Fury as West Berkshire Council charges Newbury's vaccination volunteers thousands of pounds to park

VOLUNTEERS at Newbury’s new vaccination hub have reportedly been furious after West Berkshire Council insisted they pay full price for parking at the Kennet Shopping centre.

The council’s refusal to grant parking concessions was threatening the coronavirus booster jab roll-out, a team leader warned this week.

Zohib Sheikh, in charge of the vaccination team at the Kennet Shopping centre’s new, larger hub, revealed his volunteer staff have been having to stump up £9.20 each, per shift.

So far, it is estimated that West Berkshire Council has been paid at least £8,000 by the volunteers, based on the number who parked in the Kennet Shopping centre car park.

Mr Sheikh said on Monday: “We’ve tried and tried to get some concession from the council, who own the Kennet Centre car park.

“But they’ve flat out refused.

“Having to pay to give your labour free is putting some people off and it’s seriously holding us back from helping during a pandemic.”

On Tuesday, council leader Lynne Doherty (Con, Newbury Speen) offered to temporarily waive parking fees over Christmas if volunteers use the nearby station car park.

But the council will not reimburse volunteers for the thousands already spent.

Newbury mayor Billy Drummond said: “It’s just dreadful and West Berkshire Council really needs to get a grip.

“These volunteers are doing a wonderful job trying to get us all vaccinated or making boosters available.

“Surely they shouldn’t have to pay West Berkshire Council for the privilege.”

The council said in a statement: “We are allowing volunteers to park for free in the Newbury Station car park.

“It’s a way for us to express our thanks to them during this vital stage of the vaccination programme.”

However, the statement added: “It is a short-term measure expected to end next month.”

The council has suggested volunteers should then try to claim back expenses from any organisations or charities they are volunteering for.

Mr Sheikh spoke out as he and his team are trying to step up the number of jabs they can provide at a new, larger headquarters at the Kennet Shopping centre, which is now operational.

He said: “As some of the local GP surgeries opted out, the demand was getting too much at our old unit next to the former school kit shop, where we administered close to 45,000 vaccinations.

“At one point there wasn’t a single appointment available until next January but now we’re able to more than double our capacity at the former Sainsbury’s site and I’d like to thank Kennet Shopping for making this happen.”

He added: “In light of this we’ve been able to increase our booking capacity on the NHS booking system, so please do try to book if you’re able to do so.

“Meanwhile I’d like to thank our wonderful volunteers from St John Ambulance, the Royal Voluntary Service and our clinical teams.

“Without these amazing people, none of this would have ever been possible.”

Meanwhile Mrs Doherty has already used the new vaccination hub.

She said afterwards: “I was delighted to join countless others in having my Covid-19 booster to protect myself and others around me from the virus.

“Booking an appointment was quick and convenient, and getting the jab itself was only a few minutes out of my day.

“I’m proud to be playing my part to keep the virus at bay and would encourage residents to continue doing their bit too.

“Vaccinations, testing, and mask-wearing are all simple steps that can help reduce the spread of the virus this winter and are really important right now.

“We appreciate what you’ve all been doing to support each other and the community, and we thank you for that.”

Former council leader Graham Jones, who runs Lambourn Pharmacy, has also been delivering vaccinations.

He said: “This is a very worthwhile and fulfilling role.

“Patient feedback has been fabulous, and we are pleased we volunteered to be part of the service. The community response has been excellent, and we have been supported by a number of volunteers helping ensure the success of the operation.

“The pandemic has brought out the best in the community.”

There is also a pop-up vaccination unit operating in Hungerford and a mobile unit in Kintbury from next week.

For more information visit https://info.westberks.gov.uk/covid-vaccination