PROGRESS has been made in Cumbria’s preparations for the net zero revolution.

Presenting a report updating members of Carlisle City Council on his work, councillor Nigel Christian, the authority’s environment and transport boss said that work is underway to prepare Cumbria for the use of electric cars.

Councillor Christian’s portfolio holder report revealed that Carlisle is supporting a single, joint bid for cash from a multi-million Government fund.

The bid is being coordinated by Cumbria County Council on behalf of a number of partners across the region to support the installation of charging points.

The move is designed to encourage more people to use electric cars and slash vehicle emissions.

This project is currently looking to appoint a project manager to drive the work forward.

Cllr Chris Wills of the Labour opposition said: “I asked a question in a previous meeting about the ratio of electric charging points to properties across the city that didn’t have the opportunity of home charging.

“I think the reason for that question is quite obvious, I think it’s a fairly important point to address.”

“I see the answer isn’t here but also, there’s a project manager post. That sounds like a really promising position.”

Cllr Christian said: “In relation to charging points. The city council staff, we can’t put charging points in the street, that’s a county council matter.

“What we are doing though is developing a project which will enable us to put more charging points in our car parks.”

But Liberal Democrat candidate for Stanwix Brian Wernham said: “The issue of making sure Carlisle has enough charging points goes beyond just council owned car parks.

“City council should be taking a leadership position in planning across the whole city area for what all residents need.

“A city district strategy for car charging for all residents on council car parks, private car parks, street lighting, lamp posts and from their own front drives or rear access roads is needed."