HALSTEAD is taking a step closer to becoming more environmentally-friendly by introducing new charging points for electric cars.

Halstead Town Council is fully backing the idea as part of its environmental policy to tackle climate change.

Up to four charging point parking spaces are planned for the Chapel Street car park, just off the High Street.

Town councillors met on Monday 13 January to vote on the budget for the charging points.

The council has secured a £15,000 grant from the Government as part of a scheme to encourage councils to build more charging points.

An alternative could be for a private company to step in.

The total being spent on the charging points is £20,000, including £5,000 of the town council’s own funds.

Councillors voted overwhelmingly in favour of the project, with just one abstention.

The price-tag could be increased if they vote for that in the future.

The current figure is expected to cover the cost of at least two charging points with hopes of stretching the budget to cover four in total.

Town councillors were joined in the meeting by district councillor, Peter Schwier, who was supportive of the move.

He said: “I fully support Halstead Town Council’s initiative for rapid charge electric vehicle charging points in Chapel Street.

“This will benefit both residents and visitors to Halstead and, I hope, pave the way for further charging points.

“I think it’s very important for Halstead not only to have but to offer this new infrastructure, encourage the change-over from fossil fuels to electric, whilst helping the environment and improving air quality.

“With potentially up to 75 per cent of grant funding available to cover costs, it’s a win-win for Halstead and its residents.”