The national roll-out of the vaccine to immunise people against coronavirus is continuing to gather pace, with an estimated 2.33 million jabs given so far and the programme being extended to include the over-70s.

Currently, the vaccination is only being given in vaccination centres using large-scale venues, hospital hubs and local vaccination services, made up of sites led by general practice teams and pharmacy teams through community pharmacies.

The Government has not yet responded to direct offers from brewery and bar chains, BrewDog and Loungers, respectively, to allow their premises to be used in the fight against the virus.

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The people in charge of a number of venues in the area including the New Cross pub (top left); South Forest Leisure Centre (top right); Prince Charles pub (bottom left) and Hostess restaurant (bottom right) say they would be willing to let their premises to be used as vaccination centres - should the Government need it.

The people in charge of a number of venues in the area including the New Cross pub (top left); South Forest Leisure Centre (top right); Prince Charles pub (bottom left) and Hostess restaurant (bottom right) say they would be willing to let their premises to be used as vaccination centres - should the Government need it.

But as our pubs, restaurants and leisure centres remain closed during lockdown three, kind-hearted pub owners, managers and staff from across Mansfield and Ashfield are lining up to allow their venues to be used as vaccination hubs – should the Government need them.

One such venue is the South Forest Leisure Complex in Edwinstowe which occupies a site spanning three-quarters of an acre.

General manager, Julie English, said she believes the centre is an ideal location for vaccinations, and is already used by the NHS three times a year as a venue for blood donations.

She said: “We’re all on one floor which is good for the elderly..we’ve got a car park that can hold 350 vehicles...it’s central for people in the area to travel to. I hope it can be used because we'd like to help if we can.”

All pharmacies should be used as part of the vaccine programme as they are trusted, have the expertise and are local to every community. JPIMedia's 'Shot In The Arm' campaign calls for everyone to have the ability to get a jab within 10 minutes of their home by using our great pharmacy network.

Andrew Hopper owns the Hostess restaurant and says he can offer his building as well as car park that can hold between 70 and 80 vehicles as well as fridges.

"I think everyone wants to see this resolved, and for things to go back to normal. So I’m willing to help with anything that can help to allow us to regain some sense of normality.”

Below is a list of the venues that have told us they are willing to allow their buildings to be used as vaccination centres should the Government need them.

We will continue to update this list as more offers come in. Please email: sarah.marshall@jpimedia if you would like your venue to be added to the list:

New Cross pub, Sutton-in-Ashfield

Hostess restaurant, Mansfield

South Forest Leisure Complex, Mansfield

Cakefield Cakes Tearoom, Mansfield

Debdale Park Sports Club, Mansfield

Bold Forester car park, Mansfield

Prince Charles pub, Forest Town

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.