(l-r) SBC Cllrs Sharon Taylor, John Gardiner, Herts Chamber of Commerce's Yolanda Rugg, Martin Wigley, John Peers, Robin Pointon

A scheme to cut travel costs for employees at 300 Stevenage businesses has been launched.

The Gunnels Wood Sustainable Travel programme aims to give staff in the main industrial area of the town a better deal by creating a community of employers to collaborate on green travel initiatives. These include bus and rail discounts, promotion of cycling and walking and car sharing.

GlaxoSmithKline and MBDA are two of the first companies to sign up to the scheme which is supported by Herts Chamber of Commerce, the Highways Agency, Go Travel Solutions and Stevenage Borough Council.

Robin Pointon of Go Travel Solutions said: “Through this collaboration between businesses and local networks employers will be able to reduce travel costs, improve corporate reputation and assist with staff employment. Furthermore employees benefit from cheaper commuting options and more active lifestyles.”

For more on the scheme, which is free to join until the end of February, go to www.gunnelswood-sustainable-travel.co.uk