PROPOSALS for a new hos- pital at Heatherwood have divided Ascot residents, fol- lowing a public exhibition held last Thursday in Ascot Racecourse.

Neighbours praised the plans as a much-needed shot in the arm for the ageing site.

But some also criticised the lack of parking spaces as well as the effect on the value of houses in the area and the decision not to retain the ex- isting hospital.

The overhaul, which is ex- pected to be completed in summer 2019 if all goes well, is the latest step in the fight to keep a hospital in the As- cot area.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, com- plained: “I do not think the car parking is anything like adequate.

“Wexham Park and Frim- ley Park hospitals cannot cope with the parking at the moment.”

Julia Weston’s house backs on to the site and she is wor - ried the value of her proper - ty will fall.

She said: “I am concerned about the lack of space be- tween the hospital and the house.

“The issue is very difficult and I really think it will af- fect the value of my invest- ment.”

Mark McCormack, from Cheapside, believed the pro- posal was an improvement but was surprised the exist- ing hospital did not feature in the plans.

“It looks like a nicer build- ing. But I would have liked some of the old hospital to still be used rather than be- ing demolished,” added Mr McCormack, 22.

Hospital staff have also responded positively to the scheme despite reservations about parking.

Yvonne Day, senior sister at Heatherwood, was glad that such a large scale investment was being earmarked for As- cot at a time of severe budget cuts nationally in the public sector.

She said: “It is a very rare opportunity to start some- thing from scratch in health- care services. We are very lucky.

“The only worry is that there will not be enough parking for traffic.”

Nicola Wesson, deputy di- rector of communications at Frimley Health Foundation Trust, which is managing the site, said residents were hap- py the campaign for a new hospital was being heard.

She continued: “People are really keen to see a new hos- pital at Heatherwood. There have been lots of comments and questions about what that will look like.”