A PARKING meter put up near a railway station is set to be removed after it was installed by mistake.

Greater Anglia has admitted the new parking meter that appeared outside Harwich Town Station earlier this month was not meant to be put there.

The machine, concreted into the ground, was thought to be going live this week.

But Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson queried the machine with the company and found out it was an error.

He said: "I had been contacted by people regarding the car parking payment machine being put at Harwich Town Station.

"I chased Greater Anglia up as I hadn't been consulted as a Tendring councillor or Essex County councillor and I thought they may have needed permission to put it in as it's a conservation area there.

"There was no sign saying how much and no signs saying how much of the area Greater Anglia have responsibility for.

"But I got a reply from them saying it had been put there in error.

"They are saying at this time there are no plans to bring in charges at Harwich Town Station and that machine will be removed."

Mr Henderson added: "There are huge issues with parking in Harwich for residents so this is really good news."

A Greater Anglia spokesman said: “A pay and display machine has been installed at Harwich Town station car park in error.

“We are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding this and would like to reassure customers that it is currently free to park at this station.

“We have spoken to the local council and explained the situation and would like to apologise for any confusion.”