MP calls for Molineux to be used for mass coronavirus vaccinations

Jane Stevenson said the home of Wolverhampton Wanderers would be the ideal location to allow many people to easily access the Oxford/AstraZeneca, following its approval.

The MP for Wolverhampton North East also wants Wolverhampton Council to include community and leisure centres as part of the roll out.

Some football stadiums are already being used in this way, including Barnet's in North London and Bristol City’s Ashton Gate ground.

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It comes as Wolverhampton and all of the Black Country, Birmingham and Staffordshire are moved into the toughest Tier 4 restrictions.

The roll-out of Covid vaccines is expected to be ramped up in the next few weeks, with the aim of vaccinating as many people as possible in the battle to return to normality.

Ms Stevenson said: “With the positive news of the Oxford vaccine approved for use, the emphasis in our fight against coronavirus must now shift to vaccinating our elderly and vulnerable residents as quickly as possible so that we can ease the restrictions on our lives.

“So I’m calling on the local authority and the local NHS to use the Molineux football stadium as a mass vaccination centre for our city. Wolves fans have sadly not been able to go and watch the team play matches, but the club can still play a vital role at this crucial stage.

“Everyone knows where the Molineux is, and it has ample parking facilities which makes it ideal for this purpose. I know other football stadiums across the country are being prepared as vaccination centres.

“I am also urging Wolverhampton Council to make available its vast array of buildings, such as community centres which have been closed since the pandemic began in March.

"We must now vaccinate the priority groups as quickly as possible, so that we can ease pressure on the NHS and reclaim the liberties and freedoms which have been taken away as a result of the pandemic.”