THE trust which runs Fairfield Hospital has raised more than £1 million a year through car parking charges and will be increasing prices this weekend.

The Pennine Acute Trust is one of 12 hospital trusts across the country to raise more than £1 million through car parking revenue, according to figures provided by the Department of Health, under the Freedom of Information Act.

The annual income for the trust during 2004-05 was £1,114,564 but health bosses at the trust, which runs hospitals in North Manchester, Rochdale and Oldham, as well as Fairfield, put the figure down to being one of the largest trusts in the country, treating more patients.

John Wilkes, director of facilities for the trust, said: "As one of the largest hospital trusts in the country we have over 4,500 car parking spaces, so we would expect to have high revenues when compared to other trusts, as we have more patients, visitors and staff at our hospitals.

"All the money raised from car parking is put back into paying for security across our hospitals. This includes security staff located at all sites, security patrols, monitoring CCTV, cash collection, watching car parks and buildings, and general security work. Last year we spent around £1.2m on providing security services across the trust."

From Saturday, the cost of car parking at all of the Pennine Acute sites is set to rise by 10p for four hours, taking it to £1.40; by 20p for ten hours, making it £2.80; and 30p for 24 hours, up to £4.10. For a weekly ticket, the cost is also rising by 30p to £4.10.

Mr Wilkes added: "We feel that this is a reasonable amount when compared to other hospitals, and certainly when compared to commercial rates, which would be much higher."