AN outlet shopping village in Somerset has recently installed electric vehicle (EV) charging bays.

Clarks Village, in Street, now has four EV bays, which are free to use and allow customers to plug in and charge their vehicle.

The bays are operated by Pod Point, and are situated in car park two, in the north-west corner near to the centre entrance, at the shopping village.

Somerset County Gazette: NEW: Electric Vechicle charging bays at Clarks Village. Pic: Huw John

Chris Davies, centre director at Clarks Village, said: "Clarks Village has long been investing in creating a green, sustainable experience for our guests and we’re pleased to now provide charging bays to help power electric vehicles.

"While their vehicle is charging, guests can spend time in the Clarks Village outlet enjoying up to 60 per cent off at up to 90 high street and designer brands including The North Face, Levi’s, Timberland and Jack Wills.

Somerset County Gazette: NEW: Electric Vechicle charging bays at Clarks Village. Pic: Huw John

“As an outdoor shopping centre, the outlet also boasts stunning landscaped gardens, the King Arthur’s Forest adventure play park and a selection of restaurants and eateries creating an environment which is pleasant to spend time in as well as doing our bit to help the planet.”

The EV charging bays are part of Clarks Village's commitment to further develop a green shopping experience. Their plans also include sourcing 100 per cent of its electricity from renewable sources and recycle more than 70 per cent of its waste.

Clarks Village has launched Refill-Me water points throughout the centre, a water fountain which has already reduced thousands of plastic water bottles being in circulation, while used coffee grounds are recycled into organic compost for the landscaped gardens which also feature butterfly and bumble bee-friendly shrubs alongside bird houses and bug hotels to encourage wildlife.

And the equipment in the adventure play park with its slides, swings, treehouse towers and bridges were created using environmentally-friendly sourced materials and methods.