TIME is running out for Worcestershire Acute Hospital's NHS Trust to solve its parking problem.

The county's new Royal hospital is due to be opened at Newtown Road in March, but it needs extra car parking spaces and - as yet - it doesn't have them.

The Trust has put forward a plan for 280 more spaces but the city council has not looked favourably on the scheme.

As we report on Page 5 today, some councillors think a multi-storey car park would be more suitable because they are, quite rightly, concerned about problems for Ronks-wood residents.

Others believe that a better bus network holds the answer and will achieve a key aim - cutting the amount of traffic on our congested roads, not adding to it.

Now the Community Health Council, a watchdog body that keeps an eye on the NHS, has decided to express its concerns.

The new hospital, its chairman says, cannot afford to provide an inconvenient service.

We sure readers will agree that's absolutely right. Few things will irritate patients or visitors more than, at a time when their nerves are already under strain, having to face a parking nightmare that could have been avoided.

What's needed now is for the city council and the Trust to resolve their difficulties quickly.

According to a spokeswoman for the Trust, the matter is under control.

Time will tell if that's an accurate assessment. The clock is ticking.