Truro’s MP has welcomed confirmation from the Royal Cornwall Hospital Trust that it is prepared to fund an extension of the Truro Park and Ride service to better support hospital staff.

Sarah Newton has been campaigning alongside staff members at the Treliske hospital to secure the extension following the Trust’s announcement of increased staff car parking charges.

The new charges, which came into effect this week, represent a fivefold increase in parking costs for staff on lower wages and Mrs Newton has been championing the Park and Ride as a more affordable alternative.

She said that in a letter received yesterday the Trust confirmed it was in discussions with Cornwall Council as to how park and ride services could be extended at the Trust’s expense, as the current timetable meant no services are available for staff working later shifts.

However, a hospital spokesperson said the same day that this was “nothing new”, adding that this always formed part of the original discussions, to extend opening hours and “explore options for spreading payment.”

Mrs Newton said the Trust also confirmed its plans to create a parking concession for staff members with disabilities, to allow them to continue to park on site at Trelsike.

Mrs Newton said: ‘‘I am pleased by the Trust’s positive response to my suggestion that it get round the table with Cornwall Council to secure a better deal for its hard working staff. I am also very grateful to the staff members whose hard work on a Park and Ride survey has enabled me to make a strong case for extension; their determined campaigning has really made a difference.

“This is of course far from the end of the road and I will continue doing all I can to secure extended opening hours at Truro Park and Ride.

“Given the Trust’s new financial commitment I am hopeful that, through continued close working with all at RCHT and Cornwall Council, this can be delivered.’’