THREE new electric buses will be introduced to Salisbury as part of a £500,000 government low emission scheme.

Wiltshire Council, along with Go South Coast, has been awarded £500,000 under the government's Low Emission Bus Scheme to create cleaner and greener journeys.

The money will be spent on three electric buses to be used for park and ride services around Salisbury.

It comes as part of a government commitment to spend £11 million on green buses to clean up air in towns and cities, part of a £600 million package of measures from the Office for Low Emission Vehicles by 2020.

Transport Minister Paul Maynard said:“Go South Coast and Wiltshire County Council’s plans will make a real difference in cleaning up emissions from buses in the local area.

“New greener buses will be more comfortable for passengers, they are cost efficient and are good for the environment."

Other successful bidders for funding included South Gloucestershire Council, Surrey County Council, and The Big Lemon, in Brighton.

Jeremy Nettle, chairman of Salisbury City Council's Planning and Transport Committee said he was "delighted" by the news.

He said: "This I hope will be the beginning of seeing more electric buses and other vehicles in our city which will help in reducing pollution and noise.

"A number of other cities are gradually replacing their buses to either a hybrid or to all electric to make their city greener and I would welcome this for Salisbury.

"I look forward to seeing the new fleet in operation soon."