THE installation of the new electric vehicle (EV) charging network in Weardale, is about to begin. Following a competitive tender by Durham County Council, the contract for the works has been awarded to Gronn Kontakt (UK) Ltd who are working with their trusted delivery partner Elmtronics Ltd, based in Consett. The project will see 20 chargepoints at eight sites across Stanhope, which means that all residents will have a chargepoint within a five-minute drive from their home. This project is funded by OZEV (Office of Zero Emission Vehicles) and is being viewed as a national demonstrator of how Government can encourage the switch to electric vehicles, both cars and small vans.