A Town Council has reacted to the news of papers signed to connect two unplugged EV chargers next year.

There is a final update on when the public can use the two EV chargers at Wentworth Carpark in Hexham.

After being installed in 2021, an investigation revealed that the chargers were left 'unconnected' to the power grid after a dispute over land between Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside Council.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the lease and supplemental deed for the EV chargers were complete - meaning there is hope that the chargers can be of public use next year.

A spokesperson said: "We (the North East Combined Authority) are working with our contractor and Northern Powergrid to ensure the chargers are commissioned as soon as possible.

"Although firm dates are still being worked through, we anticipate early 2023."

Sceptical of the update, Hexham's Mayor Derek Kennedy said: "This has been a long drawn out affair that is so frustrating for all involved it's now over a year since the chargers were installed and we've had to wait as these land issues are sorted out.

"We look forward to the EV chargers becoming operational but I am not aware of any timescales and suspect it could be some time before the first customer gets to charge their vehicle.

"This should have been a good news story but it has become all rather tiresome."