Spend a Day in Wells Without Your Car

Issued on behalf of the North Norfolk Transport Group and Cycle Forum

Part of Wells-next-the-Sea will turn into a little oasis of pedestrians and cyclists for a few hours next week, when the town celebrates its second annual carefree car free day.

As part of an international day which aims to promote and raise awareness of 'viable alternatives to the car', a road on one side of The Buttlands in Wells will close to motor traffic from 11am to 5pm on Sunday 22 September.

Cars and other vehicles will be banned for the day - aptly named 'The Wells-next-the-Sea In Town Without my Car Day' - and their place will be taken by pedestrians and cyclists enjoying an open-to-all street party, with entertainment, music, dancing, workshops and food stalls. Because of the 'cycle' theme, there will also be escorted and safe cycle rides around the town, a bike doctor, a stunt cyclists display, and a 'best decorated bike' competition.

Wells-next-the-Sea is the only town in Norfolk to participate this year in what has become an annual event with hundreds of cities and communities right across Europe taking part by closing roads and town centres to motor traffic. The idea behind the day is to give urban areas a short break from the noise, fumes and danger of cars and to use the opportunity to promote more environment-friendly forms of transport, such as trains, buses and bicycles.

The Wells event is being organised by members of the North Norfolk Transport Group and Cycle Forum and Wells Town Council, with the help and support of North Norfolk District Council, Norfolk County Council and many local residents.

"Our first car free day in 2001 proved an enjoyable day," said Alicia Hull of the Transport Group and Cycle Forum, "but we hope even more people will join in the fun on Sunday next. Lots of activities have been organised, and it really will be a pleasure to move around without the smell, noise and danger of cars and motorbikes all around.

"We are, of course, fully aware of how much people in Norfolk have to rely upon their cars, and many will have to drive if they want to come on Sunday. However, for some travellers - even those who will be coming from far afield - there are alternative means of transport, including public transport, that they could consider using."

Buses and trains to and from Wells on Sunday 22 September

• From Norwich: the 9.15am and 10.35am trains to Sheringham link with Coasthopper buses at 10.50am and 11.50am, arriving at Wells at 11.35am and 12.35pm. A return bus at 4.55pm links with the 5.56pm train to Norwich.
• From King's Lynn: the 9.25am Coasthopper bus calls at other villages along the coast, arriving at Wells at 10.55am. It returns to King's Lynn at 4.35pm.
• From Fakenham: there are several buses, including the 10.37am and 11.35am. Return buses leave at 3.45pm, 5pm and 6.10pm.
• From Walsingham: there are free return tickets for the first 25 passengers on the Wells and Walsingham Light Railway's 11.15am train from Walsingham. A train also departs at 12.45pm. Return trains from Wells depart at 2pm and 3.30pm.
• For more information about 'The Wells-next-the-Sea In Town Without my Car Day', please contact Alicia Hull on (01263) 860518.