Stolen trust parking machine to be replaced

A sandwich board sign stands next to a tall, skinny wooden plaque, with framed posters on it, at the edge of a car park in the countryside. The sandwich board sign reads, in green chalk, "Mind the hole! Our carpark machine has been stolen. Please contact police if you have any information that could help us. In the meantime, please use the cafe or one of the welcome team to pay. All of it helps us to conserve this beautiful place. Thank you!".Image source, Handout
Image caption,

The parking machine was stolen several months ago

  • Published

A parking machine that was stolen from a National Trust car park is due to be replaced.

A hole was left in the ground at Woodchester Mansion's Tinkley car park in July, with a sign now placed over the site where the device once stood.

The National Trust, which owns Woodchester Park, asked anyone who may have witnessed the theft to contact Gloucestershire Police.

Visitors to the site have been asked to pay for their parking at the on-site cafe, or with a member of the welcome team, until the machine is replaced.

Woodchester Mansion is now closed for the year, but its surrounding parkland, Woodchester Park, is still open to the public.

A spokesperson for the National Trust said the theft happened on 21 July, and police were informed.

"The machine is due to be replaced shortly," they said.

"The National Trust is a conservation charity dependent on the income it receives, including from car parks, to support vital conservation work and improve access in the area."

Gloucestershire Police has been approached for comment.