RESIDENTS in Liden are concerned the opening of the Great Western Hospital in November will further exacerbate parking problems.

Those living in the Moors, Sedgebrook and Tyron Close are worried that with thousands of vehicles expected each day at the new hospital, staff, patients and visitors will turn their roads into a giant overspill car park.

Their plight follows a similar predicament experienced by residents in neighbouring Eldene.

Parking bays were introduced in Bowleymead, Stubsmead and Colingsmead after residents claimed workers at nearby Dorcan House were commandeering their spots.

Coun Pete Brown (Lab., Dorcan) said: "We all have genuine concerns about car parking at the new hospital.

"We know that parking is always a problem and some are worried that people not wishing to park in the hospital car park will use residential areas for overflow parking.

"We have consulted with borough highway officers who have agreed to undertake surveys prior to the opening and will continue to monitor the area thereafter. If it becomes apparent that local residential areas are being abused in this way then we will investigate the introduction of parking schemes."

The £150 million hospital at Commonhead, two miles east of the existing Princess Margaret Hospital, opens on November 5, with the accident and emergency department becoming operational on December 3.

Chairwoman of Tryon Close residents' association, Jennie Aries, said: "There is a convenient slip road connecting Liden with the main road near the hospital. My concern is that once people realise this it will pave the way for people who don't want to pay for parking at the hospital to leave their cars on roads around here.

"I'm worried that residents will find there is nowhere for them to park their cars. If there is a lot of trouble with parking then I would like to see the situation monitored by traffic wardens."

Next door neighbour Dave Smith, 37, added: "We have a dentists just round the corner and people using that park round here.

"As long as it is just cars that park here then I am not worried. The hospital hasn't even opened up yet so we will just have to wait and see what happens."

There will be 1,100 car park spaces at the new hospital exactly the same number as there currently are at Princess Margaret.

Car parking costs, controlled by Swindon Council, will remain the same, but long-stay visitors will be able to get a special discount.

Hospital spokesman Chris Birdsall said: "Staff will have to pay for their parking, but those living within a certain radius of the hospital will not be entitled to a permit. We want to discourage cars and encourage staff to walk or cycle to work.

"More frequent bus services and improved routes should mean better access to the hospital. Parking in Liden and walking to the hospital is not an attractive option anyway.

"It's a long way, especially when it's dark and raining, and people will have to cross a busy road to get to the site."