 Hebden Bridge shops intend to go plastic bag free from September |
Traders in Hebden Bridge have pledged to make the town plastic bag free following a campaign by a group of women dubbed the "bag ladies". Two-thirds of the town's 109 traders have backed the initiative, which will mean free plastic bags will no longer be available in shops from 1 September.
Customers will be encouraged to take their own bags when they go shopping.
The campaign was started by resident Mandi Paramor, 46, who was inspired to follow the example of Modbury in Devon.
The southern town, which has 43 traders, banned the bags in May.
Mrs Paramor, who has campaigned alongside four fellow "bag ladies" said she had been horrified to discover the extent of pollution caused by plastic bags, which do not easily biodegrade.
She said: "I didn't want to think anything I threw away could get into the water system and end up in the sea, which is becoming a huge rubbish bin of the world.
"We have got a very aware community in Hebden Bridge so we are pushing at an open door."
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