We are behind an attempt, launched this April to make Stroud a plastic bag free town. Working with Town Centre Manager Vicky Hancock, councillors Sheila Lisster and John Marjoram launched the campaign with an event on the Subscription Rooms forecourt. Many town centre traders have signed the Stroud Charter pledging to reduce their use of plastic bags. It is seen as both a way to reduce costs during the recession and to cut unnecessary pollution and litter.

At our meeting on Monday November 9th we agreed to continue the campaign. In addition to the Day of Action, we will run a High Street survey to see how many people have re-usable bags and also visit traders to encourage more to take part. Our campaign banner will also be hung from a prominent place in the town.

Cllr Marjoram noted that many traders no longer offered a bag automatically to customers and that behaviour patterns had changed for many people. The Town Council is still supplying reusable, hessian, Shop Local carrier bags. They are available from our office in London Road for just £1, as well as from Tony’s Butchers, Brilliant Disguise, and Made in Stroud.

Article placed online: 11th November 2009

Photo by Andy Read

Also online: Launch of Plastic Bag Free Town bid.