South Swindon Parish Council has bought a new electric van for its services supervisor.

The new van cost the parish £20,000 but £3,000 was paid for by a government grant.

It will cost as little as 3p per mile to run.

Parish chairman Chris Watts said: “I’m really proud that the parish council has taken this step and have reduced our carbon footprint.

"There are many benefits to the parish council getting a new electric van. They include vastly reduced running costs and therefore a saving to the precept payer, reduced maintenance costs and being a responsible role model to other organisations to show they can both be environmentally friendly and save money.

"The non-electric equivalent of these vans are comparable in cost due to the government grant applied to them so it’s a win-win. A win to the taxpayer in reduced running costs and comparable cost of the van and a win for the environment.

"We’re really pleased to have been able to do this.”