ELECTRIC car charging points in a town centre car park are hardly ever used and non-electric cars should be able to use them, says a district councillor.

Cllr Brian Pilcher say he has never seen an electric car recharging at the Priory Road car park since six power points were installed a year ago by Malvern Hills District Council..

And he says ordinary cars, which are currently banned from occupying the places, should be allowed to use them until electric cars become more widespread.

He said: "I go to the Splash two or three times a week and I always take a look. I've never seen an electric car parked there, and I've not heard second-hand from anyone who has.

"I'm not saying they should be removed, after the money has been spent to install them, but until they become better used, I think petrol and diesel cars should be able to park there. We need as many parking spaces as possible."

But the council's head of community services, Ivor Pumfrey, said: "The electric charging points are used and their use has become more noticeable in the last few months. It is fair to say they are not used to their full extent but the electric car market has been slower taking off in the UK than was expected.

"These charging points are very important as they are the only publicly available ones in Great Malvern town centre. This council installed these points with grant assistance recognising the need to ensure that the town is ready and equipped to meet the increase in electric car numbers.

"The six dedicated charging bays do not have any impact on overall parking capacity in the town centre – there is no shortage of capacity on this long-stay car park”.