First phase of chargepoints installed with use exceeding expectations

As world leaders meet in Glasgow for COP26, Dorset Council has announced the successful completion of its Phase 1 electric vehicle (EV) chargepoint installation programme.

A total of 42 chargepoints (sockets) have been installed in 21 locations around the county including five replacement rapid chargers and one new rapid charger at the Langton Road Car Park in Blandford Forum.

Use of the chargepoints has exceeded expectations and saved 51,000 kg in CO2e emissions when compared with petrol or diesel vehicle use.

The council is now planning for Phase 2 which could see up to 44 more fast chargers (sockets) and seven more rapid chargers at 24 new locations around the county.

Several of the rapid chargers are expected to be 150kW ultra-rapid chargers, capable of providing 200 miles of driving range in about the same time as it takes to enjoy a cup of coffee.

Most of the Phase 2 sites will once more be in Dorset Council-run public car parks, but the authority is also starting to explore ways to get chargepoints installed in villages, in joint projects involving local residents.

The chargepoints are a joint project with chargepoint installers Joju Charging and Mer.

Both have pledged at least £0.5m to Phase 2 of the programme.

Dorset Council has access to the government’s on-street residential charging scheme (ORCS) and will be using this to fund a number of the new sites.

Cllr Ray Bryan, pictured left, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said: “With sales of new petrol and diesel cars set to be banned by 2030, it’s essential that we expand the charging infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

“The use of electric vehicles continues to grow rapidly, and we can already see the benefit that EV infrastructure plays in building drivers’ confidence and encouraging people to switch to cleaner modes of transport.”

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Chancellor announces £200m fund for the South West

A £200m regional fund for the south west announced by the Chancellor in the Budget is open to businesses in Dorset.

The new fund is a key part of the government’s commitment to overcoming regional imbalances, specifically in access to finance for small and medium sized businesses.

It will provide significant scale growth capital for businesses and offer a combination of debt and equity funding to help businesses grow and create jobs.

Delivered by the British Business Bank, the new south west fund will build on the success of the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fund but across the wider region.

To date it has invested £8.2 million in 35 local businesses, attracting £16.2 million of additional finance and is forecast to create around 400 jobs.

Catherine Lewis La Torre, CEO of British Business Bank, pictured, said: “Our regional funds are focused on those areas of the country where securing access to finance for small businesses is most challenging.

“We have seen how these funds address those market weaknesses and help change perceptions among businesses and other investors about investment opportunities in the regions.

“Our Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Fund continues to invest in the region and we welcome the opportunity to support smaller business in the wider south west region.”

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Eyes Down for the popular JTYAF bingo night!

Have great fun and raise funds for a fantastic cause at the same time.

It’s eyes down for the John Thornton Young Achievers Foundation bingo night!

The event is at Bournemouth’s Cumberland Hotel on Monday  December 6, raising funds to support local young people.

The popular event features prizes including a £100 John Lewis voucher as the star prize for the bingo.

There’s also a ‘Wheelbarrow of Wine’ for the raffle ensuring someone is in for a very Merry Christmas.

All the bingo books are included in the price and with a jacket potato dinner too, an evening of food and entertainment will cost just £15.

Tickets for the evening are available online at jtyaf.org/events/bingo or phone Pete on 07792121645 for more details.