingham & Callaly, Alwinton, Biddlestone & Netherton, Hesleyhurst, Cartington, Elsdon, Glanton, Harbottle, Hepple, Rothbury, Hollinghill, Snitter, Thropton, Whitton & Tosson.

Although Longframlington and Brinkburn are not in the area that Cllr Bridgett represents, given that there are a large number of patients in Longframlington and Brinkburn parishes that are part of the Rothbury Practice, this service will also be extended to them.

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