While the proposal to combine GP surgeries with top-class sport and leisure facilities around the area of Moor Park Swimming Pool has been broadly welcomed residents are concerned by the amount of vehicles using the site.

The fears were raised during a public consultation exercise held last night.

Residents believe the health centre, gym, pool, sports hall and library will attract more cars than there are parking places.

Joyce Haworth, of Warbreck Hill Road, who attended the consultation at Bispham High School, said: "I had thought this was very positive before I came here tonight, but now I can see concerns over traffic and parking.

"They have said there will be 250 parking spaces, but when you think how many staff they've got, as well as patients, swimmers, people using the gym, people using the library, will it be enough?"

Ashfield Road resident Steven Bate, said he was disappointed the consultation panel, made up of GP Steve Parr-Burman, Paul Walker from Blackpool Council and Phil Lilley, from developer Assura, could not answer his question about how many people were expected to use the centre.

He said: "It's a wonderful idea, but they need to address the parking issue and also employ a full-time park keeper."

Steve Williamson, district commissioner for Blackpool Scouts, said: "These facilities could potentially be of great use to the youngsters, although we share concerns about traffic and parking."

And a local gym-owner said she was worried about how the development would affect her business.

Estelle Goldsmith, owner of Bispham Body Sense, on All Hallows Road, said: "We are finding it hard as it is and I'm concerned about the impact on my gym."

The project would see two GP surgeries – Devonshire Road and North Shore Surgery – move into the centre, likely to include outpatients and consultants' clinics, minor surgery, dentists, sexual health and diagnostics.

The existing swimming pool would stay at the heart of a three-acre complex including four badminton courts and a 40-station gym.

Bispham Library, which would move from its current site, would double in size.

Paul Walker, Blackpool Council's director of leisure, culture and community, said the traffic and parking concerns would be looked into.