HYNDBURN is to get its first charging point for electric cars, it can be revealed.

A delivery bay close to Accrington Town Hall, in Broadway, will be converted into a free ‘fast charging’ point for economical motorists.

More bays are planned for the future, including one on the site of the town’s bus station, which is set to move from Peel Street to land between Union Street and Blackburn Road.

The council received £26,250 from the government to help fund the charging point, which will recharge in around 20 minutes.

Council leader Miles Parkinson welcomed the plans, yet to be officially drawn up, which he said were in demand.

The former firefighter said: “I have been approached by people who have bought electric cars saying there’s no fast charging point.

“We got funding, and we are simply going through the process. We hope to have it up and running early in the new year.”

The proposal has still to be given the green light by council planners, and the cabinet will likely be asked to agree to offer the service free of charge.

Nick Gaskell, from Great Harwood firm Gaskell Motor Bodies, leases an electric Nissan Leaf, and has been consulting with the council on the charging point.

The company, which helps with the monthly Farmers’ Market held in the town, will also help with the launch.

He said: “Electric cars are fantastic. The furthest I have been in the Leaf is to Blackpool Tower and back. It costs around £1.40 to charge.

“There are two modes: Economical for the maximum miles-per-gallon (MPG), and drive. If you put your foot down, it’s proper fast.

“There’s no lag or gear changing, it’s automatic, and it’s just power. It’s not as fast as an M3, but it’ll do 0-60mph in 10 or 11 seconds.”

There are more than 20 models of ‘green’ cars on the UK market, and every major car company will sell vehicles with electric power by the end of next year, the national campaign Go Ultra Low said.

Around 5,000 public charge points have already been rolled out across the UK.

According to GoUltraLow.com, they can be found at the Renault dealership at Blackburn Motor Park, Pendle Street, Copy Nook, BP Ewood service station, Bolton Road, Blackburn, Extra Services, M65 junction four, Darwen, Best Western Mytton Fold Hotel and Golf Club, Whalley Road, Langho, Hackings Caravan Park, Elker Lane, Billington, Asda Chorley, Prince Street Car Park, Ramsbottom, Chorley Nissan, Sainsbury’s Car Park, North Valley Road, Colne, and one w