Parking charges could be introduced at Halstead’s hospital over concerns that inconsiderate drivers park for hours at a time without using the hospital.

Robin Waters, chairman of the Halstead Hospital League of Friends, suggested that ticket machines, parking control or clamping could be installed if the problem persists.

Residents across Halstead said cars are spotted parked there for days and weeks at a time, because of a lack of other parking spaces in the town.

Mr Waters said: “People leave their cars there on a permanent basis because there is no charge or fine."

See this week's Halstead Gazette for the full story.