New Russells Hall Hospital staff car park open

?A new £6 million car park at Dudley's Russells Hall Hospital today opened for staff.

The 691-space multi-storey was due to be completed in October.

Hospital bosses hope it will ease parking congestion in the streets surrounding the hospital, where residents complain their roads are blocked by visitors and staff using them as overflow spaces. It has been built at the back of the site in Pensnett Road.

Workers were today shovelling snow around the site to allow staff access.

Councillor Steve Waltho, a member of the hospital groups' council of governors, has described the car park as "an absolute necessity" to help ease the parking problems.

More than 1,030 fines were issued to drivers parked illegally on surrounding roads during the past year.

But the hospital trust has come under fire for planning to charge staff to use the car park — but not guaranteeing them a space.

Monthly fees of £15 have been proposed for full-time staff, and £7.50 for part-time staff. Bank staff and those on lower salaries will have to pay £5 per month.