HEALTH watchdogs have called on the Royal Bolton Hospital to consider building a multi-storey car park.

Motorists driving to the hospital are often forced to drive around in circles in a bid to find a parking space.

Vehicles are also parked haphazardly outside of designated spaces in the car park.

With the hospital looking at using one of the car parks for the site of a new unit, John Seddon, chairman of the Community Health Council, believes a multi-storey car park is the best option.

He said: "It's a disgrace at the moment, with people driving around for ages. A multi-storey car park is essential."

Hospital bosses have considered plans for a multi-storey car park in the past but a decision has yet to be made. It is likely to include separated visitor and staff car parks.

A spokesman said: "We are aware of parking difficulties and are looking at various options. A multi-storey car park is one of them.

"Of course, we are mindful that people use their cars. At the same time, we hope people will also look at public transport as an alternative." Parking at the hospital has been an issue for a long time and a row resulted when health chiefs put up parking charges for visitors by 50 per cent.

They were criticised for introducing the new fees without telling the public by Dr Brian Iddon, the MP for Bolton South-east.

He was told that patients and visitors were dismayed when they turned up at the Minerva Road site to find that the cost of parking had risen from £1 to £1.50.

The hospital said charges were necessary to keep the car parks secure and in a good condition.