A HEALTH centre worker said there is anger among his colleagues after they were told staff would no longer be able to park for free at work and will have to pay to park elsewhere.

The Droitwich Health Centre employee, who did not wish to be identified, said staff had received a letter announcing that from Monday, November 13, they must make alternative arrangements during the construction period of the town's new health centre, which is set to be relocated further down Ombersley Road East at the former magistrates court.

She said the letter, from assistant director of clinical services and nursing Sandra Hulme, said the car park currently used by staff would be used to store building equipment, although there would be seven spaces for staff who needed to take equipment to and from vehicles.

She said an application form was enclosed for a Wychavon District Council car parking permit - priced at £36.

"We are all incensed about it," she said. "We all have to carry equipment to and from our cars - seven spaces is ridiculous.

"We feel that this isn't just a temporary measure, because when we move there won't be enough car parking spaces anyway."

She said staff were also concerned about health and safety. "We have twilight nurses who work in the evenings and district nurses carrying medical equipment," she added.

She said staff had signed a petition and had vowed to make a stand.

"We are all sticking together - we are not going to pay and are prepared to risk the fines," she said.

A spokeswoman for Worcestershire Primary Care Trust said: "There have been discussions with staff at Droitwich Health Centre, McAlpine, the developers of the new medical centre and project management staff at the primary care trust.

"They have met to try to resolve the inevitable car parking issue when the construction of the building commences.

"No changes to car parking will take place before February 2007 and a drop-off bay will be available while the construction work takes place so clinical staff can unload any important medical files into the health centre."