A former Debenhams store is being considered for use as a vaccination centre against Covid-19.

It is hoped that the Folca building in Folkestone could be used to aid the district, which currently only has one active centre despite having the worst death rate in the country.

As of this week, the Oaklands Health Centre in Hythe is the only active vaccine centre across Folkestone, Hythe and Romney Marsh.

This is despite the district having a death rate of 265.5 per 100,000 people, ahead of Barnsley and Wyre as the worst in England.

The Civic Centre car park in Folkestone was due to open this week for vaccines, however this has been pushed back to next week.

A plan to use Lydd Airport on the Marsh is also in the final stages, and could also open next week, although this has yet to be confirmed.

A Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) spokesman revealed that the council proposed the use of Folca before Christmas.

"Officers have been working hard to explore plans and practicalities with the NHS Kent Community Health Foundation Trust ever since," he added, "and continue to do so".

The building that previously housed Debenhams was snapped up by the council for more than £2 million, with the purchase being confirmed in May.

The council then ran a competition to find it a new name, with the final winner being inspired by 'Folca's Stone', which is said to have once stood marking a meeting place for local people and is the origin of the name Folkestone

While the council awaits news of Folca's use as a centre, leader Cllr David Monk said that they were "delighted" to be able to provide the Civic Centre to be used for vaccinations.

It has also been revealed that the centre will be housed in the building's car park, rather than the actual centre itself.

Cllr Monk said: "This vaccination programme is crucial to us being able to get back to normal.

"It's important we all take up the offer of this protection and I am eagerly awaiting my own invite to get vaccinated."

The Kent and Medway CCG has confirmed that large vaccination centres will open in the county soon, after seven opened across England this week.

A spokesman said: "These [the other sites] are only the first to open and more will follow including in Kent.

"Local residents are not expected to book appointments and travel to any of the seven current sites.

"Details of locations in this area will be published when available."

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