We all care about our health and making little changes every day can help keep us healthy whilst also creating safer, cleaner communities in which to live and work.

Leaving the car at home at least one day a week and opting to walk, cycle, take public transport, or car-share, can make a difference to our health and also the congestion in Skipton town.

Being active brings you the great benefits of building up your stamina, reducing stress, and improving your self-esteem. A brisk ten-minute walk each day counts towards your recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise.

North Yorkshire County Council has launched Open Skipton, a project looking to help residents and commuters of Skipton make more informed choices for the journeys they make, saving you time and money - and improving your health.

The project is working with secondary schools, colleges, businesses, and residents, to encourage a shift away from single-occupancy car use. As part of the project, participants can receive a free personalised journey plan, free cycle training, public transport taster tickets, and participation in a number of travel challenges and initiatives to encourage active modes of travel.

Schools will receive a travel plan through Modeshift STARS, the national award and recognition scheme for those promoting active travel on the school run. Businesses will also take part in a staff survey and receive an action plan outlining the current behaviours of staff and key initiatives that can encourage staff to travel sustainably. This will not only create a healthy workforce that’s more energised, but also bring savings for the business.

Through door-to-door engagement – including where there are new developments - we will support residents in the journeys they need to make by providing information, maps, and a bespoke, sustainable travel information pack, so that each resident can make informed travel choices.

For more information, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn by searching @OpenSkipton or email opennorthyorkshire@northyorks.gov.uk.

www.northyorks.gov.uk/open-skiptonCraven Herald: