SALISBURY’S busy railway station is set to get a new electric bike station, which will provide rentable bikes for locals and visitors to use around the city.

The installation of the Co-Bikes station comes off the back of investment by South Western Railway after it secured £1 million in grants from government, local authorities and third-party funding sources.

It will mean people can pay to take an electric-powered bike with them to provide a zero-carbon alternative to using a taxi or bus.

They can be rented from the station using the nextbike app and will cost £1 per 20 minutes.

Ten will be available at the station when the hub is installed next year.

The city council has also confirmed that additional points will be placed around the city.

Salisbury mayor John Walsh said: “Having for years struggled up Milford Hill on my bike, on my way to work, I found the new electric bike made a tremendous difference particularly up hills.

“I have often heard residents say they would cycle, if it were not for all the hills round Salisbury.

“The electric bike has now flattened those hills, so come and join the electric bike revolution.”

As well as the new electric hub, the funding – which was match-funded by Wiltshire Council – will also see an expanded cycle hub for standard bikes installed a the station.

Leader of the city council Jeremy Nettle said: “The Co-Bikes can be used for as little as a pound and are capable of over 50 miles to the charge - very suitable for our hills in Salisbury.

“We shall be looking for additional docking stations around the city and also the other side of the ring road for use of commuters and visitors. This strategy fits with our climate declaration and encourages a modal shift from car to bike within the city."

Councillor Pauline Church, Wilton ward member, added: “This is a wonderful opportunity for Salisbury residents and visitors to get on their bikes and benefit from zero-carbon travel.

“Wiltshire Council is funding this project alongside Swindon and Wiltshire LEP and we’re delighted to support this important initiative to improve the air quality in our city.”

Andrew Ardley, regional development manager for South Western Railway, said he was “very pleased” to secure this investment and use it on a project such as this.

Mark Hodgson, managing director of Co Bikes, added: “Shared bike schemes are rapidly becoming an increasing feature of our urban landscape.

“They are at their most effective when they connect with other sustainable modes of transport alongside tourism, employment and residential destinations.

“I look forward to this being the first step in Co Bikes being able to provide this service in Salisbury.”