Walk this way and help boost trade in Scunthorpe town centre

Shops in Scunthorpe are set to benefit from a scheme to get more people coming into town on foot.

The scheme, called In Town Without my Car, is being run to persuade people to use public transport, cycle or walk to get into Scunthorpe.

And businesses have welcomed the event, which takes place on Saturday, September 22, as they feel it will help trade flourish.

Mark Wood, deputy manager of Westgate Department Store opposite The Foundry, said: "This sounds like a very good idea to me, because it helps highlight the number of ways that people can get into Scunthorpe town centre.

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"If people come in on foot, they are sure to spend more time looking at the shops because they don't have to worry about getting back to their car.

"It is also good because there is a green element to the scheme and it also helps people get fit and healthy. Hopefully it will help get the town centre a bit busier."

Dean Buckley, technical manager at Click-PC on Market Hill, said: "This sounds good to me because it will mean less people having to rush around doing their shopping.

"People are always worrying about how long they have left in a car park, so this will help them spend more time browsing the High Street.

"At the moment there seems to be all sorts of problems with parking in the town centre. This is a good alternative being highlighted to get business back into the town centre, without bringing in more cars."

The event will run from 10am to 4pm, with journey planners providing maps and details of a new walking route around Scunthorpe, while other guidance will also be available.

Rusty's Cycles, on Ashby High Street, is one of the businesses supporting the event. Staff from the cycle shop will showcase their bikes and goods to promote an alternative type of transport to cars.

Sandra Sherwood, owner of Rusty's Cycles, said: "This event will help tackle health issues as well as green issues.

"It is all about promoting alternative types of transport such as walking and cycling.

"Riding a bike is a much healthier way of travelling and a chance to enjoy fresh air and burn some calories.

"We are looking forward to being part of the event and love getting involved in this sort of thing."

Councillor Nigel Sherwood, cabinet member for highways and neighbourhoods at North Lincolnshire Council, said: "Finding an alternative to travelling by car is a great way to cut your fuel bills, easing congestion and helping the environment."