ILLEGAL parking outside Bridport's health clinic is causing misery to patients and staff.

The situation has got so bad at St Swithun's House, next to Bridport Medical Centre, that the NHS is considering taking legal action against persistent offenders.

Dorset Primary Care Trust's security management specialist Will Smith said the problem has been going on for more than a year, even though signs clearly state that parking is designated for staff and patients only.

The building is the base for district nurses, midwives, podiatry services, health visitors, speech and language, school health, family planning and visual services, so the car park is very busy.

But inconsiderate motorists are taking up parking spaces, sometimes for days at a time. And when staff tackle drivers they are frequently met with a torrent of abuse. Mr Smith said: "Many patients, including elderly and disabled people and those with children, are being forced to park elsewhere.

"Staff have had to walk distances carrying heavy cases and there have been times when illegally parked cars have blocked access by emergency vehicles.

"These parking spaces are needed all the time but some cars have been abandoned for days and weeks. Some of the motorists concerned have been abusive towards staff and it has come to the point where it is really affecting staff morale.."

Mr Smith said that anti-social behaviour and abuse towards staff was totally unacceptable and offenders would be reported to the police.

"If necessary we may have to consider legal action against persistent offenders," he added.

A police spokesman said: "There are four records where members of staff have reported abandoned vehicles then a further one where a staff member was abused by the driver of a delivery lorry.

"There are, however, four reports of vehicles that have been parked in the car park being damaged or having nails put under tyres. On one occasion a vehicle had some of its wheel nuts removed.

"Car parking, or lack of it, is an emotive issue and the NHS trust is entitled to take measures to ensure its staff and patients have adequate parking.

"I would ask that any incidents relating to unacceptable behaviour by owners of vehicles parked unlawfully should be reported to us - likewise any unlawful damage."