DORCHESTER has taken another step towards a green future for its park and recreation ground staff.

The town council has already switched from noisy petrol-driven hand tools to those powered by battery. Now it has taken delivery of an electric ‘run-around’ vehicle.

The pick up is the latest step in the council’s drive to reduce emissions produced as part of its daily operations.

Said outdoor services manager, Carl Dallison : “It is fantastic to take delivery of the vehicle and equipment and to know that we are now firmly moving towards significant emissions reduction. Users of the gardens will also benefit from extra peace and quiet too. Both the van and the machinery are significantly quieter than existing petrol or diesel engine equivalents making the Borough Gardens even more of a peaceful spot to escape the hurly burly of the town centre or grab a relaxing break from work in gorgeous surroundings. We are proud to be doing our bit to improve the environment in Dorchester and help in a little way towards reducing emissions nationally.”

The Goupil G3 produced by Bradshaw Electric Vehicles will be seen mainly in the Borough Gardens and around Dorchester Town Centre. Despite its small size it will be difficult to miss in its distinctive livery carrying the green message, created specially by Hardy Signs. It has a daily range of around 45 miles with its size perfect for the narrow and winding paths in the Borough Gardens.

The council has also started replacing older two stroke petrol equipment with battery powered maintenance tools such as brush cutters, blowers and hedge trimmers. To recharge this equipment in the future the council is installing solar panels on its depot roof which, when combined with battery storage, will remove the need to use electricity from the national grid.

The changes are part of the council’s wider biodiversity strategy which has already seen the purchase of a green waste shredder which has put an end to the disposal of green waste from Dorchester’s open spacer; a reduction in treated mains water consumption by digging a borehole to serve the Borough Gardens and the use of natural predators instead of chemicals to tackle pests in the town’s nursery and flower beds.