Aldi plans for Lees to include four EV charging points

The Co-op store in Lees is set to close for good

Saddleworth and Lees councillors have received the positive news that Aldi’s plans for the Co-operative site in Lees would include four new EV charging points.

Greater Manchester Combined Authorities (GMCA) has set a target of 3,000 public charging points by 2025, but so far has fewer than 400 in place.

Local Lib-Dem Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “On hearing that Aldi’s plans for the site included new parking, I immediately raised the issue of charging points.

"I was delighted to get a positive response straight away, with the intention being to create four new charging points on the site.

“Currently there is just one public charging site in Lees, and very few across the whole of Saddleworth.

"With GMCA delivering barely any facilities, it is great to hear a retailer backing the technology so confidently.”

The Liberal Democrats on Saddleworth Parish Council insist they have repeatedly flagged the issue of the lack of charging points across the district, but had little positive response from Oldham Council.

Councillor Barbara Beeley, who highlighted the failure to deliver charging points at the new Saddleworth School, said: “Embracing green technology is essential; it makes sense for our future and our present.

"I look at my grandchildren and I want to see them growing up in an environment that I did my best to protect.

"Green businesses will provide so many jobs for the next generation.

“It is great to see businesses coming to our area looking to make a positive impact.

"We want to see more public projects following this lead.

“We are pushing for both electric charging and other renewable technology to be key features in the forthcoming Neighbourhood Plan for Saddleworth – we live in an beautiful part of the world, and every step to protect the environment is a step to keep it safe.

"I’m delighted to hear these plans - thanks Aldi.”

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