AN MP has claimed more needs to be done to stop people from abusing the free parking facilities at the town’s hospital.

Wrexham’s MP Ian Lucas has called for better transport systems linking into the town centre in order to tackle what he calls a ‘considerable problem’ at Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

Parking at all NHS hospitals in Wales is free as of September 2018 – including at Wrexham.

Mr Lucas said: “It has been a considerable problem for a long time now and it is linked to the fact that we do not have a satisfactory public transport system in Wrexham. We don’t have a good enough bus service connected to the hospital.

“In the House of Commons, there is an MP pursuing a campaign to have free parking at hospitals in England and there seems to be no awareness of the issues that can arise from parking at hospitals.”

The Leader has previously reported measures to help tackle the long-standing lack of parking at Wrexham Maelor Hospital were being drawn up by health chiefs.

In April, it was reported Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board was looking at the prospect of creating additional parking spaces by converting land near the hospital that can no longer be used for its original purpose.

But Mr Lucas believes the solution lies in ‘the broader improvement of the transport system in Wrexham’.

He said: “We can’t solve the problem by building bigger and bigger car parks. It is a considerable walk now from the furthest point of the car park in Wrexham to the hospital entrance, so we need to have a completely different approach.

“We are hoping to get more trains into the station and connections to the rest of North Wales. The hospital facility needs to be, not just for Wrexham, but across North Wales. If we are going to do that then we have got to have a better transport system which is integrated with trains and buses.”

The MP said he has been working on this with Wrexham Council’s lead member for transport and has spoken with Ken Skates, the minister for economy and transport, on a regular basis.

A Welsh Government spokesman said: “The management and operation of the car parks at Wrexham Maelor Hospital is a matter for the health board. However, as a government, we are investing more than £10 million in modernising transport infrastructure and services in Wrexham including proposals for a Wrexham General integrated transport hub, which clearly shows our commitment to the area.

“We are also continuing to work closely with Wrexham County Borough Council to investigate ways for improving bus services. Our investment in delivering better public transport services will play a key role in reducing people’s need to drive their own vehicle into Wrexham.”

A spokesman for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Trust said: “We understand that parking is a challenge on site, and have made efforts to ease pressures, including introducing a drop-off area by entrance B and promoting alternative travel arrangements to the site, such as cycling and car share schemes.

“We intend to develop additional parking spaces.

“Whilst parking will remain free, we are considering parking measures we could introduce to ensure only appropriate patients, staff and visitors are using our car parks.”