GPs and staff at a doctor's surgery in Stroud are appealing to members of the public not to use their car park unless they are visiting for a medical appointment.

Medical staff at Rowcroft Medical Centre and Lloyds Pharmacy have voiced their ‘frustration’ over the parking issue. 

Currently, pharmacy customers and patients can park for free in the surgery's car park for 90 minutes during operating hours on weekdays from 8am to 6.30pm. 

Motorists are also allowed to pay and park at the parking lot after 8pm on weekdays, after 2pm on Saturday’s and all day on Sunday’s. 

However, it appears that members of the public who don't have appointments are taking up vital parking spaces on weekdays at the Stroud medical practice.

Drivers have even been parking in reserved Doctor and Nurse slots, according to a spokesperson at the doctor's surgery. 

A spokesperson said in a statement: “Our car park is private and for patients visiting Rowcroft Surgery and Pharmacy only.

“Currently, as our afternoon surgeries are starting, there is nowhere for these patients to park.

“Please help us by only using the car park when you are using the surgery or the pharmacy. 

“We are really sorry if this message comes over as petty, but it is horrible for our patients when they cannot park and, whilst we are open, it is there only for our patients to use."

Six years ago, the surgery began working with a parking company to address the issue.

They even put up barriers, but they were eventually cut down by a driver who became trapped.

Staff have now said they are planning to install a new large sign at the entrance on Rowcroft Road to deter potential parkers.

It is also thought that some drivers may park in the doctor's surgery car park by accident rather than using the council-run car park, which is just metres away.

The spokesperson added: “At 2pm on Friday (March 31) according to our check-in information we had two patients in the surgery.

“However, our car park was full - not just the marked spaces but also the exit road, outside of the pharmacy and in unused, reserved Doctor and Nurse slots.

 “Whilst some people are early due to traffic, which is fine and understandable.

“Please do not come early so you can pop into town before your appointment. Don't use our facilities then pop up to town afterwards. Do not park here if you are not visiting the surgery or the pharmacy even if you are a registered patient. Do not park here if you are going to, or working in, the new Five Valleys Surgery.

“It is also not good for those of who park here and, during our opening times even if you have paid, if you are not using the surgery you are likely to receive a fine which we are unable to assist you with.”