PLANS to solve parking problems in the streets around Burnley General Hospital have moved a step closer with a major consultation exercise on a proposed residents-only parking scheme.

The East Lancashire Hospitals Trust last year paid Burnley Council £23,000 to develop residents-only parking schemes in several of the worst affected streets as part of its ambitious plans for the £20million Phase 5 development at the hospital site.

Parking around the hospital site, in Casterton Avenue, has been a problem for more than 25 years with residents complaining about streets being blocked by cars belonging to hospital workers and visitors.

The proposed scheme, which could be implemented as early as July or August if residents are in favour, will cover 18 residential streets and 3,500 homes.

Residents in the streets covered by the scheme would be issued with permits for themselves, and to issue to visitors.

Charges for the scheme have yet to be decided, but a similar scheme already operating in Ebor Street costs £10 a year.

Resident Tony Taggart, 47, of Fleetwood Road, said: "People parking in the streets around the hospital has been a problem for years.

"People double-park on the streets and are often so far on the pavement that people trying to pass with prams or wheelchairs have real problems.

"It's good to see that something is finally being done."

Coun Paula Riley, who lives in Briercliffe Road and whose Lanehead ward is affected by the parking problems, said: "This has been a major problem for 25 years. I was happy to see a start has been made with the consultation.

"Everyone I have spoken to who has visited the hospital has had problems parking at some stage.

"It is appalling and I hope that this time a solution can be delivered."

Mike Hall, head of facilities at Burnley General, said: "The Trust contributed £23,000 towards the Residential Parking Scheme around the Burnley General Hospital site as part of its planning approval agreement with the council for the Phase 5 development.

"We have introduced measures to alleviate on-site car parking difficulties, including the provision of additional car parking spaces for patients and staff and a park-and-ride service for staff.

"We will continue to monitor the arrangements that have been put in place with regard to access, road layouts, and car parking, to minimise difficulties during the construction period."

A spokesman for Burnley Council said: "We are hoping we can find the right medication to solve the parking problems at Burnley hospital.

"2Once residents have been consulted the plans will go out to public display."

Residents have until next Thursday to complete their consultation forms.