As we have reconnected with nature in the last year through lockdown and increasing climate change worries, many of us have flocked to our green places of interest.

Macclesfield Forest, which is located three miles south east of Macclesfield Town centre, is one of them.

However, in our increasingly cashless society, it has been slightly inconvenient for those parking at the Macc beauty spot.

The parking machine at Trentabank Car Park, is located at Clarke Ln, Sutton, close to Trentabank Reservoir.

While most Macclesfield car parking facilities take card, this idyllic car park, nestled next to the Trentabank Ranger Station, only takes cash payment.

Many younger visitors have visited without any coins on them, and have had to park on the narrow country roads nearby, or risk a fine.

Having experienced this first-hand ourselves, Macclesfield Nub News were keen to find out more on whether the parking machine will get card or contactless payment soon.

Macclesfield Nub News spoke to the Peak District National Park, who take great care of Macclesfield Forest along with owners United Utilities.

"Pay and Display machines across our sites are replaced as part of a rolling annual programme, typically based on age from their original installation," a Peak District National Park spokesperson said.

"This involves a small number of sites within our 27 P&D car park network each year.

"During the replacement process, we aim to provide the latest technology and payment options, however this is always reliant on local capabilities such as connectivity and 4/5G coverage, which varies throughout the national park.

"The systems at Trentabank or not scheduled for replacement in the immediate future."

With signal being spotty around the area, it makes sense that a risk has not been taken in going cash-free for this Macclesfield car park.

You can learn more about Macclesfield Forest here.

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