Warwickshire County Council is at loggerheads with a long-standing supplier amid claims that a mobile library vehicle is "a bit of a dud".

Portfolio holder for customer and localities Cllr Mike Bannister last week told councillors that the county would be asking Telford-based Torton Bodies Limited to provide a replacement for an electric vehicle that has been dogged by problems.

Services have generally been maintained through the council's back-up diesel option but Cllr Bannister said he had instructed Shire Hall staff to pursue a permanent remedy from Torton, whose website describes the firm as "the UK's leading suppliers of bespoke mobile exhibition display vehicles", including mobile clinics, operating theatres and libraries.

The matter came up when Cllr Jennifer McAllister's requested an explanation of recent mobile library route cancellations.

Cllr Bannister detailed how two electric vehicles, purchased from Torton in 2024, operated various routes on four days per week with a third diesel vehicle kept in reserve in case of problems.

"One of the electrics has turned out to be a bit of a dud, quite frankly," he said.

"We haven't lost a great deal in terms of fulfilling the routes, in six months we have only missed nine days.

"One of those was (down to) weather, one was (because) a member of staff didn't turn up and the others were related to the electric part of our fleet.

advertisement

"We bought them from a company called Torton Bodies Limited. They do the body, the chassis and the cabs go to Iveco.

"The vehicles are under warranty, they were bought in 2024 and all of the costs of the repairs while off the road have been met under that warranty.

"The first thing I looked at, what is wrong with this electric vehicle? Well, it has got a silly battery and is going to run out in seven years' time and leave everybody in a mess, but right now, it is failing us very badly.

"I want the suppliers to be spoken to, maybe we should ask for a replacement vehicle, this is critical to us.

"We are asking whether the suppliers will replace that vehicle. It is clearly not up to standard. That is absolutely unacceptable but the staff have pulled together to make sure there is minimal disruption, we bring the diesel one in when that is off the road.

"Nine days in six months, as I explained, are all acceptable reasons, but this vehicle has to be dealt with."

In a statement, Torton's managing director James Andrews highlighted that the firm had been a supplier to Warwickshire County Council for more than 15 years and that the ongoing problems "are solely attributed" to the Iveco vehicle that Torton's custom-built body was put on.

"These issues have however been resolved under Iveco and their associated partners warranties," he wrote.

advertisement

"We are working closely with the council and our Iveco dealer to help them ensure the vehicle remains on the road and that any problems are dealt with in a timely manner."

In the meeting, Cllr McAllister also asked for assurance that the council remained committed to "protecting and sustaining" the mobile library service. 

"Absolutely," replied Cllr Bannister.

"Our rural communities find it difficult to get to libraries because of transport problems, we want to make sure there is a provision there for them.

"I certainly take that on board and I am sure we are committed to do that anyway."