COLCHESTER United’s Jobserve Community Stadium is set to be used as a mass vaccination centre to distribute the coronavirus vaccine, it is understood.

The U’s stadium, just off the A12 in United Way, is expected to be used by the NHS as a centre to distribute Covid-19 vaccinations from next month.

The exact date and details are yet to be confirmed, but a source confirmed the stadium is set to become one of four “mass vaccination centres” in the area which can be mobilised when required.

Ward councillor Martin Goss said it was a an ideal site.

He said: “There is not a lot of footfall at the stadium at the moment for obvious reasons.

“It has been used for Covid testing in the past and for blood donations on a regular basis.

“It clearly has the space and the capacity and a large car park outside which is ideal.”

He added: “Given the club already have a good relationship with the NHS it seems to make sense.”

The Gazette contacted Colchester United and Colchester Council, which owns the Jobserve Community Stadium.

A spokesman for the council said simply it was ready to “support efforts to set up a local vaccination centre in any way”.

It is also understood Walton’s Columbine Centre is also set to become one of the mass vaccination hubs but not for at least a month.

The Government plans to vaccine at least two million people each week at 2,700 vaccine sites across the UK.

This will be done through 206 active hospital sites, of which Colchester Hospital is one, as well as 1,200 vaccination sites at primary care settings, three of which are up and running in north Essex - Colchester Primary Care Centre, Fryatt Hospital in Dovercourt and St Helena Hospice’s centre in Clacton.

A network of about 50 mass vaccination centres, such as the U’s stadium, will also be launched.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The next few months will present a significant opportunity to turn the tide of battle against Covid.”I am looking forward to watching these plans bring more reassurance and hope back to people’s lives after a difficult year.”

Residents should wait for further info or to be contacted about vaccinations.

For updates, visit eput.nhs.uk/news-events/coronavirus/coronavirus-vaccine.