PARKING problems in a traffic-clogged hospital car park will be eased after plans for extra spaces were given the go-ahead.But bosses at the West Suffolk Hospital have warned that visitors to the Bury St Edmunds unit could still struggle to find a place to park, regardless of the additional 250 spaces to be provided in the hospital grounds.

PARKING problems in a traffic-clogged hospital car park will be eased after extra spaces were given the go-ahead.

But bosses at the West Suffolk Hospital have warned that visitors to the Bury St Edmunds unit could still struggle to find a place to park, regardless of the additional 250 spaces to be provided in the hospital grounds.

Planning permission for the spaces has been granted by members of St Edmundsbury Borough Council's development control committee. The additional car parking areas will be at the rear of the hospital site.

"We are constantly looking at ways to alleviate the problem of having too many cars on site," said Steve Moore, director of estates at the hospital.

"However, this issue is not going to disappear and we are still not going to be in the position of guaranteeing a parking space at peak times to everyone who wants one.

"I would urge people to take the environmentally friendly option of using public transport whenever possible, and walking and cycling if weather and distances allow."

Planning permission was also granted for a diagnostic treatment centre, to reduce waiting times for day case patients, to be built as an extension to the day surgery unit in Macmillan Way.

The £3 million scheme features additional theatre suites on the lower floor of the centre, with the first floor serving as an outpatient clinic.

Building work will begin later in the month, and is scheduled for completion in November.