Union questions closure of car park used by hundreds

The Fountain Street car park has around 450 places but it is due to close on May 1 after the lease with the owners ran out.

Pauline Lewin, Chief of Infrastructure and Development, said they were seeking a solution.

In a statement she said: “We realize that this will be a concern for both staff and patients and we are therefore working on a number of arrangements to alleviate the pressure this will inevitably put on our car parking provision.

“Specifically, we are currently negotiating other car parking options including a number of parking spaces at the KC Stadium and a Park and Ride facility from Priory Park. We will also undertake a review of the Argyle Street car park to ensure that spaces are being maximized.

“Wherever possible we will be encouraging our staff to choose public transport options and working closely with public transport providers to develop services accordingly.”

However regional officer for Unison Ray Gray said the proposals “were not an answer to what is an ever increasing problem.”

He said: “Even now it is difficult to find a place as a patient or as a member of staff. A lot of time they are full and for staff on night shifts or early starts Park and Ride is not always available and the right way of getting backwards and forwards.

“Argyle Street is a huge area but it is maxed out in terms of parking.”

The hospital also said it was introducing “pay on exit” barriers, following feedback from users.