THREE new electric-powered pedestrian sweepers have been brought in to replace the existing diesel sweepers in Andover town centre.

The move is part of Test Valley Borough Council's aim to reduce its carbon footprint.

Members of the public should start to see the pedestrian sweepers in action over the coming weeks.

The council spent £20,440 on each electric sweeper.

The new machines will be replacing the council’s existing fleet of diesel pedestrian ones. 

The council said the new sweepers are more powerful, and quieter, which is beneficial as they will be predominantly used in both Andover and Romsey town centres.

READ MORE: Woman fined hundreds of pounds for leaving tree waste in ditch close to her home

In 2020, the council approved its Climate Emergency Action Plan, which identifies what actions the local authority will take towards becoming carbon neutral.

Portfolio holder for environmental services, Cllr Nick Adams-King, said: “It is excellent news that these new electric-powered sweepers have arrived. By moving to electric, we are helping to reduce our carbon footprint, whilst continuing to maintain high cleanliness standards in our town centres.

“It’s also important that we are not disrupting town centres, so these improved performance machines will not only make the job quieter but do their job to an even higher standard.

“Any action we take that makes us closer to becoming carbon neutral is a positive step forward in the right direction.”