THE issue of parking at Oxford’s hospitals never seems to be far from the news agenda.

This time patients at the recently opened Cancer Centre at the Churchill, in Headington, have raised serious issues about pressure on spaces.

The story is of people leaving cars on grass verges because of the lack of provision to make sure they don’t miss appointments.

The Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust says the number of spaces for the Churchill site is approximately 1,300.

But they also insist the amount of people using the new centre compared with the old Churchill has not increased ‘significantly’.

That doesn’t mean there is not a problem.

The revised Water Eaton park-and-ride service will certainly help ferry people to the facility.

But many can’t and won’t be in a fit state to put up with the bus journey to and from their cars parked on the edge of the city.

There are some truly world-class facilities at Oxford’s hospitals, but – as the site continues to expand – there will inevitably be even more pressure on parking.

Let’s hope a realistic solution can be found for the scrum in the car parks.

CONGRATULATIONS to the organisers of a whole series of great events at the weekend.

Hundreds of people across the county enjoyed the sun from the Barton Bash to Jericho Street Fair.

There are some great pictures of the days out in today’s Oxford Mail.

But what’s worth mentioning is these events were organised by communities.

It’s good to see that spirit flourishing in our city.