A POPULAR south Essex country park has introduced a cashless payment system at its car park.

The new cashless pay and stay process has been announced today to bring Hadleigh Country Park in line with the rest of Essex's country parks.

Visitors will now need to make their payment through the MiPermit website, app or the new contactless-only onsite terminals.

A Hadleigh Park spokesman said: "Visitors to Hadleigh Country Park should be aware that we now have a new pay and stay, cashless, payment process in the car park, bringing us in line with the rest of the Essex Country Parks.

"Payment is now available through the MiPermit website, app or onsite terminals.

"You can visit the MiPermit website to pre-pay, or simply pay on arrival via the app or onsite terminals - which are contactless only."

Residents are encouraged to download the MiPermit app in advance of their visit for "ease", or invest in the Explorer Pass which is valid at all country parks across the county.

They added: "We’re proud to confirm that all money from car parking is ultimately reinvested to manage and maintain the park for the benefit of residents."