Patients are being urged to park sensibly when they visit a health care centre in Gorleston.

The Central Healthcare Centre's patient participation group is urging patients to park off-street wherever possible and keep dropped kerbs clear to make access easier for people with disabilities.

Tina Cleveland, chairman of the patient group, said: 'This is a very difficult issue which we have been working closely with the surgery for some time to try and resolve.

'Inconsiderate parking can have a big impact on local residents, especially those with disabilities who rely on features such as dropped kerbs to help them to safely negotiate the street.

'We would encourage people to park and walk to the surgery wherever possible, for example using the pub next door which is offering the chance to park for the whole day for a minimal fee of just £1.

'This will mean the onsite spaces are kept free for those who are less able.

'We hope that if everyone takes a little bit of time to think before they park, we can improve the situation for fellow patients and residents alike.'

Patients who have disabilities or walking difficulties can use any of the six spaces which are available at the surgery.

The patient group says it and the surgery is also working with local councillors to explore the possibility of adding white lines to restrict parking in front of some dropped kerbs.

In June 2016 the Central Surgery and the Family Healthcare Centre combined to form Central Healthcare Centre.

At the time the Central Surgery had 12,334 patients registered and Family Healthcare Centre on East Anglian Way had 5,193 patients on its books.

The move did spark parking concerns from residents.

The patient group and surgery is also encouraging patients to sign up for its online services which are available at the practice.

This enables patients to make appointments, order prescriptions and access certain areas of their medical records such as test results, all of which reduce the need for patients to attend the practice.

The patient group is also looking to recruit new members to help deliver a better service to the patients. Call 01493 414141 for more information.