Rail operator Thameslink has freed up space at its station car park for NHS staff at the Covid vaccination centre in Borehamwood.

Allum Manor has been administering jabs to residents in Hertsmere over the age of 80 for nearly two weeks now, but with limited parking space at the manor for staff, Herts Valleys Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) were in need of a solution to the parking problem.

With help from Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council and Communities 1st, the CCG approached Thameslink who were more than happy to give up part of its currently underused car park at Elstree & Borehamwood station in Theobald Street for NHS staff only for free, just around the corner from Allum Manor.

Thameslink managing director Tom Moran said: "Our teams have been working throughout this pandemic to support our local communities, and keep services clean, safe and operating. I’m delighted that we can now provide practical support to this crucial mass vaccination effort."

Cllr Pat Strack, leader of Elstree & Borehamwood Town Council, said: "Getting the use of these parking spaces so swiftly is a measure of the goodwill that we have with so many partners in the town, including Thameslink. This greatly benefits our residents.

"We are delighted that Allum Manor was chosen to be the local hub for the whole of Hertsmere.

"Allum Manor trustees have worked hard to ensure that everything runs efficiently and smoothly.

"The Allum Manor staff have been able to put residents at ease and that is thanks to the leadership of centre manager Tony Battison."

  • This article previously stated that the station car park had been freed up for public visitors to the vaccination centre. This is not the case. At this time, free spaces are reserved only for NHS staff. There is parking at Allum Manor for visitors and volunteers.