A VACCINATION centre in Bewsey will open for residents on Thursday.

Warrington Islamic Association (WIA), on Lockton Lane, is lending its site to the NHS.

Mo Hussain, trustee of WIA and secretary of Warrington Ethnic Communities Association, said: “We at WIA wanted to do all we could to help the NHS heroes in this huge effort against coronavirus.

“We offered our site and are extremely happy that this will help them when it becomes a vaccination centre from this Thursday, January 21.”

The site has plenty of car parking spaces.

Furthermore, Mr Hussain has expressed concerns over those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities being reluctant to take a coronavirus test and to get the vaccine.

He said: “I am worried about those from BAME communities being reluctant to get the coronavirus test and being reluctant to get the vaccine.

“This is quite concerning – health and safety of the public is paramount during these extremely difficult times in our battle against coronavirus.

“There is a lot of disinformation circulating at the moment, particularly on social media and via WhatsApp – I believe this is having a significant impact and causing people from BAME communities to decide not to get tested or to get vaccinated.

“I strongly believe, as someone who has lost family members and friends to Covid, that if anyone has symptoms of Covid they should get a test and get the vaccination if they are invited.

“I would urge people to ensure they get their information related to testing and vaccines from trusted sources.

“Every one of us has a huge responsibility at this time – please let’s continue following the rules and guidance.”

WIA trustee Zubair Malik has been liaising with the NHS in setting up the vaccination centre.

He said: “Edging closer to the end of the pandemic is a bold statement, however, I’m confident in the leadership of the people within the NHS.

“With our qualified personnel and competent and well-informed support staff to help us roll-out the vaccination programme, there is real light at the end of the tunnel.

“With the continuous efforts of all and compliance to the advice given by the NHS, I’m confident to return to some semblance of pre-pandemic normality.”