Ashfield's Council Leader Jason Zadrozny has warned residents not to take their eye off the ball as COVID rates continue to rise dramatically in the District.

In the week up to the 10th October – there have been 853 new cases of COVID – this is up 211 compared to the previous week.

As a result, after pressure from councillors, there will be 3 visits to the District this week by the NHS vaccination bus before it pays several visits to Hucknall next week (commencing 25 October).

The bus will be at the Badger Box in Annesley on Tuesday (19 October) from 12pm until 4pm, Prolog Fulfilment Ltd on Sherwood Business Park on the same day, from 5pm until 7pm, and on The Oval, Carsic from 10-4pm on Wednesday (20 October).

Following pressure from Hucknall Ashfield Independent Councillors, the decision was made for the bus to visit Hucknall the following week, with locations yet to be confirmed.

The Ashfield District has consistently been close to the top 10 of any area in the country for positive COVID cases. Vaccination levels remain stubbornly low with 17% of residents yet to have their first dose of a vaccine and 24% not having their second dose.

Councillor Zadrozny said: "The levels of positive Covid tests remain significantly higher in Ashfield than the vast majority of the country. This is a huge concern and that's why we have been pushing NHS bosses to improve access to vaccination levels via their mobile units. I repeat to residents my plea for them to follow social distancing guidelines.

"Covid has not gone away and there's no pretending otherwise. It's rampant in our District and I plead with residents to take precautions including wearing masks on public transport, shops and when they are engaging with others. Please don't take your eye off the ball. We will continue to work with the NHS to ensure residents can get their jabs."