AN IPSWICH Hospital worker today defended drivers who leave their cars on a residential estate.Leanne Nessling, 19, said the problems start at the hospital and not with those who are forced to park legally in the streets.

AN IPSWICH Hospital worker today defended drivers who leave their cars on a residential estate.

Leanne Nessling, 19, said the problems start at the hospital and not with those who are forced to park legally in the streets.

Residents around the Heath Road hospital have long complained about congestion caused by visitors and staff who park in their streets.

Last week, Ipswich Borough Council executive committee agreed proposals to tackle problems in the Australia estate, which is most affected, but people feel the real solution lies at the hospital, which has a shortage of parking spaces.

Leanne, who works in the Heath Road pharmacy, said: "The reason I don't park at the hospital is because there is no adequate parking. If they had adequate parking for patients and staff, it would be a whole lot easier.

"The only other option is the Pearson Road car park, but in the winter I don't want to be walking there when it gets dark."

Miss Nessling, of Angus Street, Ipswich, added: "I park my car down Adelaide Road. It is always legally parked and I move it every couple of days.

"I can understand people getting angry at drivers parking near their driveways. If I was living there I would not want someone parking outside my house, but at the end of the day I pay my road tax."

She added that she had received scratches to her car while parked on the Australia estate and had been threatened by someone living there to move her car.

Plans for the Australia estate suggest a mix of double and single yellow lines in some roads. Some residents are angry at the "piecemeal" solution, but the report is still subject to change following further consultation.

At the executive committee meeting last week, Martin Cook, portfolio holder for transport and the environment, said: "This report has highlighted the seriousness of the problems on this estate.

"People who have contacted me have all supported yellow lines being put in but the debate is where they should go.

"We will now advertise the proposals and give people a period of weeks to offer their views on this."

Jan Rowsell, of Ipswich Hospital, said: "People nearby have to live with emergency vehicles so out of courtesy we ask staff to park in staff car parks rather than in residential streets.

"The staff car parks cost around £6 a month for full-time employees and they are floodlight and are covered by CCTV cameras."

The hospital, which is working closely with both councils, has said it will announce its long-term car parking plan in the autumn.

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