A CROSS part alliance of Thurrock councillors have come together to encourage black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people to get Covid-19 vaccination in response to reports that there has been a low uptake of the Vaccine in BAME communities.

Cllrs Bukky Okunade, Abbie Akinbohun, Qaisar Abbas and Daniel Chukwu met virtually and discussed the vaccine awareness plans jointly with residents, urging them to get the Covid vaccine.

Speaking in the meeting, Cllr Okunade said: "This is a united voice across Thurrock asking the communities, particularly the people from BAME communities, to come forward and take the vaccine. I believe this will help all of us to get rid of coronavirus."

Cllr Akinbohun said: "I strongly encourage everyone to participate in taking the vaccination so that we can help each other and move out of this Covid lockdown into our normal life."

Cllr Abbas said: "The Covid virus has affected so many within our communities, and it is our moral and human duty to protect ourselves, our families and community members. The best protection against the Covid virus is the vaccine, and I encourage everyone, especially from BAME communities, to step forward and get this vaccination."

Cllr Chukwu added: "I have taken the vaccine and feel normal. As a person from the BAME communities, I know it's your choice, but I encourage you to take this vaccination to save lives."