NEIGHBOURS have joined forces in objecting to the plans to build a new multi-storey car park near Whiston Hospital.

Maurice Handley, secretary of the Delph Residents Action Group said a recent public meeting attracted more than 60 people and the support of local councillors as well as Knowsley South MP Eddie O'Hara.

He said their main objections are the car park's location and potential traffic problems.

Mr Handley added: "The local people suffer from on street parking, so we would like to see an improvement in car parking, but not at the cost of the appearance of the landscape."

He suggested it would be possible to build the car park in a less prominent position.

A spokesman from Knowsley council said, as planning permission has not yet been granted there is no start date for building to begin.

They said the proposals also include improvements to the junction on Delph Lane and added that the development is linked to the long-term regeneration of the hospital.

The plans will go before the planning committee on Thursday September 30.

A spokesman from St Helens & Knowsley Hospitals Trust said: "The redevelopment of Whiston and St Helens Hospitals will see £1/4bn invested in Healthcare facilities for St Helens and Knowsley Boroughs."

The new car park, with 600 spaces, they insisted, is an essential part of the new facility.