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CREDITON is well on the way to ridding itself of plastic carrier bags according to the town's climate action group.

Numerous traders have joined the campaign to banish the bag, they say, and a special environmentally-friendly Crediton Bag will be launched in the autumn.

The campaign to rid the town of plastic bags is being spearheaded by environmental group Crediton Climate Action and backed by the Chamber of Commerce and Town Centre Manager Barney Butterfield.

CCA spokesperson Paula Mossman said: "Crediton Chamber of Commerce has just agreed to endorse a campaign to go 'single use carrier bag free' by the autumn.

"The Crediton Bag will be made from environmentally-friendly jute and is likely to feature the Town Seal. The first issue may well become collectable items.

Mrs Mossman said a snap survey of plastic bag use in Crediton was carried out in the High Street.

"It revealed about 40 per cent of shoppers carrying reusable bags. This is very encouraging, but it would be great to make it 100 per cent.

She said numerous retail businesses have now joined the campaign, and the larger stores and supermarkets are also to be canvassed.

Mrs Mossman said it was vital to get rid of plastic bags as it is now clear what widespread damage they are doing to the environment and to marine life.

"In recent weeks British coastal waters have been cited as the most plastic-polluted in Europe," she said.

" Plastic pollution of our beaches has increased 300 per cent in five years. Dead British seabirds are now routinely found to have plastic in their stomachs."

"Crediton people can help tackle the problem by taking reusable bags with them whenever they shop."

To find out more about Crediton Climate Action and the plastic bag campaign, visit http://groups.google.co.uk/group/crediton-climate-action or call Paula Mossman on 01363 866106 or 07050 354989.

6:47am Thursday 8th May 2008

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