FURTHER to previous letters about parking at the county hospital and enforced street parking by staff, I feel some points need clarification.

Two other hospitals (that had car parking spaces) are now amalgamated into the one county site.

Contrary to local opinion, staff are not automatically entitled to a parking permit. Applications have to be made for limited spaces available, but this still does not guarantee a slot.

I work in a department staffed by professionals who live in Worcestershire, Gloucestershire and Shropshire as well as Herefordshire.

None of us has been able to obtain a parking permit.

It is frequently impossible to find a pay and display car park with vacant slots, so there is no alternative than to park on the road, unfortunately, outside other people's property.

We do not like doing this, but ensure we do not block driveways. One recently parked in Lichfield Avenue and received a threatening note on her windscreen telling her to 'go find a car park'.

She also works at Gloucester part-time and is quite likely to make that into a full-time job she was so upset.

Another, accosted in Southbank Close, contacted the police for advice. They said: "You have as much right to park in residential streets as those living there, (unless restricted by permits etc) and if residents have a complaint, they should contact the local council and not berate members of the public.

"If this happens again or the person feels that their car is at risk, the police can be called to discuss the situation in the presence of both parties."

All we want to do is to park, without confrontation and to work with our patients without being agitated by the inability to find a parking space.

It is not helpful to start the day without being relaxed and stress free. The situation is not ideal and without tolerance from the public this hospital will lose members of its valued staff to other hospitals.

Name and address supplied.