THOUSANDS of patients who use a busy health centre in a Fenland village are set to benefit from a new community car park. The Upwell Health Centre serves more than 9,000 people in the area, but in recent years there has been a marked increase in parking p

THOUSANDS of patients who use a busy health centre in a Fenland village are set to benefit from a new community car park.

The Upwell Health Centre serves more than 9,000 people in the area, but in recent years there has been a marked increase in parking problems in and around the centre during peak surgery times.

The parking issue had become a nightmare for residents, and the lack of spaces resulted in drivers pulling up on double yellow lines which caused traffic jams for ambulances and on call doctors.

However, following an investment of £100,000 from King's Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council, a new community car park has been opened on the site of a former tram depot and Sewage Treatment Works, adjacent to the health centre in Townley Close.

Councillor Vivienne Spikings, who represents Upwell on the borough council, said: "We say it's the most well used cul-de-sac in West Norfolk and we're absolutely thrilled with the new car park.

"It is a big investment in a rural area and its great news for anyone who visits the health centre."

The new car park has 47 spaces and the land was provided by the borough council, which also carried out the work. The project was supported by the primary care trust, Norfolk County Council and parish councils.

Councillor David Pope, who also serves Upwell on the borough council, said: "There was a real danger that parked cars could prevent emergency vehicles getting through.

"The car park will really ease the congestion and it's great to see this come to fruition at last."

Local parish councils, the primary care trust and Upwell Health centre will make an annual contribution towards maintenance.

The borough council agreed in 2006 to use £100,000 from existing capital reserves to pay for the new car park.