Calls are being made for a door-to-door campaign to be launched in a Kent neighbourhood with a low Covid vaccine uptake described as "frightening".

In several parts of the county, more than nine in 10 people have had at least one dose, while 70.9% are double jabbed.

But in Cliftonville West in Thanet, just 63% of over-18s have had their first dose, sparking fears the low take-up could make it easier for the virus to spread in the area.

Just five neighbourhoods in Kent have a worse vaccine uptake than Cliftonville West, and three of those are heavily-populated by students.

Last year, the area was dubbed a coronavirus deaths hotspot, with 13 fatalities in a six-week period - the worst in the county at the time.

Back then, Matt Shoul, of Athelstan Road, Cliftonville, who runs the Athelstan Road Tenants and Residents Association, spoke out about people in the street flouting lockdown rules.

It is feared the reason for the low number of first doses in the area - which includes the stretch of Northdown Road nearest the seafront - is due to deprivation and the large multi-ethnic local population, which are factors experienced in a lack of vaccine take-up elsewhere.

Mr Shoul believes a door-to-door campaign is needed to increase vaccination rates.

“These are frightening figures and a more direct approach is needed,” he said.

“We did get a leaflet through our doors from the NHS recently about Covid, which I am guessing was some sort of awareness drive, but it was in a variety of languages except English.

“I’ve not seen any door-to-door activity but I’m sure the ethnic communities must be aware of Covid and vaccinations because they have internet and I would have thought would have wanted to take up what the NHS is offering.”

The area in Thanet with the highest uptake so far is, perhaps not surprisingly, the popular retirement haven of Birchington, where 91% have had a first dose and 85% are fully vaccinated.

Paula Wilkins, the executive chief nurse for the Kent and Medway CCG, says a weekly walk-in clinic has been introduced at the community centre in Cliftonville West, where the local authority and community groups are being supported to engage with residents and increase the Covid-19 vaccination uptake rate.

“Uptake rates of the vaccination can vary from one area to another for a number of different reasons, including the area’s social, cultural and economic makeup,” she said.

“In areas with a lower uptake rate, the vaccination teams are working closely with local authorities and community organisations to boost uptake.”

She added: “We understand that some residents may have concerns about getting the vaccine. To support them we’ve set up a vaccination helpline, where residents can have their questions answered and find our more information.”

The helpline number is 0330 320 4444 and is open between 8.30am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

There are two neighbourhoods in the county where 40% have still not had a jab.

Blean Forest, Chartham Hatch & University, in Canterbury, and Boughton & Selling, in Swale, have had the lowest uptake in the county.

In the Canterbury neighbourhood, where many students are based, 58.5% of adults have had a first dose.

Just 38% are fully vaccinated - whereas in neighbouring Chestfield & South Tankerton this figure is as high as 86%.

In Boughton & Selling, which borders Faversham, 58.8% of adults have had a first dose and 51.7% have had two jabs.

There were 16 cases of Covid in Cliftonville West in the week up to August 7, five fewer than the previous seven days.

Across Thanet, positive tests are down 2.8%.

Gravesham has the highest infection rate in the county, at 312.5 per 100,000 people.

Overall, cases are up 1.9% in Kent and down 7.8% in Medway.

Four people have died in Kent and Medway over the past week within 28 days of a positive Covid test.

There have been no Covid deaths in Thanet since May 1.

Read more: All the latest Covid news

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