As London organises its biggest ever car-free day on Sunday September 22 in support of the environment, Hastings is doing its bit with its own car-free event along the seafront.
Transition Town Hastings (TTH) has organised the town’s first ever car-free day event as part of a global sustainability week. It’s called “Sustainability on Sea” and will run from September 21 to 29.
The car-free stretch on Sunday September 22 will run from Warrior Square to the White Rock Theatre (Eversfield Place) by the pier and it is an opportunity for everyone to come together and celebrate this day as well as look at sustainable forms of transport.
A range of family-friendly activities during the day includes Source Park BMX bikes, skateboard trials and obstacles, bike rides and races with Bike Lab, bike maintenance, outdoor living rooms, greenery and seating in parking spaces, al fresco dining, picnicking, a mini eco-house explaining how to save energy in the home, and much more.
Car-free days have been around for many years (in Hythe in Kent for instance) where drivers are encouraged to leave cars at home as they are a major source of pollution in urban areas and significantly contribute to global warming, a fact acknowledged by international environmental organisations.
The Sunday closure of the road between Warrior Square and the Pier will be between 10am and 8pm and it is open to pedestrians between 12 noon and 6pm.
Traffic will be diverted which some cynics may criticise for creating difficulties in other areas of the town but awareness of the possibilities and helping the climate crisis has to start somewhere.
A Big Green Fair will be taking place at The Stade in Hastings On Sunday September 29 with a programme of talks at the Shipwreck Museum. The marketplace highlights will include a wide range of sustainable good, products, demos and activities.
Other activities include a Beach Clean at Winchelsea Beach on Friday, September 20 between 4pm and 6pm by Dog’s Hill Road and another at Pett Level Beach between 10am and 12 noon on Sunday September 22.
For any further information go to the TTH website or email info@sustainabilityonsea.org.uk.
Image Credits: Transition Town Hastings .