A land ownership dispute has left two electric vehicle charging station sitting 'idle' and 'useless' after six months of being installed.

Six months ago, two rapid EV chargers were installed at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Hexham by Transport North East, a sector of North Tyne council.

The chargers were installed as part of the 'Go Ultra Low North East' campaign and was hoped to reduce car emissions but also to promote the use of electric vehicles in Northumberland.

Despite being installed, the two chargers have been left disconnected to power and unusable due to a land dispute.

There has also been power supply issues, which has also added to the lack of progress to the station.

Many questions have been asked about the stations but there has been no update till now.

A spokesperson for Transport North East, said: “As part of the Go Ultra Low North East project it was agreed to install two rapid EV chargers at Wentworth Leisure Centre in Northumberland.

"The chargers have been installed however unfortunately due to land ownership and power supply issues there has been a delay in bringing the chargers into operation.

"Transport North East is working with partners, including Northumberland County Council and Northern Powergrid to ensure the chargers are operational as soon as possible and we apologise for any inconvenience caused to users in the local area.”

Hexham Mayor, Derek Kennedy has responded to the news, he said: "This very disappointing, I have been asking the Council every month for an update but it’s now 6 months and still no solution.

"People are getting disillusioned at the lack of progress."

Liberal Democrat Town Cllr for Hexham East Suzanne Fairless-Aitken agrees with Derek Kennedy and said:"This really should been a good news story with additional EV supply, but it’s now been over 6 months of the facility sitting idle and people are asking me what’s going on.

"A simple planning application would have resolved all of this, but now we have to wait for a promised move to cleaner energy...with no end date in sight.

"It's disappointing."

VOTERS in the Hexham East ward will go to the polls next month to elect a new county councillor.

It follows the resignation of former Conservative councillor Cath Homer earlier this month.

The election will be held on Thursday, December 16.

These are the candidates standing for election:

Stephen Ball, Conservatives

Suzanne Fairless-Aitken, Liberal Democrats

Jonathan Wheeler, Labour

Lee Williscroft-Ferris, Independent