Staff at Sanders Garden World in Brent Knoll are celebrating this week after hearing the garden centre has been recognised for its sustainable travel initiatives.
Mark Horler, Deputy Manager, and Tracey Williams, Customer Service Supervisor, accepted a Smarter Travel Management Award from Reggie Tricker, Countywide Travel Planning Co-ordinator for Somerset County Council.
Mark said: “We are delighted to have been acknowledged for our green travel credentials.”
“We strive to make the garden centre as environmentally-friendly as possible while still making it accessible to everyone, which is why we have implemented a number of public services to help people get to the garden centre.”
“We offer a free bus service from Cheddar via Weston-super-Mare every Thursday and there is also a bus that runs from Weston-super-Mare twice every Tuesday for paying customers.”
“As well as offering these services, staff at the garden centre are encouraged to cycle to work. We provide a secure covered area for their bikes. We also operate a car share scheme. General Manager of the garden centre, Peter Burks and I car share.”
Sanders Garden World was also praised for making a substantial reduction in its delivery miles. The garden centre recorded a reduction of 10.5% between April 2008 and April 2009, while simultaneously increasing the delivery service it offers to customers.
