ULVERSTON could be about to get a third electric charging station installed – but Barrow has none.

Ulverston’s Booths supermarket submitted an application to install four new rapid electric vehicle charging stations within the existing parking spaces to South Lakeland District Council.

If the planning application is successful, it will be the third electric charging station in Ulverston, with the other two at St Mary’s Catholic church and on Brewery Street.

But Barrow awaits a first.

Barrow mayor cllr Bill McEwan said: “This is something that we have to respond to as soon as possible, Barrow cannot be left behind.

“It is amazing to consider that we build nuclear submarines and yet we don’t have any electric charging stations. This is something that we are looking into and will be doing my best to pursue it.”

Ulverston Cllr Pauline Halfpenny said: “Residents are being increasingly encouraged to use dual-purpose and electric vehicles and this is the way things are going.

“Ulverston has to be looking to the future, but I would encourage the installation of these charging points to consider how it affects residents using the car park.

“The Booths car park does get very busy so I would hope that these new charging stations doesn’t affect this and they are put in an appropriate place.”

A spokesman for Booths said: “Responsible business practices are integral to Booths and we’re constantly striving to be a more sustainable retailer.

“Booths are aware there are a growing number of our customers who are using electric cars and the area is not currently well served in terms of charge points. Booths want to offer a convenient service for our customers to charge their cars whilst they shop.

“Booths plan to roll out electric vehicle charge points at 26 of their stores in 2019. All of the installations are subject to landlord and planning approval.”