OTLEY is set to get a second charging station amid increasing demand from drivers of electric cars.

The town already has one charging point - at the Licks car park on Cattle Market Street. Local councillors have been approached by a number of residents asking about charging points - most of them people who have bought electric cars or are thinking about doing so.

Now the town is set to get a second charging station in Beech Hill Car Park funded from a government grant and maintained by the company which installs it.

Otley and Yeadon councillors Sandy Lay, Colin Campbell and Ryk Downes are welcoming the latest proposals to expand the network of electric car charging points in Otley.

Cllr Lay said:"A couple of years ago a charging point was installed at the Licks car park. This has proved successful with the growing number of electric car users."

Cllr Campbell added:"We have been in discussion with Leeds about providing further charging facilities. And we have been informed that there are now proposals for a new charging station in Beech Hill car park."

Cllr Downes said: "Given the growth in the ownership of electric cars we will be negotiating for the provision of more of these facilities. They are a benefit for both visitors and residents plus they also help the environment.

Beech Hill Car Park has been identified as a potential location to install up to three dual 7.5kW chargers.

In total Leeds City Council is planning new charging stations at six new locations around the citywith multiple connections at each location. The public charging points will be provided through the ENGIE rapid charge network, with the particular aim of supporting areas that lack off street parking. The charging points will be provided with the use of ORCS funding from government.

The council says it is working to locate charging points in areas accessible to the public. Otley became the first place in Leeds North West to have an electric car charging point when it was installed at the Licks car park in September 2019.