THE British Legion has been consulted over additional car parking around the war memorial at Darlington Memorial hospital.

South Durham NHS trust wants to create 57 more spaces to help ease congestion. The plan includes the area around the obelisk.

Mr Alan Foster, director of finance, said: "The British Legion was consulted because of the sensitive nature of the work and to ensure it did not detract from the memorial."

Where possible staff were encouraged to use public transport, walk or cycle to work. "We also have to help patients and relatives to park, which is very difficult especially at peak periods "

Car parking charges will go up from 60p to 80p for two hours from April 1.