I'M sorry to read that parking charges are to rocket at local hospitals.

From March 1 both patients and visitors must pay a blanket charge of £1.50 for spaces at Leigh, Wigan, Wrightington, Whelley and the Thomas Linacre Centre -- if they can find them.

Personally I think it's scandalous.

The new single charge replaces tariffs of 70p an hour, £1 for four hours, £1.50 for six hours and £2.40 for over six hours.

Staff too have to pay more for their yearly spaces.

These charges are beyond a joke for people who have to make regular daily visits by car to see relatives. Imagine being forced to fork out an extra £10.50 on a tight weekly budget for the privilege of visiting a loved one just once each day.

People will find the money because they are forced to, but it's not on.

The argument stands that we can thank our lucky stars we don't have to pay for treatment and that we could catch a bus to alleviate a dire parking problem, but then how long would the 25 minute journey by car to Wigan take by public transport? A heck of a time.

What do you think?

Write to me or e-mail lesley.richards@lancashire.newsquest.co.uk