A SOUTHEND Council worker has backed its Ideas in Motion scheme, which helps people to ditch their cars and travel to work on foot, bike or public transport.

Heather Ffrench volunteered for the scheme and spent a week travelling to work at the council offices, in Victoria Avenue, by train rather than car.

The campaign aims to get people out of their daily rush hour routine to save money, get fit, make their journey faster or less stressful – or even all four.

Ms Ffrench used to enjoy her daily commute from Basildon by train, but fell out of the habit when she bought a car about five years ago, and said her week back on the rails was a pleasant change.

She said: “For a while I’ve wanted to try something different.

“I enjoyed the fact train travel seems to give you extra time you don’t get in your car. Overall I’d give my experience on the tracks an eight-and-a-half out of ten.”

www.ideasinmotionsouthend.co.uk/whats-new/my-week-on-the-rails/