THOUGHTLESS motorists have been causing problems at a Blackburn GP surgery by parking in the doctors’ spaces.

Dr Mridul Datta has raised concerns over cars being parked at Audley Health Centre in Longton Close.

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Husband and wife team Dr Mridul Kumar and Dr Saroj Datta have had their practice in Blackburn for more than 40 years and said they have never had any problems before.

But several motorists have been taking advantage of the spaces by using them on a weekly basis for six months, the doctors have said.

Dr Mridul Datta said: “I have had enough of this. These people are taking up valuable spaces and our patients are being deprived of places to park.

“The people who are in these spaces are not even patients.

“Our spaces are for us and we are being forced to use our sick patient’s slots as there’s nowhere else to park.”

Along with the surgery’s latest recruit, Dr Harmeet Singh, the medical professionals are calling for those responsible to think before they park.

Dr Datta said the spaces are being taken before 8.30am when he arrives at work.

He said: “This is just ridiculous and it’s starting to get out of hand.

“I have waited for the driver to return but you can not monitor the spaces 24/7 with a busy surgery.

“The people are stealing the spaces before we even get to work.”

Cllr Zamir Khan, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, has warned drivers to be more caring.

The former borough mayor said: “This is not acceptable. It is unbelievable that drivers are being so lazy and careless.

“They are certainly in the wrong place at the wrong time and they have to look at it from the patient’s point of view, it’s not right.”

Audley Health Centre is open to patients from Monday to Friday until 6.30pm, offering extended opening hours until 8pm on Monday and Tuesday.

Dr Michael MacKenzie also practices at the surgery.

According to the NHS website the practice has more than 5,00 patients and is currently accepting more.

The practice also offers a triage clinic and Dr Datta said that other staff members have designated spaces.

He said: “I know it’s not any of the staff as they all have a place to park. Whoever you are parking in our carpark. Pease don’t.”