FOUR months after electric car charging infrastructure, which had been installed without permission, was removed from a Barnard Castle car park, contractors were back again last week.
They coned off a large section of the pay and display car park in Galgate, Barnard Castle, ahead of resurfacing work before charging points were put into position. Last year contractors were told to remove bollards and an electric cabinet when they had been installed without approval from Durham County Council. Dave Lewin, Durham County Council’s strategic traffic manager, said: “As a council, we have pledged to take action to reduce the county’s carbon emissions and making electric vehicle (EV) charging points more widespread and accessible will help us in our goal.
“We have received a number of requests for EV charging points in Barnard Castle.
“Galgate was selected for its central location and proximity to a suitable power supply in relation to a power connection. Although there will be a loss of one parking space, this will allow for the charge points to be more accessible, especially for those with mobility issues. We can also confirm that we will be carrying out maintenance on the car park in the next financial year.”
The project is to ensure residents without off-street parking can charge their vehicles within a five-minute walk of the homes. Other charging points have been installed at Queen Street car park and are proposed for the grounds of The Bowes Museum.
