Ludlow’s proposed £30 million hospital should ideally be built so it can be reached using the town’s park and ride route, according to local residents .

The idea comes after wide scale consultation by Shropshire Primary Care Trust which has also revealed that residents want more day services and “hospice at home” facilities.

Also top of the residents’ wish list is the provision of diagnostic tests, day case minor surgery, and day services like chemotherapy and renal dialysis.

Access to ample parking and public transport are both seen as important in choosing a site for the new Ludlow Community Hospital, with a location on the park and ride route seen by many as the best option if the hospital is to be built out of the town centre.

Members of the Primary Care Trust now hope to submit the final proposal to the Strategic Health Authority.

Peter Corfield, chairman of Ludlow Hospital’s League of Friends, said: “Providing that ticks all the boxes they will get a go-ahead in principle and a guarantee of funding.”

The consultation formed part of a survey on health care. Questionnaires were delivered to households and made available at GP surgeries, libraries and communities venues, plus at five consultation events.

Simon Kenton, PCT and Shropshire County Council director of joint commissioning, said: “We are very pleased so many people have given their views.”

He added: “Their overwhelming support has helped us underline the importance of this project for Shropshire residents and enabled us to make a stronger argument in the developing business case.”