Anger over redundant Melton electric car charger which hasn't worked since installed three years ago!

Electric car driver Andrew Musson attempts to power his vehicle in Melton's Burton Street car park at a charging point which has remained out of commission since being installed by Melton Council three years ago. EMN-170702-162102001

Andrew Musson pulled his Nissan e-nv200 van up to the machine in one of the Electric Vehicle (EV) spaces in the Burton Street car park but it would not accept the charging user card he has with Chargemaster.

He called the company to be told the council had not yet put the charging point into service.

Mr Musson said: “They were very shocked when I told them that all the lights were showing and that by the looks of it the dirt and cobwebs on it had been there for a number of years.

“I have now written twice to Melton Borough Council with no replies to any of my correspondences to date.

“Chargemaster have, however, had a number of electric vehicle owners contact them over this charge point as drivers wish to use it.”

He said Chargemaster had told him the council said it had installed the charge point in 2014 but it had never been used.

“Surely Melton Council has a green policy for the environment,” added Mr Musson.

“I currently only have one car and this is fully electric and this charging point would be ideal.”

Chargemaster told the Melton Times it had been in contact with the council over the issue.

A spokesperson for Chargemaster said: “We can confirm that this is an issue with the council.

“They decided that they no longer wanted the unit.

“I understand our sales manager has tried to contact the council with regards to having this decision overturned.”

Melton Council said it was now planning to put the charge point into use.

David Blanchard, the council’s corporate property officer, said: “The Council has plans to make the electric charging point at Burton Street Car park operational this year and the council’s intention is for it to be self-funding.

“There are several options and officers are looking into the best option for the council.

“In the past there has not been a significant demand for a charging point.

“However, recently we have received a number of enquiries about electrical charging points and therefore we have now allocated this job to make a live connection and ensure this facility is provided.”

Do you own an electric car and, if so, do you think there are an adquate supply of charging points in the Melton borough?

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