SKIPTON Town Council has shown its green credentials by taking delivery of a new eco-friendly electric van.

Councillors first considered purchasing an electric vehicle for use by the council's estates team, which carries out work in parks, allotments and areas owned by the council, in 2019; and after recently carrying out research and getting costings, all members of the council agreed to go ahead with the purchase.

The van, a Volkswagen Transporter, has been bought on a lease arrangement, is costing the council £230 per month and will be charged at the council's own depot.

Louise Close, chief officer of the town council, said it was good news for the town and is in line with the authority's sustainability goals.

"All councillors are focused on the sustainability goals of the council and in achieving them; all members fully supported this project which shows the start of our greener values being turned into reality," she said.