A PETITION calling for access-only parking to stop hospital staff and visitors leaving their cars in Ronkswood streets has been presented to the new Mayor of Worcester.

The document was prepared by Ronkswood Action Group (RAG) and signed by 230 Linksview Crescent, Nightingale Avenue, Aconbury Close, Leopard Rise and Leopard Heights residents.

RAG members Angela Carey and Amanda Birbeck presented the petition to Councillor Robert Rowden on the steps of the Guildhall yesterday - his first day in office.

The group says the hospital and other businesses in the area, such as Atkins and Reality, have not provided enough parking spaces for staff and visitors.

"This is only going to get worse when Ronkswood Hospital closes completely in September," said chairman Mrs Carey.

"That will mean another 400 or 500 people looking for somewhere to park. And workers are still moving into offices here.

"Access-only parking would deter office workers and hospital users from indiscriminately parking.

"Of course we feel sorry for all the people looking for somewhere to park their cars, but I'm afraid we're not a public car park."

Mrs Carey said there was little evidence the organisations' green travel plans, which encourage car sharing and the use of public transport, were being adopted.

If access-only restrictions were put in place, Mrs Carey said, she believed it would ensure the green transport plans worked.