'˜Plastic free' council by the end of the year

The council will phase out the use of single-use plastic (SUP) and will encourage its councillors, staff, facility users and other organisations to do the same.

The authority will champion the use of alternatives to SUP, such as reusable water bottles, and put an end to the use of plastic products such as cups, cutlery, food containers and drinking straws.

Cllr Isabelle Linington, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment at the council, said: “I don’t think anyone contests the view that plastic is causing great environmental harm and must be reduced. If this is to happen, government at all levels must take a lead, both in words and actions. I’m proud of the fact that we live in a district where residents are environmentally aware and motivated to make positive changes, and I’ve no doubt that ending society’s reliance on plastic will focus minds on doing just that.”