Vaccination in our care homes is complete. Many front line staff have been vaccinated. From today, it is the turn of the over 80s. Some will be vaccinated at their local GP or a centre run by their GP. People who are housebound will get vaccinated at their homes. But a lot of people across south west Shropshire will need to go to Church Stretton. From next week, Ludlow Racecourse will open. Local taxis are giving deals. Shropshire Council has set up a free dial-a-ride service. Minsterley buses will divert to both sites. Parking is free at all vaccination sites.
Although we would all have wanted vaccination to have begun a lot earlier in south west Shropshire, people are pulling out all the stops now that we have supplies. GP surgeries are providing regular updates on the plans for vaccination. Portcullis. Station Drive.
You will be contacted by you GP. Most people in the over 80s cohort will already have received a phone call or letter. Please don’t ring your GP if you have heard yet.
The first Church Stretton clinics:
- Thursday 28th January. Start 14:00, last arrival 18:32.
- Friday 29th January. Start 14:00, last arrival 18:32.
- Saturday 30th January. Start 08:30, last arrival 18:32.
- Sunday 31st January. Start 08:30, last arrival 18:32.
- Monday 1st February. Start 14:00, last arrival 18:32.
- Tuesday 2nd February. Start 14:00, last arrival 18:32.
Taxis
Local taxi companies will be offering a discount rate to Church Stretton and the Racecourse. The companies that have signed up so far are:
- Annette’s Taxi’s (01584 878787)
- Wolfcar Private Hire (01584 856690; 07812 207615)
- Teaky’s Taxis (01584 879478)
- Andy’s Private Hire (07966 954047).
We expect other companies to make their arrangements known shortly and I’ll update this page as needed. There will be one household (or bubble) per vehicle to protect passengers, especially the clinically vulnerable. You will be picked up by the same vehicle that took you to the vaccination centre for the same reasons. Our taxi firms obey strict hygiene precautions and, of course you must wear a mask.
It is likely to cost you £20 return to Church Stretton, lower than the normal fare. Around £10 to and from the Racecourse. Rates may vary so agree your rate in advance.
The 435 Ludlow to Shrewsbury bus service will serve both the Church Stretton and Ludlow Racecourse vaccination centres. Timetables.
Dial-a-Ride
Shropshire Council is running a dial a ride bus service. All vehicles will have appropriate ventilation, with strict infection control measures in place to ensure they are operated with the highest levels of public health safeguards.
Transport can be booked by calling the council’s COVID-19 Helpline on 0345 678 9028 (option 0). This is open between 8am to 6pm weekdays, on Saturday from 9am-4pm and Sunday 9am-12pm.
Car parking for Church Stretton
Shropshire Council is provided free parking for patients attending the COVID-19 vaccination centres for the duration of the appointment – this is normally between 25 and 45 minutes. This will be in the Easthope Car Park – the Co-op car park to you and me.
A vehicle that is driven either by the patient/carer/family member/support bubble will be eligible to park in the designated free parking area or spaces for the duration of the appointment free of charge.
There will be no parking behind the GP practice and the Mayfair Centre.
If you want to continue parking after vaccination has been completed you must move from designated free spaces to the pay and display car park or an alternative location and pay if needed.
Please use alternative parking if you are not attending the vaccination clinics to allow the smooth operation for patients and for the medical practices.
A drop off point is available on Easthope Road near the vaccination clinic to drop those hard of walking. Please move the vehicle to the designated areas after the drop off to keep the space available for other vehicles. You should do this even if you have a blue badge. The drop off point will also be used by Dial-A-Ride, taxi’s and Community Support Vehicles and buses.
Civil Enforcement Officers (traffic wardens) are expected to monitor the area and dish out penalty charge notices if required.
A one way system will be in operation for pedestrians and where required footpaths will be coned to help direct patients in the area.
Excellent news, and thanks for getting the information out there.
Is there a reason why weekday vaccinations don’t begin until 2pm? We hear talk of 24/7 centres being considered. 2pm seems a bit late in the day for what is a race against time.
Thanks Phil. 24/7 is more suited to cities. Here, the aim is 12/7. The vaccinations servicng us are GP led. GPs still have to run their usual surgeries.