Work on solar canopy and charging points to begin

Work to install a solar power canopy and electric vehicle charging points at a car park in Loughborough is set to begin on Monday.

Charnwood Borough Council said 12 charging points would be installed at Southfield Road Extension car park.

The authority said the canopy would produce "electricity to support the charging hub".

Investment for the £200,000 project had come "through a county-wide initiative", backed by electric vehicle infrastructure funding from the government, the council added.

A battery storage system will also be installed as part of the work.

The authority said during construction, which was expected to be completed by early October, several parking spaces will be unavailable at the car park.

While the council added that it would have to close the car park completely for "short periods".

Beverley Gray, the council's cabinet lead member for climate action and net zero, said: "Making it easier for people to charge electric vehicles is an important part of creating a more sustainable future and this project will be a positive addition for residents, visitors and businesses in Loughborough."

Listen to BBC Radio Leicester on Sounds and follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210.