PLANS to encourage council workers in Pendle to walk to work or use car sharing will be discussed next week.

The proposals form part of a Staff Travel Plan drawn up by Pendle Council officers in a bid to promote alternative methods of transport for council staff.

Drafted by a specially created council travel plan working group, the plan is designed to reduce traffic congestion, protect the environment and promote healthier lifestyles.

The group's recommendations are due to be considered at a meeting of the council's environment, leisure and rural affairs review committee at Nelson Town Hall on Monday.

Among the proposals are plans to encourage staff living within five miles of work to cycle or walk to work.

Other schemes up for discussion include developing a car share database enabling employees to get in touch with each other and publicising safe walking routes and the availability of personal alarms for council staff.

Under new Department of Transport guidelines, local authorities are expected to set an example for other organisations by setting local targets for adopting their own travel plans.