A NEW fully-electric mobile library van has been launched by the council.

Cheshire West and Chester Council has replaced the existing vehicle following a consultation last year on the future of the mobile library service.

The new vehicle, which is believed to be the country's first electric mobile library, is fully accessible and includes a hearing loop.

As well as having sustainable features such as solar panels and LED lighting, the vehicle also includes awning for summer activities and on-board Wi-Fi and digital access for visitors.

Council leader and cabinet member for wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins said: "We believe our new mobile library is the first electric mobile library in the country and will contribute to the council’s aim to be carbon neutral by 2030.

"It looks wonderful with its new livery and I’m sure it will attract attention on its routes around the borough.

"Some mobile library stops will also be enhanced with events and activities delivered by the library service and with partners."

When and where the mobile library will stop near Northwich and Winsford

The mobile library's route rotates over a three-week period.

Week one of the route takes place on the weeks beginning August 14, September 4, September 25, October 16, November 6, November 27 and December 18.

On Wednesday in those weeks, the vehicle will stop at:

Allostock - Princess Road - 10.30am to 11.10am

Lach Dennis - Cheshire Grill Steakhouse Pub - 11.20am to 11.50am

Rudheath - Spar Shops - 12pm to 12.25pm

Davenham - Fountain Court - 2.05pm to 2.30pm

Davenham - Firth Fields - 2.35pm to 2.50pm

Kingsmead - Dukes Way - 3pm to 4pm

On Fridays in those weeks:

Castle - Ryders Street - 10am to 10.30am

Hartford - Riddings Lane - 11am to 11.30am

Greenbank - Community Hub - 11.45am to 12.15pm

Eaton - Drays Coffee Shop - 2pm to 4pm

Week two of the route takes place in the weeks beginning July 31, August 21, September 11, October 2, October 23, November 13, December 4.

On Mondays in those weeks:

Manley - Post Office - 10.10am to 10.40am

Ashton - Peel Hall Lane - 10.50am to 11.10am

Little Budworth - Booth Avenue - 11.35am to 12.05pm

Winsford - Hazelmere - 12.25pm to 12.55pm

Moulton - Monument - 2.15pm to 2.55pm

Moulton - Fairholme Road - 3.05pm to 4pm

On Tuesdays in those weeks:

Antrobus - Village Hall - 10.10am to 10.35am

Comberbach - Village Hall - 10.55am to 11.25am

Great Budworth - Parish Church - 11.35am to 12.35pm

Wincham - Green Lane - 2pm to 2.45pm

Wincham - Ashwood Park - 2.55pm to 3.10pm

Lower Peover - General Stores - 3.25pm to 4.05pm

Week three of the route takes place in the weeks beginning August 7, August 28, September 18, October 9, October 30, November 20 and December 11.

On Thursdays in those weeks:

Lower Whitley - Village Hall - 10.10am to 10.40am

Acton Bridge - Community Centre - 10.55am to 11.15am

Norley - Norley Village Hall - 11.40am to 12.10pm

Kingsley - Community Centre - 12.25pm to 12.50pm

Elton - Community Centre - 2.30pm to 4.30pm

On Fridays in those weeks:

Delamere Park Way - Community Centre - 10.10am to 10.25am

Delamere - Eddisbury Hill - 10.40am to 11.10am

Utkinton - Farm Shop - 11.30am to 12.10pm

Willington - Layby - 12.20pm to 12.50pm

Kelsall - Hallows Gate - 2pm to 2.35pm

Kelsall - Community Centre - 2.40pm to 4.15pm

The new vehicle offers a wide range of stock including adult and children’s’ books as well as audiobooks.

It also provides access to the Library Management System, enabling customers to borrow books from across the library service and to make reservations, as well as update their library accounts.

Mobile Library staff can also provide online council information and a council enquiry service. Library members have free access to a wide range of online resources, including eBooks, via the libraries’ webpage.