Published on: Friday, 21 May 2021
Last updated: Friday, 21 May 2021
An exciting new Essex Coast Explorer activity booklet has just been launched encouraging visitors to travel more sustainably to the Essex Coast by using the train rather than the car.
The booklet is packed with creative activities for children to become involved with on their visit to the seaside.
Ideas range from fossil hunting to sculpting a piece of land art from shells and forage finds. The booklet also encourages people to remember the Essex Plastic Pledge and take their litter home with them.
Essex County Council has worked with the Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership (CRP) on the coastal project, which promotes sustainable travel to the area. Twenty five new posters are on display at rail stations in Essex which map the most direct walking route to the coast from their station.
The booklet is available at rail stations and on The Essex and South Suffolk CRP website at Coastal leaflets | Essex & South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership
Jayne Sumner, Essex and South Suffolk Community Rail Partnership Officer, said, "We’re delighted to be involved in this big project to introduce new visitors to the area by train.
"In choosing a green form of transport, they will be helping to protect the local environment by reducing the congestion and pollution from road traffic in the county’s towns and villages."
Martin Moran, Greater Anglia’s Commercial, Customer Service and Train Presentation Director, said, "It’s so easy to get to the Essex Coast on a Greater Anglia train and have a day out that, literally, doesn’t cost the earth.
"Grab a bargain Advance fare and enjoy the area’s beautiful scenery and attractions without the stress and pollution caused by sitting in traffic."
Cllr. Graham Butland, Cabinet Member for Devolution, The Arts, Heritage and Culture, Essex County Council, said, "There are many stories to discover along the Essex Coast and this booklet will help visitors get the most from the area with activities that appeal to different interests and ages. Why not make getting there part of the adventure? "
Greater Anglia continues to ensure that rail travel is safe for staff and passengers with an enhanced cleaning and sanitisation regime, on stations and trains, concentrating on high-touch areas such as push buttons, grab rails and door handles.
The train operator has also introduced a wide range of measures to make it easier for customers to maintain social distancing at stations - including floor markings, one-way systems, new signs and queuing systems.
It is mandatory for customers to wear a face covering when using public transport unless you are exempt, to help reduce the spread of Covid-19.