WEST Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has offered her support to bosses running the popular motorway services in Worcestershire which is a vital resource both for local people and motorists travelling through the county.

The MP was briefed on plans to improve the electric vehicle charging capability and see new EV chargers now in operation at Strensham services on the M5.

Roadchef chiefs briefed Harriett on the company’s ambition to extend the electric vehicle charging provision and prepare for hydrogen-fuelled vehicles in coming years.

The company is planning to invest in around £10 million to improve the hotel at the northbound services and improve the HGV parking area following £1.6 million of investment in the retail and food provision in the last 12 months.

But the company has asked Harriett to intervene to help secure a long-term deal meaning the company can invest further significant sums of money in the electric and hydrogen vehicle solutions.

Roadchef leases the site from the Department for Transport and Harriett has agreed to encourage the Government to press on with negotiations to secure a long-term deal.

Harriett said: “Over recent months, I have met with organisations delivering both EV and hydrogen solutions and it is clear to me, that this infrastructure requires significant financial investment, and we need to do that now to help us all hit our net zero targets.

“Strensham services is one of the largest employers in my constituency and people visit the facility travelling to and from the South West and I am told that during the Glastonbury music festival, the services is the busiest in the country.

“It was useful to see the new EV chargers in operation and to hear the company’s impressive plans to invest in the future.

“It is important that taxpayers get best possible value from this deal, but I was happy to raise the case with the Department for Transport.