CHARGING points for electric cars are being rolled out for free by a company based in Poole.

Among the early adopters of the company were an MP’s household and a nearby bed and breakfast business.

Meridian Environmental, in Hamworthy, is the only accredited installer in Dorset of Podpoint Home Charge Electric Points.

The company offered the technology to Mid-Dorset and North Poole MP Annette Brooke and her husband Mike, who leads the Liberal Democrat opposition on Poole council.

Mrs Brooke currently drives a Nissan Micra but is likely to switch to an electric vehicle next time she changes her car.

“I thought it was a wonderful opportunity. They need to spread the word that you can have these put in for free,” she said.

“I think it’s an excellent initiative. I primarily drive quite a small area in my small car.”

Mike Brooke said charging a vehicle overnight would cost around £2 and last for 60-80 miles.

“I think it’s very much part of reducing the carbon footprint,” he said.

“We’ve been running a small car for all the local journeys wherever we can. This potentially takes it a step further.”

He said the charging point was unobtrusive and smaller than a hose reel.

Jill Webber, who runs the nearby Pine Ridge bed and breakfast in Lower Golf Links Road, has also taken up the offer of a free charging point. She has put details on her website and Facebook page.

“I’m hoping somebody out there has got an electric car and they want to come to Poole,” he said.“It doesn’t detract from the visual appearance of the house but it’s close to a car park point. It will be the electric car park space.”

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg recently announced that the government was investing invest more than £9m in boosting the number of electric charging points.

Meridian Environmental is working with the Office of Low Emission Vehicles to install the free points to any domestic property with a driveway or garage.

The value of the point is up to £1,000 and charging points are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Thirteen rapid chargers have been installed across Dorset so far this year.