THE New Year is expected to see one of the first electric vehicle projects in the country move into gear in Tenbury.

Early in 2020 the Teme Wheels group was formed with the mission of being a pioneer in bringing electric powered community transport to rural areas.

The project required £20,000 of funding to be achieved from the local community and with grants.

This was required in order for a matched funding grant to be available for the project that costs £40,000.

An extension was needed to give people in the area the chance to secure the necessary funds but this was achieved at the end of the summer.

A vehicle with wheelchair access was needed and there was a concern that it would be hard to get one because of production problems linked to a shortage of computer chips for cars.

However, a vehicle was found and is expected to be in use in Tenbury during the early part of 2022.