A NEW vaccine centre is being set up at Andover hospital giving hope to thousands of residents eagerly awaiting their coronavirus jab.

Andover War Memorial Hospital will soon be offering vaccinations alongside The Lights Theatre, which has been in use since December 22.

Initially, vaccinations will be offered to in high-priority groups such as those over 80, NHS frontline staff and care workers.

The news comes as coronavirus cases in Andover have fallen slightly in the seven days to January 8. There were 90 new cases reported in the Andover London Road and East Anton area, down two from the previous period.

The picture remained similar in Andover town centre, which saw just one new case reported in that period.

Cases in Andover south and the Charlton and Bourne Valley region fell each by two, with 22 and 23 new infections reported respectively.

Western Andover saw 39 cases reported in the same period, up from seven the week previously. And Over Wallop and Shipton Bellinger saw 31 new infections reported, up by five new cases.

News of a new vaccine hub will be welcomed by those in vulnerable groups still waiting to receive the vaccine.

Dr Dan Baylis, chief medical officer at Solent NHS Trust, which is running the vaccination centres, said: “We are proud to be asked to support the delivery of the Covid-19 vaccination programme across Hampshire. Coronavirus has been the single biggest public health emergency in NHS history.”

Also in this week’s paper:

- Liberal Democrats criticised over leaflet delivery in Tier Four

- Covid test centre to be set up in town car park

- Businessman banned from driving after being twice over the limit

- Town council raise concept of leaving office to cut taxes

- Plans approved for store despite concerns over lorries heading down right of way

- New artisan market coming to Weyhill

- Hampshire named the most dangerous for cycle injuries

- Andover football teams could see season voided

- Two pages of YOUR letters

- And much, much more

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