A community centre that was the location of one of Ayrshire's most active vaccination hubs was closed permanently by the council at the weekend - just as the news to ramp booster doses to everyone over 18 was announced.
The John Pollock Centre in Mainholm had been open almost every day in the first half of December to offer first and second walk-in vaccines and appointments for booster doses of the vaccine to residents of Ayr and Prestwick.
However, South Ayrshire Council announced on Friday night [December 10] their corperate communcation Facebook Page 'South Ayrshire Live' that the centre is to close its doors permanantly awaiting planning demolition in the new year.
Ayr Racecourse - which was also open for vaccinations - will be the only centre for South Ayrshire's largest towns of Ayr and Prestwick.
People will be able to book slots in Troon and Maybole - both around 10 miles from Ayr town centre.
The Racecourse has only five days available between now and New Year, with Troon and Maybole offering four options each.
One Prestwick resident said: "I had to book appointment in Maybole, I don't drive and I am worried about using public transport with rising Omicron spread - and the delays to public transport due to self isolation.
"I'll take what I can get. There is no other option but to travel."
A spokesperson for South Ayrshire Council said: “We continue to support NHS Ayrshire and Arran to deliver their vaccination programme.
"NHS Ayrshire and Arran has been aware for some time that the John Pollock Centre would not be available to them long-term, and they have made alternative arrangements such as the use of Ayr Racecourse.”
A spokesperson from NHS Ayrshire and Arran said: "We encourage anyone who is eligible for a booster to use the booking portal - https://www.nhsinform.scot/vaccinebooking - or call National Helpline 0800 030 8013 to arrange an appointment at a time and location that suits them.
"Clinics with additional spaces in Ayrshire are being added to the portal daily.
"If you attempt to book your appointment but can’t see any suitable slots, please check back at a later time as new options will continue to become available."
The South Ayrshire Calendar can be found at https://www.nhsaaa.net/coronavirus-covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-appointments/
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