THE Evening News is correct in suggesting the recent announcement by the Worcestershire Royal Hospital - to provide an additional 300 parking places - is a joke.

After being involved in many meetings with the management board of this hospital, my concern throughout was that there was no mechanism evident to provide sufficient data to demonstrate the parking needs of all the users of the hospital.

I am still waiting for a comprehensive audit to be carried out by the hospital of how many cars are currently being parked at the old Ronkswood site - also the number of cars parked on verges and yellow lines within the new hospital area.

I would also like to know many of its staff and visitors are parking at County Hall, which is evident at the moment, and finally, how many more cars are parking in and around the Warndon Village residents' households.

Until this audit is carried out and the figures made available to the councils and public, then how can the figure of 300 additional places be believed as resolving the present parking problems or take care of future requirements?

I do hope those responsible will use the Evening News to properly answer all these questions. It is some time for some straight answers.

JOHN W BUCKLEY,

County Councillor

Worcestershire County Council.