A proposed date for the construction of a new multi-storey car park at a hospital was revealed at a meeting.

During a West Hertfordshire Hospital Trust (WHHT) AGM meeting at Watford General on Thursday, September 21, deputy mayor Peter Taylor mentioned the need for a new carpark at the hospital.

He has previously campaigned for “urgent improvements” to be made to parking facilities at the hospital, in Vicarage Road, after growing concerned about patients parking on a “steep slope” and “poor surface”.

Don Richards, chief financial officer at the WHHT, responded to his question by saying that a new carpark should get approval in September 2018, with the hope of being used by September 2019.

Cllr Taylor said it was the first time he had been given a definite date for this.

He said: “Everyone who has ever used Watford General's carpark knows that it is not good enough. It is too small, on a steep slope and poorly surfaced. We need a new carpark that is closer to the hospital and has more spaces.

"I am pleased that hospital managers have now made it clear that they plan to build a new carpark and that this should be completed in the next couple of years."

A spokesperson for West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust added the new car park is expected to provide “level access to the main hospital buildings”.

They said: “West Hertfordshire Hospitals NHS Trust is working with Watford Borough Council to improve the car parking facilities at Watford General Hospital as soon as practicable.

“In June 2017 the Trust submitted a Business Case to NHS Improvement to seek approval to proceed with their preferred option; the construction of a multi-storey car park that will provide level access to the main hospital buildings.

“The business case process will take approximately 15 months which includes time to produce designs and obtain planning consent. Allowing for a 12 month construction and commissioning phase, the Trust hopes the new facility will be available from September 2019.”