I AM writing in response to the article 'End of short cut to work' in the Chorley Citizen (September 22).

I too live in Astley Village and work at Chorley Hospital. The post was attractive to me in that I could walk to work after many years of having to drive.

However, now that the barrier has been erected at the maternity unit entrance I am being forced to take my car to work again and adding to the already dire parking problem that exists at the hospital.

I cannot believe that a NHS trust is actively discouraging its staff, patients and visitors from walking or cycling to its premises at a time when we are all being constantly urged to improve our personal health and fitness.

It also seems strange that funding can be found to produce a very substantial structure in a period when the trust is suffering financial constraints and is reviewing and relocating services.

Perhaps the trust would like to comment on this. The fact is that this route into the hospital has been used as a public footpath by patients, visitors and staff for a long period of time and I believe that no alternative pedestrian entrance to that part of the hospital site has been provided.

Is this a possibility? Many people will feel strongly that a considerable number of people are being inconvenienced because of the actions of a minority who are not actually breaking the law by parking where no parking restrictions exist.

Are there any other areas of Chorley where residents can choose who parks outside their home?

Name and address supplied.