Measures have been suggested to ease parking pressures on the streets surrounding a north-east hospital, amid fears the situation is about to get much worse.
The area around Chalmers Hospital in Banff is often packed with vehicles belonging to visitors at the medical facility.
Now concerns have been raised that the situation might get worse when two GP practices merge there next month.
The 6,300 patients at Deveron Medical Centre will join with Macduff Medical Practice on May 1 – with the new combined facility moving into the Fife Street hospital.
Banff councillor, John Cox, has been involved in the talks about finding a solution to ease the parking pressures.
He said: “Quite clearly, with the amalgamation of the two medical centres, this will bring extra pressures on parking in the area.
“That will mean traffic movements and we’ve got to make sure there’s enough room.
“I requested a meeting with all stakeholders, like the health service and the council, to ensure adequate public transport was provided along with signage.
“We’re also looking at the possibility of extra car parking in the vicinity.
“It is all at an early stage and nothing has been agreed, but there will be further consultation with residents.”
Angela Keith, the council’s Banff and Buchan area manager, said meetings were taking place to discuss increasing parking and improving public transport.
The local authority, the Aberdeenshire health and social care partnership, councillors, doctors and NHS Grampian are part of the talks.
Ms Keith said: “A multi-agency working group was set up to look at matters relating to the move of general practitioner provision from Macduff to Banff, including parking.
“The group has looked at enhancing and increasing parking provision, as well as developing information to assist the public to locate parking in and around the hospital and GP practice.
“The town bus route is to be altered to include the hospital, and improved signage and information will be provided for visitors, as well as possibly increasing the number of spaces available in this area.
“We are hopeful that these measures will make it easier for patients and visitors to get to and from the hospital and would be keen to get their feedback.”
