Campaigners have pledged to continue the fight against increased parking charges at the county’s two main hospitals after health bosses revealed they will be rising by up to 75 per cent.

Former health chiefs, councillors, representatives of patients’ groups and hospital supporters have accused officials at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust of failing to listen to the views of more than 100 people who wrote in raising fears about the proposals.

They have branded plans to raise parking charges a disgrace.

Hospital bosses confirmed this week they will axe the current £2 flat rate and replace it with payments based on how long people stay. The increases will come into force later this year, representing the first price rise in five years.

Councillor Peter Nutting, leader of Shrewsbury Town Council, said: “I’m very disappointed they haven’t been listening to local complaints, particularly in the Shrewsbury area. I will be campaigning to get them to change their minds.”

George Rook, chairman of patient healthcare group Shropshire Link, said: “For most people, you can’t do a visit or outpatient visit in 30 minutes. So most people will pay £2.50, which is an increase.”

David Sandbach, a former chief executive of the PRH who lives in Shrewsbury, said: “They are coming up with minimal changes that will not improve the situation at all. The level of increases far outstrips the rate of inflation over the past five years.”

And Ron Munt, one of the original campaigners to build the PRH, said: “The fact they are hiking up car parking charges is a disgrace.”

Steve Peak, the trust’s interim chief executive, said changes had been made to reflect public concerns, such as extending the time for the lowest charge from one to two hours.