AS women across the county take extra steps to look after their personal safety in the light of the killings, Ipswich Hospital has relaxed its car-parking restrictions for staff.

AS women across the county take extra steps to look after their personal safety in the light of the killings, Ipswich Hospital has relaxed its car-parking restrictions for staff.

Regulations were brought in to place on October 1 which meant all staff who live within 25 minutes walk of the hospital were not entitled to parking permits.

However, following advice from the police, this has been relaxed and extra car parks have been opened up close to the Heath Road site.

Jan Rowsell, spokeswoman for the hospital, said: “The trust's management team have taken a decision to immediately suspend the walking boundary and to put in place extra car parking in light of the reported murders.

“Colleagues may be concerned for their personal safety as a result of these awful incidents and, whilst there is nothing to suggest that we are at greater risk because of these events, it would be sensible to give thought to your personal safety.”

Ms Rowsell said parking permits have been obtained for those people that do not have them and said that staff who do have to park in the more remote sites will be given time during the afternoon to move them on to the main site.

She said: “Security staff will be present along the route to the car park and on the site. We want people to feel as safe as possible.

“These measures will remain in place until these issues are resolved or until the lighter evenings come along.”

She urged people to think about sharing lifts with friends if possible to reduce the pressure on the car parks.