BARROW Council could use government money to install new charging points for electric vehicles in a bid to improve the town's position as the worst place in the country for owners of the green cars.

Barrow ranks the lowest in Britain for the number of charging points, with two new chargers at Tesco Extra bringing the figure up from zero.

The Department for Transport has announced that government funding will be doubled to £10 million for the installation of chargepoints on residential streets next year.

Barrow Council recently voted to declare a climate emergency and have vowed to look at taking funding to install new charging points.

There are two points at Tesco in Hindpool Road and a private charging station at a house in Roose.

Ulverston has seven charging points in total.

Councillor Ann Thomson, Barrow Borough Council leader, said: "Barrow Borough Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and as an authority, we are committed to a low carbon future.

"One of our ambitions is to increase the number of electric charging points available to all those who live, work or want to visit the borough.

"Improving the charging infrastructure does carry a cost, so we would certainly look to take advantage of opportunities for funding to help us do this, wherever they exist."

Transport secretary Grant Shapps said: "We want to make electric cars the new normal, and ensuring drivers have convenient places to charge is key to that.

"By doubling funding again for chargepoints on streets where people live and opening up data we are helping drivers easily locate and use affordable, reliable chargepoints whether at home or on the road."

The government said the money could fund up to another 3,600 chargepoints across the country and make charging at home and overnight easier for those without an off-street parking space.

Future of transport minister George Freeman said: "We urge local councils to make use of the funding available to ensure their residents feel the benefits of cleaner transport."

The government is hoping to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2040.

The first Barrow charging point was installed at the Tesco store in November.

Councillor Kevin Hamilton, the mayor of Barrow, called it 'a huge leap forward' for the town.

“Hopefully this charging point will encourage further stations to be placed in Barrow," Mr Hamilton said.