SEVEN new rapid-charging points will be put in place after funding was received as part of the effort to reduce emissions, writes Bethen Hughes.

The charging points will be specifically for electric taxis and minicabs.

Slough Borough Council successfully bid for the £157,000 needed to fund the charging points across town, in locations such as Slough Station, Harrow market and Church street.

Jason Newman, the council's environmental quality manager, made the successful bid to the government.

It comes as part of the council's low emissions policy, which aims to reduce emissions in Slough and improve air quality.

Councillor Joginder Bal, commissioner for leisure and the environment, said: “It is excellent that we have been awarded this money to provide rapid-charging points for our taxi and mini-cab drivers.

“Electric vehicles are the future and we need to do as much as possible to encourage those who drive for a living to swap to ultra-low emission vehicles which will benefit their pocket, the environment and the town.”

The new charging points are set to be in place during 2018 and 2019.