The business behind the multi-million-pound GFirst LEP-backed redevelopment of Stroud's Merrywalks Shopping has revealed its latest improvement.

Brand new rapid electric charging points have been installed at its Merrywalks car park as part of the major programme of improvements at the centre.

The four new Instavolt charging points can be found near the main entrance by Halfords.

The initiative has been introduced by Dransfield Properties, which owns and manages the centre and is part way through a major phased programme of improvements.

The first phase of the changes at Merrywalks - which is being re-branded as Five Valleys - has been working to create a better environment for shoppers and visitors using the multi storey car park.

This includes new lighting, flooring, barriers and a fresh new colour scheme. And Dransfield is now working with InstaVolt on the installation of the new electric charging points for shoppers.

Dionne Moore, centre manager at Merrywalks, said: "We know that this is something that many of our customers will welcome and we are delighted to be able to offer this new rapid charging service to our shoppers and visitors.

"Minimising our impact on the environment is hugely important and helping to encourage the use of electric vehicles is a really big part of that."

Neil Hopwood, projects manager for GFIRST LEP, said: "The installation of these four charging points is a big step forward in that respect and will provide an important new facility in Stroud to support the transition towards electric vehicles."

Tim Payne, CEO of Instavolt, said: "We're installing rapid chargers all over the UK. As more and more people drive electric vehicles, having a network of places where they can charge up en route, such as shopping centres, will be incredibly important."

The InstaVolt service is available to use on a pay as you go basis, with no subscription or membership required.

Drivers simply tap their contactless credit or debit card, charge up and go.

GFirst LEP is providing a £1 million loan and a £3 million grant to bring forward the redevelopment of the centre.