A pledge to secure zero carbon status for Barrow borough by 2037 is to take a step forward as two key projects move closer to fruition.

A plan to install 18 electric vehicle rapid charging points in borough council car parks and other locations is expected to begin in the coming months.

In addition to this, solar panels could also be installed on a number of council-owned properties in the Roosecote and Yew Tree areas to increase the volume of homes running on clean energy.

Both form part of Low Carbon Barrow – a two year scheme launched by Barrow Borough Council last year thanks to funding secured from the European Regional Development Fund and Cumbria LEP.

It includes a series of innovative projects which aim to reduce carbon emissions across the area while supporting its economic growth.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “As a council we have always been clear about our ambitions for the borough to become carbon neutral by 2037.

“It’s vital that we all do our bit to contribute towards a cleaner and healthier planet for ourselves and future generations.

“Low Carbon Barrow will help us to achieve this goal and I’m really pleased to see these two projects moving forward. Each one will realise tangible benefits for residents, our borough and the environment.”

Barrow Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and formally adopted its Climate Change Policy last year.

The authority is now in the process of appointing contractors for each of the projects following a tender process, with work expected to be nearing completion by April 2022.

A list of locations for the rapid electric vehicle charging points will be confirmed later this year, while householders living in properties in line for solar panel installation will be consulted prior to work beginning.

Other Low Carbon Barrow projects will include BugOut – a mobile, low carbon vehicle that will tour the borough to demonstrate everyday low carbon technologies that residents and the business community could support – and measures to increase energy efficiency in public buildings.

Barrow Borough Council is also launching a Citizens’ Jury this autumn where residents from a diverse range of backgrounds will help to identify ways to lower emissions across the area.

Cllr Thomson added: “Everyone can make a difference to our carbon footprint as a borough. Every action, no matter how small, is a step in the right direction.

“These Low Carbon Barrow projects are exciting and we look forward to the reduction in carbon usage they will help us to secure.”