PEOPLE are being urged to give their views on planned work paving the way for the new Airedale Hospital.

A multi-storey car park, access road and electricity substation are proposed at the Steeton site before the hospital itself is developed.

The public can have its say through a series of roadshows, an exhibition or online.

Proposals include a car park with more than 1,200 spaces, plus electric vehicle charging points and areas for motorbikes and bicycles.

Routes for pedestrians would be created, and a new vehicular access from Skipton Road.

There would also be an electricity substation to power the new hospital, and it's planned to relocate the nursery to the north-east corner of the site.

Trees and wildflower meadows would be planted, and solar panels installed on the car park.

Foluke Ajayi, chief executive of Airedale NHS Foundation Trust, says: "This is a really important stage in our journey to a new hospital.

"Our current hospital urgently needs replacing as it has been built using RAAC concrete, and we have to start work on the supporting infrastructure as soon as possible.

"We want to work with our patients, staff and local community to make the most of this opportunity and ensure their views and feedback are incorporated into all the areas of work needed to develop the new hospital."

She adds: "Earlier this year we asked local people for their thoughts on the car park design. We listened closely and have included as many suggestions as possible, such as wider parking spaces, step-free access and using trees and planting as screening.

"We want to hear from as many people as possible about the proposed design and the plans for the other work needed."

Roadshows – where people can view the plans, ask questions and provide feedback – take place this Thursday (November 21) at Steeton Primary School, Market Street, noon-8pm; Friday (November 22), at The Inn at Eastburn, Main Road, 9am-8pm; Saturday (November 23), at The Hub, Stone Grove, Steeton, 8.30am-1pm; Thursday November 28, Steeton Primary School, noon-8pm; Friday November 29, Steeton Primary School, 9am-8pm, and Saturday November 30, Steeton Primary School, 8.30am-1pm.

The plans are also on display at the hospital until December 13, at drop-off and collection entrance 3, Zone C, just to the west of the outpatients department entrance.

And people can provide feedback through an app, by email or via a survey form at airedale-trust.nhs.uk/about-us/securing-the-future-of-airedale/stage-two