First car charging point launched in Church Stretton

Following a recent report that found people were less likely to buy electric cars because of the difficulties in recharging the vehicles, organisations from the town have worked together to encourage people to use a greener form of transport and bring more people into Church Stretton.

The Midcounties Co-operative has provided the electricity to power the charging points in the town, which are located on the car park adjacent to its food store on Lion Meadow.

The Society has worked alongside three other leading local organisations to support the initiative, including Shropshire Council, Church Stretton Town Council and environmental charity Stretton Climate Care, which helps residents to reduce their carbon footprint.

The charge points, which can power a range of electric vehicles, were revealed at a sustainability event at the store on Friday 1 August. The day included interactive energy saving activities from The Co-operative Energy and Global Action Plan, a charity that aims inspires people to take practical environmental action. Activities included encouraging customers to use a power-producing exercise bike and a cosy home exhibition showcasing how residents can save money and energy in the home.

Dan Pardesi, Energy Reduction Officer for The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “Protecting the environment and supporting the communities in which we trade form part of our social goals. We’re pleased to be able to support the installation of the new EV charging points, as part of our sustainability month, as they will help to boost tourism and encourage people to consider electrically powered vehicles, which produce less harmful emissions.”

Cllr. Michael Braid, Mayor of Church Stretton, said: “Church Stretton is a town that is at the forefront of environmental responsibility with charities like Stretton Climate Care spear-heading initiatives like the EV charge point project to promote the themes of sustainability and carbon reduction to the people of the town.

“We are proud to be involved in bringing the first publically accessible electric car charging points to Shropshire and we look forward to welcoming new visitors to Church Stretton because of them.”

The event was hosted as part of The Midcounties Co-operative sustainability month which aims to educate and inform customers and members about the importance of sustainable practices and protecting the environment.

Claire Wild, Shropshire Council Cabinet member for transport and highways, said: “The first stage to improving electric cars viability and appeal is to put in place a network to charge them. Our view of motoring and how we use cars evolved with the petrol station providing fuel and this is a great moment in Church Stretton to provide the equivalent service for electric vehicles. Sustainable transport is becoming more and more prevalent and I’m proud we’re enabling Shropshire to keep pace with these changes.”

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council member for Church Stretton and Craven Arms, also welcomed the new charging point, saying: “You see these charging points across the country in many different locations but up until now, we hadn’t provided one in South Shropshire. It’s a real step forward and I’m particularly proud it’s come here in Church Stretton!”