HOSPITAL staff will be charged for parking, the trust running it has said.

The Warrington Guardian understands a space will cost £90 a year, rising to £107 for hospital consultants.

North Cheshire Hospitals Trust confirmed it plans to introduce the charges, but did not give details of the figures.

The charge is part of a wider plan to improve the traffic situation.

John Doyle, director of finances at North Cheshire Hospitals, said: "We have drawn up a variety of measures aimed specifically at targeting this issue.

"These include the creation of around 100 additional spaces on site through the demolition of our North Lodge building and the introduction of a partial one-way system for on-site roads."

The trust said the moves are part of its green travel plan.

It has also been meeting residents about the problems of staff and patients parking off site on the streets opposite the hospital.

Clr Jeff Richards, (Lab-Bewsey and Whitecross), has told the Guardian the parking problem is creating a "volatile" situation.

He said Tuesday and Thursday appear to be the busiest days, when patients come in for planned surgeries.

"This problem has been going on for 20 years," he said.

"We need residents only parking."

Bridget Murphy, of the Stroke Association, said: "I don't even try to park at the hospital any more."