A POPULAR Herefordshire countryside destination is hiking its parking charges by as much as 25 per cent as it tries to handle rising costs.

Queenswood Country Park and Arboretum, off the A49 between Hereford and Leominster, said the price rises would be introduced from Monday (November 7).

The park, run by Herefordshire Wildlife Trust, said parking charges needed to be higher due to the "rising costs of materials and equipment needed to maintain the site".

OTHER NEWS;

It now means parking for one hour will cost drivers £1.70, a rise of 20p, and for up to two hours it will be £2.50 – a 25 per cent rise from the previous cost of £2.

Up to three hours will cost £4, 50p more than before, and up to 10 hours will rise by 50p to £4.50.

An annual parking permit will now cost visitors £65, a rise of £5 on current prices.

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Queenswood, the only country park in Herefordshire, said a charge for coaches will also be included on the new car park signage, but motorbikes remain free.

Blue badge holders should show it to staff in the visitor centre between 10.30am and 3.30pm to receive an exemption on the day of their visit.

OTHER NEWS:

Queenswood said it features an extensive and exciting range of attractions that are interesting, fun and healthy for people of all ages.

On top of this, it hosts a variety of special events are organised throughout the year.

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