How Wrexham residents could win a £900 European city break

You could win a city break for leaving the car at home <i>(Image: Mark Radford/Sustrans)</i>
You could win a city break for leaving the car at home (Image: Mark Radford/Sustrans)
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Wrexham residents are being encouraged to leave their cars at home and could win a European city break for doing so.

A new rewards scheme, BetterPoints Wrexham, is offering prizes and incentives for making greener journeys.

The initiative, which launched in September, will reward people who swap car journeys for healthier, more sustainable travel.

James Baker, programme manager, said: "The BetterPoints Wrexham scheme is very much a carrot, not a stick.

"From research, we know people who walk, cycle or take public transport for regular trips are happier and healthier.

"But what we also know is that those people pass and visit local shops, cafes and other businesses to spend their money locally.

"BetterPoints Wrexham will reward people for making healthier journeys and those rewards can be spent at local businesses or donated to fantastic local causes like Nightingale House Hospice and the North Wales Wildlife Trust."

The scheme builds on a pilot that began in March for workers at Wrexham Industrial Estate, funded by Transport for Wales.

Richard Jones, an employee at Ipsen who won a Tweeks Cycles voucher for cycling to the Industrial Estate, said: "It keeps me fit, it’s cheaper than driving, and honestly, I just enjoy it more than being stuck in the car."

Mr Jones used his voucher to stock up on parts for his own bike – and to help friends and colleagues.

He said: "I do small maintenance jobs for other people in my spare time.

"I just help out so their bikes are safe and they can keep cycling.

"If it helps more people stay on their bikes, that’s a win for everyone."

BetterPoints Wrexham is open to anyone who lives, works, or studies in the Wrexham County area.

Participants can download the free BetterPoints app and use it to record journeys made on foot, by bike, in a wheelchair, or by bus or train.

Each green journey earns BetterPoints, which can be spent at participating local businesses, on supermarket and High Street vouchers, or donated to local charities.

Even those who regularly drive are encouraged to use the app to identify and switch shorter trips to more sustainable options.

BetterPoints is also looking to partner with organisations, traders, and charities to add local rewards and good causes to the app.

The scheme’s official launch will coincide with Mode Shift Month in September.

During the week of September 16 to 22, anyone who makes three car-free journeys will be entered into a draw for a £900 European city break.

For more information or to download the app, visit the BetterPoints website.

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