Hospital parking problem protest

Residents of Escomb Road, Bishop Auckland, say staff and visitors to the town's hospital persistently park outside their homes.

They fear that now the accident and emergency entrance to the hospital is in Escomb Road, it will only be a matter of time before double-parking prevents ambulances getting through.

The protestors, none of whom wish to be named, said the traffic problem is so bad they are afraid to let their children play in the street.

One said: "The hospital staff have their own parking spaces, yet they still park outside our homes because they don't have as far to walk.

"It is a busy street and on a main bus route, and when the bus is waiting to turn right at the end of the street the backlog of traffic is horrific.''

The residents say a possible solution could be parking permits for people living in the street, but inquiries to Durham County Council have drawn a blank.

Another resident said: "It is time we had a meeting with the county council, the hospital, Wear Valley District Council and the emergency services.''

A spokesman for Durham County Council said representatives would be happy to meet the residents to discuss the problem.

Hospital chief executive John Saxby said people with specific concerns could contact him.

He said: "There has been some disruption over the past three years while construction work has been going on. We are now in the last phase of the building work and hope to have all the car parking around the hospital completed by the end of the year, providing an extra 150 spaces."

Parking charges have been introduced, with pay and display car parks at Westfield Road and near the accident and emergency department in Escomb Road.

Charges, which start at 80p for two hours, are the same as those at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Visitors can also use the car park next to Escomb Road Health Centre.

Temporary staff car parking is located at the old maternity block, and that area will be barrier controlled.