Care centre’s broken barrier sparks fury

THE car park entrance — now manned to prevent abuse while the barrier is out of action

FRUSTRATED patients have criticised Oldham’s Integrated Care Centre after a broken car park barrier prevented dozens of people from parking to attend appointments.

The barrier at the New Radcliffe Street centre was left open, meaning anyone could pull into a space and park free, taking up spaces usually left vacant for those with appointments.

The centre houses several GP surgeries, a walk-in centre and a pharmacy among other services.

One angry patient said: “It was incredibly frustrating. I had two appointments on Monday and Wednesday and each time the car park was full of people who had abused the system.

“I drove around for half an hour looking for a space, constantly checking my watch to make sure I didn’t miss my appointment. Some doctors won’t see you if you’re 10 minutes late, so it can be a big worry.” The entrance is now being manned until the barrier is fixed, allowing in only vehicles eligible to park there.

lucykenderdine@oldham-chronicle.co.uk