CONCERN was expressed in Leominster this week that a proposed £700,000 new family centre and nursery would pile on pressure over parking and increase congestion at a traffic bottleneck.

The plan would add to a "traffic nightmare," at Coningsby Road and its busy junction with Hereford Road, it was claimed.

Increasing parking pressure in the area - which includes the site of Leominster's new swimming pool - could rob the community of valued open space, say town councillors.

Government-funded Sure Start, a support organisation for families with young children, plans to build the centre on a green between Leominster Leisure Centre and the town's Community Hospital.

Plans on display in Leominster show an L shaped building of 12 rooms including activity rooms, a family room, creche, offices and staff rooms

Access would be via Coningsby Road - a cul-de-sac - where one car park serves the leisure centre and the Minster College for both parking and as a boarding point for buses and coaches.

Outline planning permission has been given for Leominster's new swimming pool, to form an extension to the leisure centre, on a site next to the car park

The proposed family centre could be one development too many, say objectors.

"Its already an absolute nightmare in Coningsby Road particularly at the beginning and end of school when so many cars and buses are coming and going," said town councillor Pauline Davies.

"I am very supportive of Sure Start but I think this is the wrong site for the family centre."

Sure Start was an "excellent organisation," said councillor Ann Tether, but the site was unsuitable.

"I would hate to see any of Sydonia or the adjoining open spaces concreted over for cars," she said.

"We should be defending our leisure and recreation space in Leominster. There has been talk for a long time of providing the youngsters with a place for skate boarding - but so far nothing.

"I would prefer to see a skateboard park rather than more car parking. "

Roger Hunt, chairman of the We Want Our Pool action group, said WWOP had expressed concerns and had been assured by county council officials that the parking issue was being addressed.

An area of hard standing by the site of the former youth centre could be used for parking in order to meet demand.

A Herefordshire Council spokesman said planning officials were aware of potential parking and traffic problems. The issue would be considered when the planning application for the centre was submitted.

SURE Start said it planned to hold an open session in Leominster for people to ask questions about the proposed new family centre at Coningsby Road.

A spokesman said: "Family and children's centre development is about ensuring that families have access to a seamless service that provides integrated care and education for young children. This will include health services, family support and access to supported childminding facilities."

The organisation, which also plans to set up a family centre in Kington, is holding a public consultation on the Leominster project next Thursday at the Talbot Hotel from 4-6pm.

Further information is available from Leominster and Kington Sure Start on 01432 383340.

Sure Start aims to submit a planning application by the end of November.