New electric vehicle charging points have been installed across a borough as part of the council's climate action.

The three new rapid charging points, located in Bamber Bridge, Penwortham and Leyland are part of South Ribble Borough Council's work to improve the electric vehicle infrastructure in the borough.

The charging points, installed by leading EV charging infrastructure provider EB Charging, are a result of grant funding being secured by the Council and are now ready for public use.

Deputy Leader of South Ribble Borough Council Councillor Mick Titherington, said: "Providing improved access to electric vehicle charging provisions, to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles, is part of our wider Climate Emergency Action Plan, and this is just the start.

"We installed charging points at the Civic Centre in 2018 which can be used by the public or council employees, and now we've taken this out to other areas of the borough, but this is just the start.

"We're aiming to have 200 publicly accessible EV charge points across South Ribble by 2030, as well as ensuring adequate electrical vehicle charging infrastructure is provided on all planning applications in line with the council's Electric Vehicle Charging Points Guidance for Developments."

The new charging points are situated in areas convenient for public use - Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, Penwortham Community Centre and King St car park in Leyland.

Each point can serve two vehicles (1 X DC rapid and 1 x AC fast), a full rapid charge can be reached in around an hour - great for those visiting the leisure centre or doing spot of shopping in South Ribble while their vehicle is charging.

CEO of EB Charging, Alex Calnan, said: "We're very happy to be supporting South Ribble on the progression of its Climate Emergency Action Plan.

"Having these charging options in place will encourage more drivers to make the switch to electric and make a real contribution to a low carbon future, while improving air quality for residents, businesses and visitors."

The cost for charging is currently 44p per kW for the public to use these new chargers.

In addition to these new charging locations the council is planning to roll out a further 19 chargers across the borough during the next 12 months, as part of funding from The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles.

South Ribble Borough Council are looking at further grant funding options, which will help them improve the electric vehicle charging infrastructure and deliver other climate action in the borough.