POSITIVE enthusiasm was the message from the hundreds of people who visited the market stall on Wednesday, September 24 for the district’s first Car Free day and who had taken part by either walking, cycling or coming into town by bus.

Many proudly produced their free bus ticket that they had applied for from Trans-Dev, many had also travelled from Harrogate by train.

Everyone taking part enjoyed a free bar of Co-op Fairtrade chocolate and a free ticket for the chance to win the magnificent Co-op Fair Trade hamper; the lucky winner being ticket number 302 bought by Mrs Leva from Knaresborough.

Thank you to So Bar and Drakes Fish and Chip shop who sponsored the market stall, and to Piranha Print for donating the bright Car Free Tshirts. There was also a car free day balloon for all the children.

Feedback in general was very positive with people explaining why they had had to use their car, but having taken the message on board about the important global, environmental and health issues. They agreed they would look at their car journeys with a more critical attitude, which, as the organising team re-iterated ‘is what our message is all about.’

There has been a wonderful response from all the primary schools who have really taken the message on board.

Staff car parks were almost empty with teachers taking to buses, cycling and walking, and pupils happily walking to and from school making a special effort.

King James’s School pupils, under the direction of geography master Rob Cloughton, had made a brilliant effort.

The overriding message seemed to be ‘we will do it more often’, and that was wonderful news to the organisers who also welcomed a visit by MP Phil Willis, who travelled by bus to visit the Car Free stall.

Thank you Knaresborough for your support, we look forward to a bigger, better District Car Free Day next year.