FREE parking in Sandbanks seemed too good to be true for puzzled drivers yesterday.

But when Shore Road car park re-opened without a ticket machine after weeks of works, that’s what they got.

The pay and display machine and lampposts will be replaced by the end of next week, a Poole council spokesman said.

Brenda Powell and her husband cut short their trip for fear of getting a parking ticket.

Mrs Powell, from Alderholt, said: “This is one of our regular places to come. It was nice to see the car park open again but there was no machine to pay.

“We had a cup of coffee in the Jazz Café but then decided to move on. We’d normally walk from here. There are a lot of people wondering whether to park or not.”

Kathy Cluett, 52, from West Moors, was visiting a friend in Sandbanks and said: “The entrance sign clearly says pay and display but of course there’s no machine. I had a good look around and then thought that’s it, I’m parking here anyway – there’s no way of paying for it.”

Jo Hughes, 45, from Wimborne, came for a walk in the sunshine with her husband.

“Everyone was wandering around looking to see if anyone else had tickets,” she said.

“There should definitely be a sign up to say temporarily parking is free.”

Wessex Water accidentally removed the machine and lamppost’s cradle and connections while replacing their pumping station, a council spokeswoman said.

New parts have been ordered and they will be fitted by the end of next week, she added.