IT came into being thanks to tireless campaigning by numerous individuals, most notably the former MP for Worcester, Peter Walker. Our older readers may recall how this newspaper also contributed with its hard-hitting For Pity's Sake campaign back in the 1980s.

Nevertheless, there were those who predicted that Worcestershire Royal Hospital - even when it was no more than a twinkle in the architect's eye - would never be large enough to cope with the area it intended to serve. Indeed, there are many who still hold to that view - and especially with regard to the current parking arrangements.

There has, over the last few years, been a steady stream of complaints to the Worcester News from citizens who have encountered difficulties finding somewhere to place the car while visiting sick relatives. Then there are others who feel, with some justification, that they shouldn't have to put up with scarce spaces in residential roads being taken up with hospital traffic.

This ludicrous situation has gone on for far too long - and that is why we're backing John Rostill's efforts to create a multi-storey car park on the site of the present facility. It seems that the hospital boss is the main driving force behind this move, Mr Rostill throwing it into the pot during a general policy discussion.

Now is the time for action. Yes, this newspaper will always believe that the Royal was never big enough in the first place. But if a silk purse can be made out of this particular pig's ear, then let's get to work without delay.