A LOCAL MP has called for a vaccination centre to be opened in the Vale of Glamorgan, but plans are already in place.

Cardiff and the Vale University Health Board had previously stated that three mass vaccination centres would be set up in the area, including one in Holm View Leisure Centre in Gibbonsdown near Barry.

However, a map of 35 vaccination centres open - or planned to open - across Wales was shared by Welsh Government with no mass vaccination centre included for Barry or the whole Vale of Glamorgan, causing confusion.

Barry And District News: Vaccination map for Wales (Picture: Welsh Government) Vaccination map for Wales (Picture: Welsh Government)

A spokesperson for Cardiff and the Vale UHB said the priority was vaccinating health staff at the site in Cardiff and two satellite clinics. People aged 80+ are also a priority.

“We are working closely with GP Practices across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan who will begin delivering the vaccinations to their patients who are 80 and over at the practice,” they said.

“We are constantly reviewing our capacity in line with vaccination delivery and will mobilise the centre in Barry when it is needed.”

Plans for a mass vaccination centre in Barry are on the cards, with GPs offering the vaccine, plus mobile centres and satellite centres already in place.

Conservative MP Alun Cairns had written to the the Welsh Government calling for a centre to be opened in Barry, stating: “I was concerned to see that, according to the published map, there are no proposals to locate a Covid-19 Vaccination Centre in the Vale of Glamorgan.

“I am troubled by this and you will appreciate that many people living in the Vale of Glamorgan are also very concerned.”

Barry And District News: Alun Cairns (Picture: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)Alun Cairns (Picture: Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

Although an exact date has not yet been revealed for a mass vaccination centre in Barry plans to open one are still in place, the healthboard has confirmed.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Responding to the news the town will not yet have a mass vaccination centre, Barry and District News readers took to our Facebook page to air their views.

Ruth Tumilty said: “They are telling us to stay home to stay safe but want us to get a bus to Splott – how is that right?"

But reader Philip Horsey argued Cardiff is “not far” and added: “Let’s not get mad, let’s get that jab.”