'Totally unacceptable': Brackley has been left out when it comes to electric vehicle charging points, claim Lib Dems

The Brackley Liberal Democrats say that the council’s claims of installing EV charge points all across the county are incorrect and they have neglected Brackley.

On-street electric vehicle (EV) charging points have been or are being installed in seven locations in the town of Northampton; three sites in Towcester; one in Daventry and one in Welford. None have yet been installed in Brackley and to date there are no plans to install EV public charging points in the town.

Representatives from the Brackley Lib Dems are now calling on West Northamptonshire Council to amend their plans and include Brackley in a revised EV charge point plan.

Liberal Democrat candidate in the upcoming Brackley South By-Election, and local campaigner, Jeremy Gladwin, said: “Leaving the third biggest town in West Northamptonshire out of the electric vehicle public charging point plan is totally unacceptable.

"The Conservatives tell people to do their bit for the environment but then let residents down, taxing them extra for collecting garden waste from their green bins. And now Brackley is being left out of the EV on-street charging points roll out. Despite Brackley residents being heavily dependent on private cars, with no train station and inadequate local bus services.”

Cllr Larratt, cabinet member for environment, transport, highways and waste at West Northamptonshire Council, responded to the Lib Dem statement and said: “As part of the Virgin Media Park and Charge project, West Northamptonshire Council (WNC) consulted on possible locations for on-street electric charging points in 2020.

"The locations which were identified were subject to further analysis to determine their viability. Using existing Virgin Media street cabinets and ducts, on-street electric vehicle charging points have been installed by Liberty Charge at seven locations which met this viability, these charging points are entirely funded by Innovate UK.

"The council continues to identify and consider possible locations for EV charging points and is also in the early stages of developing its strategy to enable EV infrastructure within the area.

"Residents can identify possible future locations for charging points by visiting: www.westnorthants.gov.uk/buses-and-transport/electric-car-chargers”