Chippenham Town Council has agreed to lower hire rate for the Neeld Hall to potentially be used as a Covid-19 vaccination centre.

It was agreed by the Strategy & Resources committee that Neeld Hall could be hired out to the NHS for use as a vaccine site for two days and at a reduced cost of up to £200 each day.

In late January, the town council had offered the community hall to the NHS for use as a jab hub but had not heard back from the local CCG until recently.

vaccine image

vaccine image

It was proposed the NHS would be charged £250 per day for use of the hall. This figure, according to the head of venues, would cover the additional staff and cleaning needs.

The NHS made enquiries about a reduced daily hire price, stating other venues have been offered for between £200-£300 or given for free.

The venue, in normal times, is hired out for £495 on weekdays and £612 at weekends.

READ MORE: Trowbridge to vote on offering Civic Centre for vaccinations

Kicking off the discussions, Cllr Desna Allen, put forward an amendment for the cost to be further reduced to £200 per day. A move seconded by Cllr Andy Phillips.

“It would not be a terrific cost on us but it will lessen the impact for the NHS,” Cllr Allen said.

Matt Kirby, director of community services said an additional reduction would not be too much for the town council to consider.

However, Cllr Ashley O’Neill said he would prefer the health service be offered the Neeld Hall free of charge, but asked the committee to consider charging the NHS a maximum of £200 or at cost, whichever is cheaper. The amendment was seconded by Cllr Clare Cape.

Councillors voted in favour of the amendment with seven for and two abstentions.

The NHS has requested the use of the Neeld Hall for two days between May and September (8am to 8pm).