A call for a green commuter policy for staff and councillors of Maldon District Council has been rejected.

Under the scheme a survey would have been carried out into the journeys made by council staff to discover if they could be made by public transport.

But finance and general purposes committee chairman John Archer said the rural make-up of the Maldon area made the plan "totally impossible."

The project could have also led to a deal with bus and train firms, obtaining cheaper public transport for staff and looking at buying pool cars for work use.

The motion had been referred from the full council to the finance and general purposes committee to discuss on Monday night.

John Archer said: Much of what is being said I would agree with but there is a long time between journeys on public transport. In urban areas I would be all for it."

Una Norman (Lab, Burnham) said a better bus service was soon due to start in the Dengie area and the council should be encouraging its staff to use the buses to make them viable.

Ron Laurie (Ind, Tollesbury) said he had to travel to meetings from Tollesbury by car. "In principle I support the idea but it would be impossible for council members."

But Alison Lamb (Lab, Maldon North West), who originally proposed the scheme, said it was important for the council to set a good example and not encourage more cars to come into the town than was necessary.

Council treasurer Mike Ecart told the meeting that cycle racks had been installed for staff and they were encouraged to use public transport to get to courses. The use of cars with smaller engines was also encouraged.

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