COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed confirmation that residents will soon be able to have their Covid-19 booster jabs at venues more local to Chirk.

Member of the Senedd Ken Skates raised the matter with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) on behalf of constituents in Chirk, after being approached by local councillor Frank Hemmings.

Cllr Hemmings was concerned after learning people were being asked to travel more than 10 miles to Wrexham’s Catrin Finch Centre at Glyndŵr University to be vaccinated.

BCUHB has now confirmed to Mr Skates that more local venues will be used over the coming weeks – with Plas Madoc Leisure Centre set to reopen as a vaccination clinic on October 19.

The MS said: “I’m extremely grateful to BCUHB chief executive Jo Whitehead for responding so quickly to the concerns we raised on behalf of people in Chirk, and it’s really pleasing to hear that the health board will soon be rolling out booster jabs to more local venues.

“Offering and administering a third round of vaccinations is going to be another big challenge for the health board, but given the way they have already delivered the first two doses I think we can all have full confidence that we’re in good hands.”

Cllr Hemmings added: “It’s not an easy round trip for the older and more vulnerable people who are being prioritised for booster jabs, particularly if they’re having to use public transport, so I’m glad Ken has been able to get this reassurance for local people.”

Chief executive officer of BCUHB Jo Whitehead said in her response to Mr Skates that plans are being put in place to offer vaccinations at locations to provide ease of access to local residents.

She said: “We did not want to delay offering booster vaccinations for the highest priority groups.

“As we are able to start offering boosters immediately in our main vaccination centres, including Catrin Finch for Wrexham county borough, we have begun issuing invitations as soon as possible, while we continue to finalise the wider arrangements."